NJ A4712

Establishes the Office of the Veteran Advocate as an independent office within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, headed by a Governor-appointed Veteran Advocate who must be a veteran and serves a five-year term with a minimum salary of $150,000 per year.

Grants the Veteran Advocate authority to investigate complaints from veterans and their families, conduct unannounced site visits to veterans' facilities, inspect operations and policies, and issue subpoenas to compel testimony or document production during formal investigations.

Requires the Veteran Advocate to serve as an ombudsman for veterans, maintain a 24-hour toll-free hotline, coordinate with local veterans service officers, and act as a liaison to both the department and federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Mandates that when systemic problems are identified, the department must develop a corrective action response within 30 days, with the Veteran Advocate monitoring implementation for up to one year.

Requires annual public reporting to the Governor and Legislature on office activities, identified priorities, and recommendations for improving veterans' services.