Permits DVA to receive voluntary contributions for veteran suicide prevention public service announcements.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Beach and 1 co-sponsor

NJ DVA can accept gifts and donations to fund veteran suicide prevention PSAs, with funds placed in a nonlapsing treasury account for PSA use only.

Received in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee

Summary of Bill S 3475 (Session 222) – New Jersey

Purpose and Intent

The bill authorizes the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) to receive and accept gifts, grants, and donations from public and private sources specifically for the purpose of public service announcements (PSAs) related to preventing veteran suicide.

The goal is to bolster funding for efforts to raise awareness and prevent veteran suicide through PSAs.

Key Provisions

DVA Authorization to Accept Contributions:

The DVA may accept money in the form of gifts, grants, or donations from both public and private sectors.
The targeted use of these funds is for public service announcements focused on veteran suicide prevention.

Fund Management:

All contributions received pursuant to this act must be deposited into a special nonlapsing fund maintained by the State Treasurer.
The funds in this account are to be appropriated solely for funding PSAs related to veteran suicide prevention.

Effective Date:

The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who or What Is Affected

Government Entity:

New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs gains a new authority to solicit and receive private and public contributions for suicide-prevention PSAs.

Financial Administration:

A new dedicated, nonlapsing fund administered by the State Treasurer will hold these contributions and restrict their use to PSA campaigns on veteran suicide prevention.

Stakeholders:

Veterans and potential PSA donors (public and private sectors) who may contribute to the fund.
Public funding mechanisms are preserved, with money earmarked specifically for prevention communications.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Legislative History:

Introduced in the Senate and referred to the Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee (February 12, 2026).
Reported from the Senate Committee with amendments and moved to 2nd Reading (May 21, 2026).

Implementation:

Immediate effect upon enactment; funds received are to be deposited into the special nonlapsing fund right away.

Practical Impact

Enhanced Capacity for Public Outreach:

By enabling targeted fundraising for PSAs, the bill could expand the reach and frequency of veteran suicide prevention messaging.

Accountability and Transparency:

Establishing a dedicated fund ensures that contributed resources are used exclusively for PSA-related activities, potentially improving oversight and accountability for these expenditures.

Financing Considerations:

The approach leverages private and public contributions to supplement state resources for prevention campaigns, reducing sole reliance on general appropriations for PSA efforts.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to similar mechanisms in other states or outline potential oversight or reporting requirements that could accompany such a fund.