ASSEMBLY MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 2355

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MAY 7, 2026

      The Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 2355.

      This bill requires the issuance of one free copy of a birth certificate to a military veteran.  Under the bill, a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States will be eligible to receive one certified copy of his or her birth certificate upon request.  Additional copies of the birth certificate are to be subject to the regular statutory fee.

      As used in the bill, “veteran” means any individual who has been discharged or released from service in any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, or any discharged member of the American Merchant Marine who served during World War II and is declared by the United States Department of Defense to be eligible for federal veterans’ benefits.  “Veteran” is not to include an individual discharged or released under dishonorable circumstances.

      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.