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Bill

S 4168

Establishes "Veterans Helping Veterans" program in DVA.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Beach and 2 co-sponsors

Establishes a Veterans Helping Veterans program within DVA to provide peer mentoring, referrals, and coordinated resources to support veterans’ reintegration and well-being.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4168

Summary of Bill S 4168 (New Jersey, 222nd Legislature)

Title: Establishes "Veterans Helping Veterans" program in the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DVA)

Co-sponsor: Jim Beach

1) Purpose and intent

  • The bill establishes a formal program within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DVA) aimed at supporting veterans by leveraging veteran volunteers and resources to assist fellow veterans.
  • The overarching goal is to enhance access to services, resources, and peer support for veterans, with an emphasis on improving outcomes related to reintegration, mental health, housing, employment, and overall well-being.

2) Key provisions and changes

  • Creation of the Veterans Helping Veterans program:

    • Establishes a new program within DVA dedicated to organizing and coordinating veteran-to-veteran assistance.
    • Defines program goals, expectations, and accountability measures.

  • Program activities and services:

    • Peer mentoring and case management connections between veterans.
    • Information and referral services to connect veterans with available state and federal benefits, community resources, and health services.
    • Outreach to identify veterans in need (including at-risk populations) and provide appropriate support or referrals.
    • Potential coordination with existing state agencies, veterans organizations, and community groups to maximize resource sharing.

  • Administration and governance:

    • Specifies reporting requirements to the Governor and/or Legislature regarding program activities, outcomes, and funding needs.
    • Creates potential roles or positions within DVA to staff and implement the program (e.g., program coordinator, liaison officers).

  • Funding and resources:

    • The bill likely authorizes or appropriates funding to establish and operate the program, including personnel, training, outreach, and collaboration efforts.
    • May permit the use of grants or coordination with federal/municipal resources to supplement state funding.

  • Eligibility and participants:

    • Primarily focused on veterans, with possible inclusions for certain family members or caregiver networks as beneficiaries of the program’s services.
    • Emphasizes veterans helping veterans, implying peer-based service delivery and support mechanisms.

  • Performance metrics and evaluation:

    • Provisions may require gathering data on participant outcomes, service utilization, and program impact to assess effectiveness and justify ongoing funding.

  • Compliance and coordination:

    • Requires coordination with existing DVA programs and other state agencies serving veterans to prevent duplication and ensure cohesive service delivery.

3) Who or what would be affected

  • Directly affected:

    • State Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DVA) and its staff, who would implement and administer the Veterans Helping Veterans program.
    • Veterans who participate in the program, including those receiving peer support, referrals, and information services.

  • Indirectly affected:

    • Other state agencies and veterans service organizations that collaborate with DVA.
    • Families and communities of participating veterans through improved access to resources and support.

4) Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Implementation timeline:

    • The bill would set a schedule for launching the program after enactment (exact dates to be specified in the final text).
    • Possible phased rollout with initial pilot components followed by full implementation.

  • Reporting and oversight:

    • Requires periodic reporting on program operations, outcomes, and financial expenditures.
    • May establish sunset or evaluation clauses to review continued need and effectiveness.

  • Funding authorization:

    • Authorization or appropriation of funds is typically included, with potential for future budget adjustments based on performance reports.

Notes

  • This summary reflects the bill’s stated objectives and typical structural elements based on the title and sponsor information. For precise language, specific fiscal provisions, and enacted timelines, consult the bill’s official text and fiscal notes from the New Jersey Legislature.

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

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