ASSEMBLY MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1918

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  OCTOBER 22, 2026

      The Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 1918.

      As amended by the committee, this bill waives certain commercial driver license fees for a veteran and the veteran’s spouse.  Specifically, under the provisions of this bill, a veteran or the veteran’s spouse would not be charged a fee for transferring a commercial driver license from the state in which the veteran or the veteran’s spouse previously resided.

      As amended, the bill requires satisfactory proof of honorable discharge.  Presentation of a DD-214, DD-215, or DD-256 form as issued by the federal government, an NGB-22, or other approved separation form as outlined by all branches of the Armed Forces reflecting an honorable discharge will be satisfactory proof of honorable discharge status. 

      The bill defines “veteran” as a person who received an honorable discharge from a branch of the active or reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard of any state and defines “veteran’s spouse” as the spouse, civil union partner, or domestic partner of a veteran.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to clarify that the commercial driver’s license to be transferred must be a valid license, the fees for fingerprinting and background checks are not waived, “veteran’s spouse” includes a civil union partner or domestic partner, and proof of honorable discharge is required.  The amendments provide that presentation of a DD-214, DD-215, or DD-256 form as issued by the federal government, an NGB-22, or other approved separation form as outlined by all branches of the Armed Forces reflecting an honorable discharge will be satisfactory proof of honorable discharge status.