ASSEMBLY MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

 

STATEMENT TO

 

ASSEMBLY, No. 2131

 

with committee amendments

 

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

DATED:  FEBRUARY 3, 2020

 

      The Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 2131.

      As amended, this bill creates a Global War on Terrorism medal to be presented by the Governor to a veteran who was honorably discharged and is a resident of the State, was a resident upon entry into service, or  has been a resident of this State for at least 20 years in the aggregate.  The veteran must have served for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days in one of the following operations to be eligible for the medal: Operation Enduring Freedom; Operation Noble Eagle; Operation Iraqi Freedom; Operation Nomad Shadow; Operation New Dawn; Operation Inherent Resolve; Operation Freedom’s Sentinel; and Operation Odyssey Lighting.  The medal will also be available for a person killed in action or missing in action.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2020-2021 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.

 

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS

      The committee amended the bill to remove the requirement of service in a combat theater, or during a time of war or emergency to qualify for receipt of the medal.