New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill AR36

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Memorializes Department of Defense to authorize changes on certain military service forms of veterans who are transgender.

Impact

AR36 highlights the challenges that transgender veterans encounter when obtaining benefits. The current policy of the Department of Defense does not allow for changes to the DD Form 214, which is viewed as a historical document that must remain unchanged. Consequently, when a veteran's name and gender do not match the information on this form, it can lead to difficulties in applying for employment preference, medical assistance, and other vital services. The resolution aims to facilitate smoother access to these benefits, promoting fairness and reducing stigma in the process.

Summary

Assembly Resolution No. 36 (AR36) seeks to address the barriers faced by transgender military veterans in the United States regarding the DD Form 214, which is the official document issued to service members upon release or discharge. The resolution memorializes the Secretary of Defense to authorize modifications to this document, enabling veterans to change it to reflect their current legal names and genders following a gender transition. This change is aimed at reducing the complications these individuals face when accessing post-service benefits, which can be significantly hampered by discrepancies in official records.

Contention

Debate surrounding AR36 may revolve around the implications of modifying official military records. Supporters argue that allowing these changes is essential for the dignity and rights of transgender veterans, fostering inclusivity and justice within the military system. On the other hand, some may contend that altering historical documents contradicts the purpose of these records. Hence, while the resolution aims to alleviate significant challenges, it could also stir controversy regarding precedent and the integrity of military documentation.

Companion Bills

NJ SR36

Same As Memorializes Department of Defense to authorize changes on certain military service forms of veterans who are transgender.

Previously Filed As

NJ AR70

Memorializes Department of Defense to authorize changes on certain military service forms of veterans who are transgender.

NJ A08967

Renames the veterans' services law the veterans and military families law; renames the department of veterans' services the department of veterans and military families; requires the department of veterans and military families to provide certain services to military families.

NJ AJR63

Urges United States Department of Defense and New Jersey Civil Service Commission to permit civil service examinations during deployment.

NJ SB2026

Counties; authorizing grandchildren of veterans to view certain military discharge papers. Effective date.

NJ S7002

OGSR/Department of Military Affairs/United States Department of Defense

NJ SB492

authorizing the department of military affairs and veterans services to license and lease property in which the department holds a property interest.

NJ A10892

Authorizes the department of motor vehicles to accept a certificate of release or discharge from active duty issued by the United States department of defense (DD form 214), a veteran identification card issued by the United States department of veterans affairs, or a veterans health identification card issued by the United States department of veterans affairs from veterans of the military as acceptable proofs of identity when applying for a driver license or state identification card.

NJ S09419

Authorizes the department of motor vehicles to accept a certificate of release or discharge from active duty issued by the United States department of defense (DD form 214), a veteran identification card issued by the United States department of veterans affairs, or a veterans health identification card issued by the United States department of veterans affairs from veterans of the military as acceptable proofs of identity when applying for a driver license or state identification card.

NJ S0336

Gay and Transgender Panic Legal Defenses

NJ H0317

Gay and Transgender Panic Legal Defenses

Similar Bills

NJ AR70

Memorializes Department of Defense to authorize changes on certain military service forms of veterans who are transgender.

HI SR8

Urging The Governor To Take Action To Protect Transgender Members Of The Hawaii National Guard From Discriminatory Federal Policy And Permit Qualified Transgender Service Members To Continue Their Service.

HI HR3

Urging The Governor To Take Action To Protect Transgender Members Of The Hawaii National Guard From Discriminatory Federal Policy And Permit Qualified Transgender Service Members To Continue Their Service.

HI HCR4

Urging The Governor To Take Action To Protect Transgender Members Of The Hawaii National Guard From Discriminatory Federal Policy And Permit Qualified Transgender Service Members To Continue Their Service.

HI SCR10

Urging The Governor To Take Action To Protect Transgender Members Of The Hawaii National Guard From Discriminatory Federal Policy And Permit Qualified Transgender Service Members To Continue Their Service.

US SR408

A resolution recognizing September 20, 2025, as "National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day".

VA HR455

Commending Bree Fram.

PA HR433

Recognizing March 31, 2026, as "Transgender Day of Visibility" in Pennsylvania.