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A 518

Relates to the collection of certain demographic information by certain state agencies, boards, departments and commissions

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jessica González-Rojas

Expands county transit to provide NJ veterans with in-state, VA‑authorized medical counseling rides, funded by reallocating 4% of Casino Revenue Fund grants to counties.

SUBSTITUTED BY S811
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Bill Summary · A 518

Bill Summary — A518 (Prefiled 2024; substituted by S811)

Summary / Intent

A518 expands existing county transportation services to provide disabled New Jersey veterans with transportation to and from medical counseling appointments for service‑connected conditions within the State. It directs the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs (DMVA) to coordinate and financially support counties in that expansion, and identifies a funding source by reallocating a portion of an existing Casino Revenue Fund appropriation currently administered by New Jersey Transit.

Key provisions

  • Requires DMVA to coordinate with county governments to expand county‑administered transit services (under the Senior Citizen and Disabled Resident Transportation Assistance Program) so disabled veterans can travel to and from VA‑authorized medical counseling appointments within New Jersey.
  • Directs DMVA to help counties identify veterans’ transportation needs and to provide financial assistance to counties to cover costs of the expanded services.
  • Defines "disabled veteran" as a New Jersey resident honorably discharged (or released under honorable circumstances) who has a VA‑declared service‑connected disability.
  • Amends the Senior Citizen and Disabled Resident Transportation Assistance Program funding: of the statutorily dedicated amount equal to 8.5% of Casino Revenue Fund receipts appropriated to New Jersey Transit, 4% of that appropriation is designated to be used for grants to counties to provide the veteran transportation services (across county boundaries but within the State).
  • Effective date: first day of the sixth month after enactment. DMVA may take anticipatory administrative actions before the effective date.

Who is affected

  • Disabled veterans (NJ residents with VA‑recognized service‑connected disabilities) needing in‑state VA‑authorized counseling services.
  • County governments that operate or contract for senior/disabled transit services and would expand service to serve veterans.
  • Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs (program coordination, needs assessment, grant administration).
  • New Jersey Transit Corporation (a partial reallocation of funds previously administered by NJ Transit).

Fiscal impact (Office of Legislative Services)

  • Local revenue and expenditure increases (grant funds to counties) estimated at:
    • Up to $1.70 million in FY2025
    • Up to $1.86 million in FY2026
    • Up to $2.03 million in FY2027
  • These amounts represent 4% of the FY2025 estimate ($42.52 million) of the Casino Revenue Fund appropriation dedicated to the transportation assistance program and assume continued revenue growth.
  • State fiscal impact: indeterminate upfront and annual administrative costs (DMVA workload to assess needs and administer grants). Because funding for grants is reallocated from existing appropriations, the bill does not increase the net annual State appropriation for transportation assistance, though DMVA administrative costs may increase.

Legislative status & related bills

  • Introduced Jan 9, 2024 (Assembly). Reported with committee amendments Mar 4, 2024.
  • Prefiled sponsor: Asm. Jessica Gonzalez‑Rojas.
  • Substituted by S811 (2025). Companion bill: S1069; S811 (companion/substitute).
  • Effective: first day of the sixth month after enactment (with DMVA allowed to prepare in advance).

Statutory changes

  • Amends P.L.2015, c.211 (C.38A:3‑49) to add county coordination/assistance responsibilities for veteran transportation.
  • Amends P.L.1983, c.578 (C.27:25‑28) to designate 4% of the 8.5% Casino Revenue Fund appropriation (to NJ Transit) for county grants to provide veteran transportation.

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

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