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Bill

S 3206

Establishes Military Suicide Prevention Task Force.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Beach and 3 co-sponsors

Establishes a Military Suicide Prevention Task Force to reduce and eliminate military suicides in New Jersey through research, partnerships, and policy recommendations.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee
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Bill Summary · S 3206

Summary of Bill S 3206 (Session 222) – New Jersey

Title

Establishes a Military Suicide Prevention Task Force

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a state-level entity to reduce suicides among active-duty service members and veterans.
  • Develop and implement a plan aimed at eliminating military suicides in New Jersey.
  • Identify and promote evidence-based strategies, crisis resources, and health programs to support lifelong mental, emotional, and physical well-being of service members and veterans.

Key Provisions

1) Establishment and Scope

  • The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), in conjunction with the Department of Human Services (DHS), must establish a Military Suicide Prevention Task Force.
  • The task force’s core mission is to reduce and eventually eliminate military suicides, through comprehensive strategies and program implementation plans.

2) Composition and Membership

  • Total of 17 members, with ex-officio members and public appointees:
    • Ex officio (automatic members): Adjutant General (DMVA), Commissioner (DHS), Attorney General, State Treasurer, and Commissioner of Transportation.
    • Public members appointed by various officials (APPOINTMENTS largely geographic and subject-matter diverse), including:
    • The Adjutant General appoints two public members (one veteran, one disabled veteran; at least one woman; from different parts of the state).
    • DHS Commissioner appoints two public members (one with homelessness experience; one with disability experience).
    • President of the Senate appoints two public members (one with veterans’ employment knowledge; one veteran).
    • Speaker of the General Assembly appoints two public members (one with military-related mental health knowledge; one disabled veteran).
    • Governor appoints four public members (female veteran or female disabled veteran; PTSD/brain injury expertise; military sexual trauma expertise; issues relevant to women in the military).
  • All public members are appointed within 60 days of enactment and serve without compensation (reimbursed for necessary expenses).

3) Terms and Organization

  • Public members serve five-year terms; initial terms are staggered (two-, three-, four-, or five-year terms) to be determined by lot.
  • The task force elects a chair and vice-chair from public members.
  • A secretary may be appointed (not required to be a member).
  • Meetings: at least every two months; more frequent as needed. A majority of authorized members constitutes a quorum for official business.
  • Expenses: task force may incur expenses within available funds.

4) Duties and Activities

  • Identify and review issues facing active duty members and veterans.
  • Recommend state measures, including potential legislation, to address these issues.
  • Examine data, research, programs, and initiatives related to military suicide and the mental/physical impact of service, with emphasis on deployments.
  • Identify evidence-based crisis resources (hotlines) and evaluate their effectiveness.
  • Promote lifelong health (physical, social, emotional, mental) and develop implementation recommendations.
  • Review existing laws, regulations, and public policies governing services to service members and veterans; assess efficiency and effectiveness and whether shifts between state and local governments could improve delivery.

5) Agency Cooperation and Reporting

  • DMVA may assign personnel to the task force and coordinate with state, county, municipal entities, and school districts to supply needed information and assistance.
  • The task force must submit periodic reports (no less than twice annually) to the Governor and the Legislature, detailing findings and policy/program recommendations to reduce/eliminate military suicides.

6) Effective Date

  • The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Active-duty service members and New Jersey veterans (and their families) who rely on state programs and protections.
  • State agencies, counties, municipalities, and school districts that may provide or coordinate health, housing, mental health, and veterans’ services.
  • Stakeholders involved in veterans’ employment, mental health treatment, homelessness, women in the military, and trauma-related care.

Timeline and Procedural Notes

  • Public member appointments: within 60 days of enactment.
  • Task force organization: as soon as a majority of members are appointed.
  • Ongoing: minimum biannual reporting to Governor and Legislature; potential for more frequent meetings as needed.

This bill establishes a structured, multi-agency effort to tackle military suicide through collaboration, data review, best practices, and policy recommendations, with formal reporting and accountability to the Governor and Legislature.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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