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Bill

A 633

Establishes NJ Military Family Relief Fund; provides for designation on State gross income tax return to permit taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to military family relief fund.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Bergen and 4 co-sponsors

Establishes the New Jersey Military Family Relief Fund to provide up to $2,500 grants to NJ military families facing hardship, funded by voluntary tax contributions and annual appr

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 633

Overview

  • Bill: Assembly No. 633 (A633)
  • Session: New Jersey 222nd Legislature
  • Jurisdiction: New Jersey
  • Topic: Establishes the New Jersey Military Family Relief Fund and allows voluntary contributions via the state gross income tax return
  • Status: Introduced and referred to the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee (as of Jan 13, 2026)

Purpose and intent

  • Create a dedicated, nonlapsing fund—the New Jersey Military Family Relief Fund—within the Department of the Treasury.
  • Provide targeted financial assistance (grants up to $2,500) to support military families facing hardship.
  • Offer a voluntary mechanism for taxpayers to contribute to the fund through State gross income tax returns or separate contributions.

Key provisions and changes

  • Fund creation and administration

    • Establishes the New Jersey Military Family Relief Fund, to be held by the State Treasurer.
    • Funds in the account are dedicated to the purposes described in the act and are nonlapsing.
    • Net contributions after contribution administration costs are deposited into the fund.
    • Annual appropriation of all funds in the fund to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA).

  • Voluntary contributions

    • Taxpayers may designate on their New Jersey gross income tax return that part of their refund or a separate contribution be deposited into the fund.
    • The Division of Taxation may deduct costs of collection/administration from receipts as determined by the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting.

  • Use and management of funds

    • All state funds deposited are annually appropriated to the DMVA.
    • DMVA may receive gifts, grants, or donations for military family relief and may accept federal or other funds; these funds also flow into the DMVA’s credits for the program.
    • The Adjutant General determines grant eligibility criteria, application processes, and whether adequate funds exist to issue grants.

  • Eligibility and grants

    • Grants may be awarded up to $2,500 to defray costs such as food, housing, medical services, and other essential expenses.
    • Eligible recipients include:
    • Members of the U.S. Armed Forces (including Reserve components) and their families
    • Members of the New Jersey National Guard and their families
    • Veterans and their families
    • Surviving spouses of armed forces members, reserve components, National Guard members, or veterans
    • Veteran definition: honorably discharged or generally discharged under honorable conditions from active service in any branch or Reserve component, or NJ National Guard.
    • Eligibility determinations and required documentation are set by the Adjutant General.
    • Residency and hardship requirements:
    • Applicant must be a New Jersey resident and have resided in NJ for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to applying.
    • Applicants must provide documentation of financial hardship.
    • A person may not receive a grant more than once in any 12-month period.
    • Application and adjudication:
    • Applications go to DMVA; upon approval, grants are issued if funds are available.
    • If funds are insufficient, the Adjutant General may deny; applicants must be notified.
    • If funds later become available, the department must notify previously denied applicants about fund availability.

  • Administrative authority

    • The Adjutant General has authority to determine eligibility, adjudicate appeals, and issue grants.
    • The act authorizes the Adjutant General to adopt rules and regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act.

  • Effective date

    • The act is to take effect immediately upon enactment.

Who is affected

  • State treasury and budget offices (establishment and administration of the fund)
  • New Jersey taxpayers (ability to designate contributions on tax returns)
  • Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the Adjutant General (administering the fund and grants)
  • Eligible military personnel and their families (potential grant recipients)
  • Veterans, National Guard members, and surviving spouses in New Jersey (potential beneficiaries)

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Creation of a new dedicated fund with annual appropriation by the Legislature.
  • Annual determination of fund availability for grant issuance.
  • Ongoing administration of applications, eligibility, and appeals by the Adjutant General.
  • Immediate effect upon enactment (as stated).

Summary

A633 would establish the New Jersey Military Family Relief Fund to provide up to $2,500 grants to NJ military members, veterans, and their families or surviving spouses facing hardship. It creates a voluntary mechanism for taxpayers to contribute to the fund through their state tax returns, with administration costs covered as specified. The DMVA, via the Adjutant General, would oversee eligibility, applications, and grant issuance, contingent on fund availability, with residency and hardship requirements and a limit of one grant per 12 months per recipient. The Legislature would annually appropriate all deposited funds, which could include gifts, grants, and other available funds, including federal support. The act emphasizes nonlapsing funding and a straightforward process to assist military families in need.

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

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