New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A5551

Introduced
4/10/25  

Caption

Establishes "Veteran Obituary Fund."

Impact

The establishment of the Veteran Obituary Fund reflects a strong commitment to honoring veterans posthumously. Through this fund, family members can receive financial assistance for publishing obituaries, which is a significant aspect of memorializing those who served in the military. The bill also allows for investments of the fund's money, with accrued interest added to the principal, thereby potentially increasing the financial resources available for veterans' obituaries over time. Additionally, it proposes that taxpayers be allowed to deduct their contributions to the fund from their gross income, incentivizing donations and support for veterans.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5551 aims to establish a dedicated 'Veteran Obituary Fund' in the New Jersey Department of the Treasury. This fund is intended to assist in covering the costs associated with obituaries for veterans, which can often amount to several hundred dollars. The legislation allows the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to solicit donations and grants to support the fund. It emphasizes that no veteran should be deprived of a deserving memorial due to financial limitations. The fund will be managed as a non-lapsing account, ensuring that contributions can be accumulated over time without a fiscal deadline.

Contention

While the bill promotes a noble cause, discussions surrounding its implementation may focus on the logistics and accessibility of the fund. Concerns may arise regarding the adequacy of fundraising efforts and whether the established fund will sufficiently cover the number of veterans and their families in need. Moreover, the requirement for taxpayers to provide independent appraisals for larger donations could be seen as a barrier for some potential contributors. The overarching aim will be to ensure this initiative is effective and accessible for all New Jersey veterans, minimizing any bureaucratic hurdles that might impede the fund's purpose.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ A322

Establishing veterans' affordable housing preference; authorizing bonus fair share credit for veterans' affordable housing.

NJ SB01129

An Act Concerning Assistance For Publication Of Veterans' Obituaries.

NJ A261

Establishing veterans' affordable housing preference; authorizing bonus fair share credit for veterans' affordable housing.

NJ S3826

Establishing veterans' affordable housing preference; authorizing bonus fair share credit for veterans' affordable housing.

NJ HB06008

An Act Concerning Obituaries For Certain Veterans.

NJ A5520

Establishes Department of Veterans Affairs.

NJ S4376

Establishes Department of Veterans Affairs.

NJ A883

Establishes NJ Military Family Relief Fund; provides for designation on State gross income tax return to permit taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to military family relief fund.

NJ A2712

Establishes NJ Military Family Relief Fund; provides for designation on State gross income tax return to permit taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to military family relief fund.

NJ A3098

Establishes Military Funeral Honors Grant Program to provide grants to certain veteran organizations that provide military funeral honors.

Similar Bills

NJ A4705

Prohibits solicitation of business based on death notices and obituaries.

NJ A3233

Prohibits solicitation of business based on death notices and obituaries.

CT SB01129

An Act Concerning Assistance For Publication Of Veterans' Obituaries.

CT HB06008

An Act Concerning Obituaries For Certain Veterans.

WA HB1349

Concerning foreclosure protections.

IN SB0280

Electronic publication of obituaries.

LA HB167

Provides for removal of deceased persons from voter registration rolls (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

CT HB05174

An Act Requiring Prepublication Approval Of An Obituary By A Surviving Spouse.