Veterans Legislation

Complied by the NJDMAVA Office of Legislative Liaison

New Jersey Chapter Laws 2003

SJR-13
Memorializes United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs to locate new national cemetery in New Jersey. Approved P.L. 2003, JR-3.

A-2489 (S-1769)
Authorizes Adjutant General to issue service medal to commemorate 50th anniversary of ending of Korean War; appropriates $5,000. Signed by the Governor: Chapter 16, 2003.

A-2777 (S-2310)
Requires NJDMAVA and DOT to conduct study on feasibility of integrating Civil Air Patrol in State’s homeland security initiatives. Signed by the Governor: Chapter 103, 2003.

A-3565 (S-730)
Establishes a minimum per diem base pay of $100 for members of National Guard called to State active duty. Signed by the Governor: Chapter 141, 2003.

A-3567 (S-2507)
Provides State-paid health care benefits coverage through SHBP for certain National Guard members called to State active duty for 30 days or more. Signed by the Governor: Chapter 142, 2003.

S-493 (A-3389)
Exempts from the sales and use tax sales made at concession stands located in State-owned veterans’ homes. Approved P.L. 2003, c.165.

New Laws Approved In The 107th Congress

H.R. 1291
Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001.
Authorizes $3.1 billion over five years to expand and increase educational, housing, burial and disability benefits, including a 46% increase in Montgomery GI Bill education and training benefits. Signed by President Bush on December 27, 2001 (P.L. 107-103).

H.R. 2716
Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001.
Authorizes $1 billion to aid homeless veterans and prevent veterans from becoming homeless. Signed by President Bush on December 21, 2001 (P.L. 107-95).

H.R. 3447
Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001.
Adds new and expands existing health care programs for veterans by $1.4 billion. Signed by President Bush on January 23, 2002 (P.L. 107-135).

H.R. 801
Veterans’ Survivor Benefits Improvements Act of 2001.
Adds $100 million in new health care benefits for surviving spouses of veterans, and extends life insurance coverage to spouses and children of service members. Signed by President Bush on June 5, 2001 (P.L. 107-14).

H.R. 4015
Jobs for Veterans Act.
Reform veterans’ job training and placement programs in the Department of Labor through a new system of incentives and accountability. Signed by President Bush on November 7, 2002 (P.L. 107-288).

H.R. 3253
Department of Veterans Affairs Emergency Preparedness Act of 2002.
Expands the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA’s) role in homeland security, creating new research centers to counter biological, chemical, and radiological terrorism. Signed by President Bush on November 7, 2001 (P.L. 107-287).

H.R. 2540
Veterans’ Compensation Rate Amendments of 2001.
Provides cost-of-living (COLA) increases for disability compensation payments, increasing total payments by $2.5 billion over the next five years. Signed by President Bush on December 21, 2001 (P.L. 107-94).

H.R. 4085
Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2002.
Increases disability compensation payments with a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Signed by President Bush on October 23, 2002 (P.L. 107-247.

H.R. 1696
Expediting construction of the World War II Memorial.
Removed additional delays in the construction of the World War II Memorial. Signed by President Bush on May 28, 2001 (P.L. 107-11).

H.R. 4608
Naming VA Medical Center in Honor of Robert J. Dole of Kansas.
Names the VA Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas, the ‘Robert J. Dole Department of Veterans Affairs Medical and Regional Office Center. Signed by President Bush on May 29, 2002 (P.L. 107-184).

H.R. 4592
Naming the Bob Hope Veterans Chapel.
Designated the Chapel located in the National Cemetery in Los Angeles, California, as the “Bob Hope Veterans Chapel.” Signed by President Bush on May 29, 2002 (P.L. 107-184).

S. 2237
Veterans Benefits Improvements Act of 2002.
Expands benefits and compensation for veterans and their surviving spouses; Incorporates provisions of H.R. 4085, H.R. 5055, H.R. 3731, H.R. 2561 and H.R. 2222. Signed by President Bush on December 6, 2002 (P.L. 107-330).

H.R. 5055
Authorizing a New Memorial Honoring World War II Veterans who fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

Authorizes the placement of a new memorial in Arlington National Cemetery honoring World War II veterans who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Passed the House July 22, 2002; Incorporated into Public Law 107-330.