New Jersey Assembly Bill A2885

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/22
• Refer: 2/28/22

Caption

Requires issuance of one free copy of birth certificate to military veteran.

Impact

This legislation would amend existing provisions under R.S.26:8-63, which governs the issuance of vital records. By allowing free access to a veteran's birth certificate, the bill is expected to reduce the financial burden on veterans, particularly those who may be experiencing economic hardships. Additionally, it reaffirms the state's commitment to recognizing and supporting military personnel by facilitating easier access to necessary documentation, which is part of their entitlements as honorably discharged individuals.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2885 mandates that military veterans in New Jersey are entitled to receive one free certified copy of their birth certificate upon request. This bill recognizes the contributions of veterans who have served in the Armed Forces and aims to ease access to essential documents that may be required for various purposes, such as applying for veterans' benefits or fulfilling personal identification needs. The bill specifically states that additional copies beyond the first one will still be subject to regular fees as prescribed by law, ensuring that the free provision is limited to a single instance.

Contention

While the bill is largely seen as a positive step towards supporting veterans, some critics may argue that there could be an administrative burden for the State Registrar's office in managing these requests, especially if the demand is high. Furthermore, the bill explicitly limits the definition of a veteran to those who have been honorably discharged or released from service, leading to potential discussions regarding the treatment of individuals discharged under less favorable circumstances.