Garden State Times

The Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee has advanced a bipartisan piece of legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco. The bill, known as the "Welcome Home Veterans Act," mandates that the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) inform veterans about federal and state benefits available to them.

"New Jersey Veterans dedicated their lives to serving our country, and they deserve to be fully informed about the many federal and State resources available to them," stated Sen. Bucco. "This bill would ensure that our nation’s heroes have access to pertinent information about health services, housing assistance, tax benefits, and so much more. By providing these resources through the MVC, we’re creating another meaningful avenue to connect our Veterans with the support and services they deserve."

Senator Bucco's bipartisan bill, S-3595, requires the MVC to provide veterans with detailed information on federal and state benefits upon receiving or renewing a driver's license, probationary license, or ID card.

Under this legislation, information packets must include:

- The Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs Veterans’ Benefits Guide.

- The U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs booklet on “Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers.”

- Guidance on where veterans can find additional benefit information.

- Any other information deemed helpful for New Jersey veterans by the MVC and DMVA.

The full text of the bill is available online.