TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chair Troy Singleton that would make New Jersey National Guard members who have been issued an NGB-22 form eligible for certain veterans’ benefits cleared the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee today.
The NGB-22 form is a National Guard discharge document similar to a DD-214 form issued to veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Current law exempts certificates of honorable discharge from the reserves or the organized militia from access as a public record, but only the DD-214 is specifically mentioned. This bill clarifies that an NGB-22 form is also exempt from access as a public record.
“In addition to its domestic service, the National Guard has seen its mission expand to defending our country’s interests around the world,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington). “This law ensures that there is no delineation in that service when it comes to veteran benefits earned by National guardsmen and women.”
The bill, S-2538, would allow members of New Jersey National Guard with an NGB-22 form to receive certain benefits designated for veterans. Under the bill, a member of the New Jersey National Guard with an NGB-22 would be eligible for a veteran identification card and the display of veteran status on a driver’s licenses.
The bill was released from committee by a vote of 4-0, and next heads to the full Senate for further consideration.