NJ A4056

Establishes a Veterans Outdoor Recovery Task Force within the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs to explore using public lands and outdoor spaces for veteran medical treatment and therapy.

Task force membership includes commissioners from Veterans Affairs, Environmental Protection, Health, Human Services, and Agriculture, with Veterans Affairs and Environmental Protection commissioners serving as co-chairs.

Task force must hold at least three public hearings across different parts of the state and identify barriers preventing veterans from accessing outdoor recreation for treatment purposes.

Report with findings and recommendations due to the Legislature and Governor within 18 months of the initial organizational meeting, to be posted publicly on department websites.

Bill cites PTSD statistics: 11-20% of Iraq/Afghanistan veterans, 12% of Desert Storm veterans, and 30% of Vietnam veterans experience post-traumatic stress disorder.