WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 1040

Provides for expansion of county transportation services to include disabled veterans; provides funding source for expansion.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Wayne DeAngelo and 10 co-sponsors

Expands SC/DRTAP to fund and coordinate cross-county transportation for disabled veterans to medical appointments, with dedicated grants and a Casino Revenue Fund budget.

Reported and Referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 1040

Overview

A1040, introduced in the 222nd New Jersey Legislature, would expand county transportation services to explicitly include disabled veterans and establish a dedicated funding stream to support this expansion. The bill amends existing programs to coordinate with state agencies and counties, with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) leading the coordination and providing financial assistance to counties.

Main purpose and intent

  • Expand the Senior Citizens and Disabled Residents Transportation Assistance Program (SC/DRTAP) to cover transportation for disabled veterans to and from medical counseling appointments for service-connected conditions within New Jersey.
  • Provide counties with financial assistance to expand or create transportation services for disabled veterans, including cross-county service within the state.

Key provisions and changes

  1. DMVA coordinated expansion (amendment to P.L.2015, c.211)
    • DMVA must collaborate with New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJ Transit) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop:
      • A reimbursement program for qualified veterans who pay for their own travel to medical counseling appointments using public transportation when not otherwise eligible for reimbursement.
      • A reimbursement program for veterans who pay for private transportation (per-mile basis) when using privately owned conveyances, with restrictions preventing use of for-hire private entities unless necessary due to a service-connected disability.
      • A monitoring system for individuals who apply for reimbursement.
      • Public notification about program availability.
      • Rules and regulations to implement the program.
      • Coordination with county governments to expand county-administered transit services to disabled veterans, identifying transportation needs and providing financial assistance to cover expansion costs, in addition to other existing funds.
  • Definition: “Disabled veteran” = a U.S. armed forces veteran with a service-connected disability as rated by the VA.

  1. Funding and administration (expansion of SC/DRTAP)

    • The act adds funding to support expansion, specifically by coordinating with counties to expand county-administered transit services to disabled veterans.
    • Counties would identify needs and receive financial assistance to cover expansion costs, on top of monies already appropriated under P.L.1983, c.578 (the SC/DRTAP program).

  2. Budget and funding source (Section 4 amendments to P.L.1983, c.578)

    • The SC/DRTAP is funded through the Casino Revenue Fund (CRF). In particular:
      • An annual appropriation to NJ Transit Corporation from the CRF equals 8.5% of the CRF revenues from the prior year.
      • Of that appropriation, 4% is dedicated to grants to counties specifically for transportation services to disabled veterans to and from medical counseling appointments, across county lines but within New Jersey.
    • Special priority rules apply for Fiscal Years 2022–2024 to ensure the 8.5% target is met, even if revenues were temporarily reduced.

  3. Effective date

    • The act would take effect on the first day of the sixth month after enactment, with DMVA empowered to take anticipatory administrative actions as needed for implementation.

Who would be affected

  • Disabled veterans in New Jersey seeking transportation to medical counseling appointments for service-connected conditions.
  • County governments responsible for administering and expanding local transportation services under SC/DRTAP.
  • NJ Transit, which would coordinate reimbursement and cross-system efforts.
  • The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), which would coordinate programs and oversee implementation.
  • Private transportation providers in cases where veterans use privately owned conveyances (subject to eligibility and rules).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative status: Introduced; pending technical review; referred to Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, then to Assembly Appropriations.
  • Funding timeline: Annual CRF-based appropriations to NJ Transit, with 4% of those funds earmarked for disabled veteran cross-county transportation grants.
  • Implementation timeline: Takes effect six months after enactment; anticipatory actions allowed to begin implementation prior to full effective date.

Potential impact

  • Increased access to medical counseling for disabled veterans through expanded county and public transit options.
  • Financial support for counties to expand transit services, potentially improving ride availability and reducing wait times for veterans.
  • Streamlined coordination among DMVA, NJ Transit, VA, and counties to deliver targeted transportation assistance.
  • Clear funding mechanism tied to casino revenue, with explicit cross-county grant provisions to serve veterans across municipal boundaries within the state.

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

Sign in to ask a question.