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VAN DREW BILL TO EXEMPT DISABLED VETERANS FROM CONSTRUCTION-RELATED FEES NOW LAW

Senator Jeff Van Drew, D-Cape May and Cumberland, speaks about legislation during a meeting of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

Measure Will Exempt Disabled Veterans From Fees For Construction, Improvement To Structures Promoting Home Accessibility

 

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Jeff Van Drew to exempt disabled veterans, or their caretakers, from having to pay fees for the construction or improvement of structures to promote accessibility to their homes is now law.

 

“Soldiers returning from war with lost limbs, brain injuries and other conditions that limit their mobility have already paid an enormous price to our country. Asking them to pay a fee for the construction of a ramp or other accommodation they need so they can gain access to their home is outright offensive,” said Senator Van Drew (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). “This kind of project should be exempt from fees – no questions asked.”

 

Municipalities currently have the option of exempting all disabled persons from the fees by ordinance. The law (S-239) makes it a requirement that a municipality exempt 100% disabled veterans, or their caretakers, from the payment of any construction permit surcharge fee or enforcing agency fee for any construction, reconstruction, alteration, or improvement designed and undertaken solely to promote accessibility by the disabled veteran to his own living unit.

 

The bill cleared the Legislature unanimously. It takes effect immediately.