New Jersey Assembly Bill A1748

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Establishes task force to study issues facing returning members of the United States Armed Forces and New Jersey National Guard and make recommendations on how State should address issues.

Impact

The task force will consist of 11 members, including state department commissioners and five appointed public members who have experience related to military service and its impacts. This structure ensures that multiple perspectives are represented, particularly those pertaining to personal experiences of transitioning service members. The findings from the task force could potentially lead to new legislation aimed at enhancing support services for veterans, thereby influencing state policies on health, employment, and social welfare for returning soldiers.

Summary

Bill A1748 establishes a task force within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs aimed at addressing the specific issues and concerns faced by members of the United States Armed Forces and the New Jersey National Guard upon their return from overseas deployments. This initiative seeks to provide thorough analyses and recommendations related to various aspects of their reintegration, including social, emotional, and mental health challenges. The task force will be charged with gathering public testimony and examining existing data, thus ensuring that the recommendations are informed by firsthand accounts and evidence.

Contention

One notable point surrounding the bill is the emphasis on gathering testimonies and thorough data analysis from affected families and service members. This might foster constructive dialogue among legislators regarding the challenges faced by veterans, including concerns such as PTSD and family readiness. There exists a possibility of contention regarding the allocation of state resources for implementing the recommendations of the task force, based on varying opinions on how the state can most effectively support its returning heroes.