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New JerseyA4712220th Legislature (2024-2025)House

Establishes Office of Veteran Advocate and ombudsman for DMVA; appropriates funds.

Sponsored By: Joseph P. Cryan (Democratic), Gordon M. Johnson (Democratic), Marenco, Julio, Cleopatra G. Tucker (Democratic), Joseph F. Vitale (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

New Jersey veterans get independent complaint help

The law creates an independent Veteran Advocate within New Jersey’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Veterans and families can report problems with State-provided or State-funded services through a 24-hour toll-free hotline. Help is available whether or not veterans live in a veterans’ facility. Covered veterans are New Jersey residents discharged honorably or under general honorable conditions, including qualifying Reserve and National Guard members. The Advocate also helps connect veterans with state and federal benefits. The Advocate can investigate complaints, inspect facilities, and demand testimony and records in formal investigations. Unannounced visits require an abuse or neglect investigation or project and a reasonable basis for the visit. Visits must occur at a reasonable time and in a reasonable manner. The Advocate cannot subpoena or start legal cases against other State agencies; cases against the department require probable cause. Suspected criminal activity must be reported to law enforcement, and related civil proceedings must wait as the law requires. Individual investigations requiring consent need approval from the veteran, estate, guardian, or a court; veterans can decline representation. When the Advocate finds a system-wide problem, the department must prepare a corrective response within 30 days. The department can publicly dispute findings within 30 days. Corrective actions cannot conflict with state or federal law, regulations, or court orders. The Advocate tracks progress for up to one year, with regular department reports; monitoring can end sooner or be jointly extended. Significant findings and an annual report must be public, subject to safety and confidentiality protections. Complainants’ identities cannot be released without written consent.

State funds veteran watchdog and salary

The law takes effect immediately and requires State funding for the Office of the Veteran Advocate. The Advocate must receive at least $150,000 a year; the law does not state the Office’s total cost. The Governor appoints a veteran with Senate approval to serve full-time for a five-year term, with at most two full terms. The Governor can remove the Advocate for cause. Staff appointments depend on available funding and applicable employment rules. Money the Advocate recovers but does not distribute to claimants goes into the State’s General Fund.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Joseph P. Cryan

    Democratic • Senate

  • Gordon M. Johnson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Marenco, Julio

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Cleopatra G. Tucker

    Democratic • House

  • Joseph F. Vitale

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Carmen F. Amato Jr.

    Republican • Senate

  • James Beach

    Democratic • Senate

  • Nilsa I. Cruz-Perez

    Democratic • Senate

  • Hall, Garnet R.

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Angela V. McKnight

    Democratic • Senate

  • Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 232 • No: 0

Senate vote • 12/18/2025

CONCUR GOV REC

Yes: 38 • No: 0

House vote • 12/8/2025

CONCUR GOV REC

Yes: 76 • No: 0

House vote • 6/30/2025

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 79 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/30/2025

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor — P.L.2025, c.172.

    12/19/2025Governor

  2. Passed Senate, PBH — (38-0)

    12/18/2025Senate

  3. Received in Senate, 2RSG

    12/11/2025Senate

  4. Passed Assembly — (76-0-0)

    12/8/2025House

  5. 2RAG

    11/24/2025House

  6. 1RAG

    11/24/2025House

  7. Conditional Veto, Received in Assembly

    11/13/2025House

  8. Passed Senate, PBH — (39-0)

    6/30/2025Senate

  9. Substituted for S3504 (1R)

    6/30/2025Senate

  10. Received in Senate, SWR, 2nd Reading in Senate

    6/30/2025Senate

  11. Passed Assembly — (79-0-0)

    6/30/2025House

  12. Reported, 2nd Reading in Assembly

    6/19/2025House

  13. REP/ACA, Referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee

    12/12/2024House

  14. Introduced, 1st Reading in Assembly, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee

    9/12/2024House

Bill Text

  • Conditional Veto 2R

    1/28/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Version PL2025

    1/28/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Version AL2025

    1/15/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • 12/9/25; 2R

    12/9/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • Conditional Veto

    11/17/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs (12/12/24 1R)

    7/1/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • Assembly Appropriations Substitute (6/19/25 1R)

    6/19/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • 1/8/25; 1R

    1/8/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • As Introduced

    12/13/2024

    HTMLPDF

  • Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Substitute (12/12/24)

    12/13/2024

    HTMLPDF

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