NJ A4173

Creates a Veterans Affairs Oversight Board within the Department of Veterans Affairs to oversee all veteran service officers, departmental entities, and programs/benefits provided to military service members, veterans, and their families across all State Executive Branch agencies.

Board membership consists of heads of all veteran 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) tax-exempt organizations in New Jersey, with the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars co-chairing the first three meetings before a chair and vice-chair are elected for three-year terms.

Board members receive $1,000 per diem for each monthly meeting attended, capped at $12,000 annually, plus reimbursement for travel expenses; members failing to attend at least one meeting every eight months are removed.

Executive Branch departments and Department of Veterans Affairs entities must appoint liaisons, provide biannual reports on veteran services delivered, and annually present budget allocations for veteran programs to the board.

Board responsibilities include developing a strategic plan to improve veteran awareness of available services, analyzing program effectiveness across areas including healthcare, housing, employment, and criminal justice, and submitting recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within nine months and annually thereafter.