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Assembly committee advances study commission to review statutory definitions of "veteran" amid objections
Summary
The Assembly committee voted to release A285, a bill creating a permanent commission to study New Jersey statutory definitions of “veteran,” “disabled veteran” and “service‑disabled veteran.” Supporters urged clarity across laws; opponents warned the state should not redefine federally established terms.
The Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs voted to release A285, which would establish a permanent commission to review and recommend changes to New Jersey statutes that define "veteran," "disabled veteran" and "service‑disabled veteran." Chairwoman Tucker said the bill will move forward so the sponsor can work with stakeholders on amendments.
Supporters, including Ken Hageman of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, said state law has developed inconsistent definitions across numerous statutes and administrative policies. Hageman told the committee the commission could "get everything all under one roof" and harmonize eligibility rules so veterans and agencies face less confusion.
Opponents made a different argument. An opposing witness told the committee that the federal government — through statute and longstanding practice — defines who is a veteran and cautioned that changing the term at the state level would erode the title's meaning. "A word should mean what it means," the witness said, arguing the state can extend benefits to additional groups but should do so by creating separate eligibility language rather than re‑labeling who is a veteran.
Legislators probed the need for a permanent commission and whether a time‑limited study or a narrower statutory fix would be preferable. Some members said the legislature has authority to define terms for state benefits but suggested the sponsor consider whether a sunset provision or more explicit inclusion of veterans' organizations on the commission would address concerns.
Chairwoman Tucker announced the committee would release the bill so the sponsor can draft amendments addressing membership and scope. The committee recorded a roll call and released A285 for further consideration; no final changes to statutes have been made yet.
What happens next: The sponsor is expected to submit amendments—and the commission’s structure, membership and any sunset provisions may change before a final floor vote.
