SENATE MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
STATEMENT TO
SENATE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR
SENATE, Nos. 1640 and 1822
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
DATED: MAY 14, 2018
The Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee reports favorably Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill Nos. 1640 and 1822.
Under current law, the definition of veteran requires service during a time of war or emergency in order to qualify for civil service preference. Under this committee substitute, veterans who do not meet the definition of veteran under New Jersey law, but served at least six months of federal active duty, and disabled veterans who received a service-connected injury or (b) is receiving disability benefits or disability retirement benefits under laws administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and were separated from the Armed Forces of the United States under conditions other than dishonorable, will receive an additional five points and ten points, respectively, above the individual’s earned score on State civil service examinations.
Under the substitute, if evaluation of education, training, or experience is used in lieu of a written or physical examination, the Civil Service Commission will refer the eligible veteran or disabled veteran to the employing official as long as the individual meets the competencies and other requirements for the position.
The Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will be responsible for determining whether any person seeking to be considered a disabled veteran or a veteran under this bill meets the criteria and will adjudicate an appeal from any person disputing this determination.
These changes do not supersede current law concerning civil service preference provided to disabled veterans and veterans. Disabled veterans qualified by this bill, followed by veterans qualified by this bill, will be placed at the top of the list immediately after veterans who meet the definition of veteran under current New Jersey law.
This benefit for veterans and disabled veterans who did not serve in a time of war would apply only if an amendment to the State constitution is approved by the voters to permit such veterans to receive the benefit.