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

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Aura Dunn and 3 co-sponsors

DVA may accept external gifts to fund veteran-suicide-prevention PSAs, with funds kept in a special nonlapsing account and used only for PSA outreach.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee

Overview

Bill A 4455 (Session 222, New Jersey) would authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) to receive voluntary gifts, grants, or donations from public and private sources to fund public service announcements (PSAs) aimed at preventing veteran suicide. Revenue collected under this authority would be placed in a special nonlapsing fund and used exclusively to support veteran-suicide-prevention PSAs.

Purpose and intent

Provide a mechanism for the DVA to seek and receive external funding specifically for public service announcements related to preventing veteran suicide.

Ensure that any such revenues are dedicated to PSA-related activities, rather than being deposited into general funds or used for unrelated purposes.

Key provisions

Authorization to accept: The DVA may accept gifts, grants, or donations from both public and private sectors for the purpose of funding veteran suicide-prevention PSAs.

Fund management: All moneys received under this act must be deposited into a special nonlapsing fund maintained by the State Treasurer.

appropriation and use: Funds in the special account are to be appropriated solely to fund public service announcements for the prevention of veteran suicide.

Effective date: The act would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Who is affected

Primary: New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs, which would administer and utilize the new funding mechanism for suicide-prevention PSAs.

Potentially affected entities: Public and private entities that may offer gifts, grants, or donations to support veteran suicide-prevention PSAs.

General public: Veterans and their communities who may benefit from increased PSA visibility and messaging.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral: Introduced on 2026-02-24 and referred to the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

No specified sunset or review provisions are mentioned; funds are described as a nonlapsing special fund to support PSA expenditures.

Immediate effect: The act is stated to take effect immediately upon enactment.

Potential impact and considerations

Clarity on accountability: The bill creates a dedicated fund for PSA activities, which can enhance transparency around how external donations are used for veteran suicide prevention campaigns.

Resource augmentation: By allowing external contributions, the DVA could expand or accelerate PSA campaigns without diverting general state funds.

Oversight considerations: Stakeholders may seek details on reporting requirements, donor restrictions, and how funds are allocated between different PSA programs or media channels.

Public health relevance: Enhanced PSAs could potentially raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking among veterans, contributing to suicide-prevention efforts.