New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill SCR23

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Urges US Congress to pass legislation to reinstate service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccine.

Impact

If passed by Congress, H.R.7570 would allow former service members to request reinstatement to their previous rank and grade, and could change their discharge status to honorable. This change acknowledges the sacrifices military personnel have made and preserves their rights related to military service. By restoring the honorable status of these discharges, the bill aims to rectify perceived injustices resulting from the vaccine mandate and maintain the integrity of military service records.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 23 (SCR23) urges the United States Congress to pass legislation (H.R.7570) that would reinstate service members who were discharged from the military for refusing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The resolution highlights that in 2021, the Biden administration mandated COVID-19 vaccinations for military personnel, which led to disciplinary actions and discharges of certain individuals who declined the vaccine. These discharges were often classified as general discharges under honorable conditions, which may negatively impact the veteran's future employment and benefits eligibility, thus diminishing their contributions to national defense.

Contention

The key points of contention regarding SCR23 revolve around the implications of mandatory vaccinations within the military and the handling of service members who refused to comply. While supporters argue that restoring these individuals' honorable discharges reflects respect for personal choice and recognizes their contributions, opponents may question the precedent it sets in terms of military discipline and health policy compliance. The broader context also involves discussions about the government's authority to mandate vaccinations for public health safety versus individual rights within military service.

Companion Bills

NJ ACR45

Same As Urges US Congress to pass legislation to reinstate service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccine.

NJ SCR113

Carry Over Urges US Congress to pass legislation to reinstate service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccine.

NJ ACR146

Carry Over Urges US Congress to pass legislation to reinstate service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccine.

Previously Filed As

NJ SCR113

Urges US Congress to pass legislation to reinstate service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccine.

NJ ACR146

Urges US Congress to pass legislation to reinstate service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccine.

NJ ACR45

Urges US Congress to pass legislation to reinstate service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccine.

NJ SR117

Memorializes Congress to pass the AMERICANS Act of 2023 to reinstate any service member removed from any branch of the military for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.

NJ S832

Requires DMVA to assist service members discharged solely due to COVID-19 vaccination status with petition to change discharge designation.

NJ A3897

Requires DMVA to assist service members discharged solely due to COVID-19 vaccination status with petition to change discharge designation.

NJ HB434

Service Restoration Act This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to require a member of the Armed Forces, or a cadet or midshipman at a military service academy, to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, no such individuals may be subject to adverse action solely on the basis of a refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. At the request of an individual who was involuntarily separated from an Armed Force solely because of a refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, the military department concerned must reinstate the individual as a member of the Armed Force in the same rank and grade the individual held at the time of separation, expunge from the individual's military service record any reference to adverse action related to the refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, and include the period between the involuntary separation and reinstatement in the computation of retired or retainer pay of the individual. The bill requires that the discharge of members due to the failure to obey a lawful order to receive a COVID-19 vaccination must be categorized as an honorable discharge, including for individuals who were discharged prior to the enactment of this bill.

NJ SR42

Urges President and Congress to enact legislation reinstating the separation between commercial and investment banking.

NJ SR90

Urges President and Congress to enact legislation reinstating the separation between commercial and investment banking.

NJ AR162

Urges President and Congress to enact legislation reinstating the separation between commercial and investment banking.

Similar Bills

NJ ACR146

Urges US Congress to pass legislation to reinstate service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccine.

NJ SCR113

Urges US Congress to pass legislation to reinstate service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccine.

NJ ACR45

Urges US Congress to pass legislation to reinstate service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccine.

US HB6470

Restore Honor to Service Members Act of 2023

US SB3352

Restore Honor to Service Members Act of 2023

NJ S931

Updates definition of veteran to include discharged LGBTQ veteran; requires DMVA develop review process for such veterans.

NJ S1945

Updates definition of veteran to include discharged LGBTQ veteran; requires DMVA develop review process for such veterans.

NJ A4428

Updates definition of veteran to include discharged LGBTQ veteran; requires DMVA develop review process for such veterans.