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Bill

A 2355

Requires issuance of one free copy of birth certificate to military veteran.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Danielsen and 2 co-sponsors

The bill requires the state to provide one free certified birth certificate copy to a veteran on request, with any additional copies charged.

Reported and Referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee
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Bill Summary · A 2355

Bill overview

  • Jurisdiction: New Jersey
  • Session: 222
  • Bill number: A 2355
  • Title: Requires issuance of one free copy of birth certificate to military veteran
  • Status: Introduced; referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee (Jan 13, 2026); later reported and referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee (May 7, 2026)
  • Primary sponsors: Assemblyman Joe Danielsen; Assemblyman Jay Webber (co-sponsors)

Main purpose and intent

The bill requires the State Registrar to provide one free certified copy of a veteran’s birth certificate to the veteran upon request. It also clarifies related administrative provisions and expands no-fee access in certain veteran-related contexts. The intent is to reduce barriers for veterans in obtaining their own vital records, while maintaining standard fees for additional copies.

Key provisions and changes

  • Amends R.S.26:8-63 to add no-fee birth certificate copy for veterans:
    • Subsection g: The State Registrar must furnish, without fee, upon request, a certified copy of the veteran’s birth certificate to:
    • The veteran themselves, and
    • The veteran’s legal representative, executor/administrator of the veteran’s estate, or a family member authorized to obtain a copy under subsection a. of R.S.26:8-62
    • Only one certified copy may be provided without fee to the veteran; additional copies follow the standard statutory fee.
  • Expanded no-fee provisions (existing framework retained):
    • Prior no-fee provisions for public pension or military/naval enlistment purposes (various certifications and copies).
    • No-fee transmission or copying to certain governmental bodies and for administrative uses.
    • No-fee copies for homeless individuals under specific procedures (through shelters or social workers with required letterhead; annual reporting to the Office of Homelessness Prevention).
    • No-fee birth certificate copy for homeless individuals is limited to one; additional copies subject to fee.
  • Definitions and clarifications:
    • “Fee” includes typical costs such as search, certification, processing, authentication, and mailing.
    • “Veteran” defined to include any person discharged or released from U.S. Armed Forces or the American Merchant Marine who served WWII veterans declared eligible for federal benefits; excludes dishonorable discharges.
    • “Homeless” definition aligned with Department of Community Affairs guidance; annual reporting requirement established.
  • Administrative rulemaking:
    • The Commissioner of Health must promulgate rules/regulations to implement the act under the Administrative Procedure Act.
  • Effective date:
    • The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who is affected

  • Veterans born in New Jersey (or those with birth certificates on file in New Jersey) who request a copy of their birth certificate.
  • Veterans’ estates and legally authorized family members or executors/administrators seeking a copy on behalf of the veteran.
  • Veterans who are currently homeless, through specified shelter or social work channels, may access a no-fee birth certificate copy once, with documentation.
  • State agencies, local governments, and the Office of Homelessness Prevention will have related administrative interactions, including annual reporting.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative steps already taken:
    • Introduced January 13, 2026
    • Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee
    • May 7, 2026: Reported and referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee
  • Administrative implementation:
    • The Commissioner of Health is required to issue rules and regulations to effectuate the provisions, under the Administrative Procedure Act.
  • Reporting requirements:
    • Annual accounting to the Office of Homelessness Prevention detailing every no-fee birth certificate issuance to homeless individuals (due by December 31 each year).

Practical impact

  • Veterans will have easier access to at least one free copy of their birth certificate, simplifying proof-of-age, identity, and benefits processes.
  • The bill preserves existing fee structures for subsequent copies beyond the first free one.
  • It formalizes and expands no-fee access for homeless veterans or those assisted by shelters/social workers, subject to specified verification and reporting requirements.
  • Implementation will require health department rulemaking to operationalize processes and eligibility verification.

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

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