The New Jersey Senate passed legislation sponsored by Senators Anthony Bucco and Joseph Pennacchio allowing veterans to use alternative forms to apply for a county veteran identification card. The bill also expands access to members of the National Guard who have served outside of New Jersey.

Senators’ Anthony Bucco and Joseph Pennacchio’s bill simplifies the process of accessing a county veteran ID card; expands access for National Guard members.

“All veterans, including those who have served nationwide in the National Guard, should be able to easily access the benefits they have earned,” Senator Bucco (R-Morris) said. “Thousands have already gone through the process of receiving a veteran ID card from their county. Allowing service members to supply approved separation forms other than a DD-214 will encourage more veterans to participate in programs for the military throughout the state.”

Currently, veterans must submit a DD-214 form in order to be eligible to receive a county veteran identification card. The Senators’ bill, S-1534/1771 Scs, would allow other approved separation forms, as specified by all branches of the military, to be accepted from an applicant for a county veteran identification card.

“A county veteran identification card is essential to ensuring service members can take advantage of opportunities to succeed when they return home to New Jersey,” Senator Pennacchio (R-Essex, Morris, Passaic) said. “I have heard from far too many veterans in my district who were unable to access this designation. We have a responsibility to support these brave heroes on and off the battlefield. Today’s Senate passage is a strong step forward in that direction.”

All NJ #veterans, including those who served nationwide in @NationalGuard, should be able to easily access a vet ID https://t.co/ypjpvqSLW8

— Sen. Anthony Bucco (@tonybucco) August 1, 2016

Under the bill, veterans who have served in the National Guard in other states would now be eligible to receive a veteran ID card in New Jersey. Currently, only veterans who have served in the National Guard in this state are eligible to receive the identification.

The Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs would be required to assist in the identification and verification of acceptable forms of separation. The bill now awaits action in the Assembly.

“We thank Senate Military and Veterans Committee Chair Beach for his work on our bipartisan legislation to ensure all New Jersey Veterans can access the support they deserve,” Senators Bucco and Pennacchio added.

We have a responsibility to support veterans Easing access to vet IDcards is a strong step forward in that direction https://t.co/H8WG5VXSzo

— Sen. Joe Pennacchio (@joepennacchio) August 1, 2016

S-1534/1771 Scs is among many New Jersey Senate Republican bills to fight for equal opportunities for the disabled, and protections and care for those who safeguard our nation from harm.