Cryan-Vitale Bill Establishing Cabinet-Level Department of Veterans Affairs Signed Into Law

TRENTON – Governor Murphy has signed into law legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Vitale and Senator Joe Cryan establishing a new cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs in New Jersey, separating veterans’ services from the state’s military operations. 

“New Jersey’s veterans deserve nothing less than a government fully committed to their well-being because of all that they sacrificed serving our nation,” said Senator Vitale (D-Middlesex County). Veterans need to know their voices are being heard and their needs prioritized. This bill reflects that commitment by giving them a dedicated seat at the table and a department that works only for them. It was an honor to have devoted nearly three years to crafting this new cabinet-level position alongside my colleagues, Senators Cryan and Johnson, Assemblywoman Tucker, the Murphy administration, and veterans’ organizations.”

The law, S-4376, reorganizes the existing Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) by transferring all veteran-specific programs into the newly created Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). Programs focusing solely on military readiness and National Guard operations will remain under a restructured Department of Military Affairs.

 The new DVA will oversee services including housing, healthcare, mental health programs, and benefits for veterans and their families—providing a more focused agency solely dedicated to their needs.

“Our veterans have made extraordinary sacrifices in service to our country, our security, and our way of life,” said Senator Cryan (D-Union). “They deserve more than our gratitude for answering the call to duty. They should get our continued commitment to their health and well-being with a department that is dedicated to their needs. The newly-created Department of Veterans Affairs will elevate veterans’ priorities, provide timely services, deliver benefits more effectively, and treat them with the dignity they have earned.” 

“The fearless men and women who risked their lives to defend our country deserve to know that New Jersey has their backs as they navigate civilian life. With the creation of the Department of Veterans Affairs, we are affirming our commitment to supporting these heroes and their families,” said Senator Gordon Johnson. “This new agency will more efficiently connect our vets to critical services like healthcare and housing, and ensure veterans are duly considered and represented in all matters of state government. It’s about delivering the care, respect, and visibility they have earned in service to us all.”

The measure mirrors the model of several other states, including New York, California, and Texas, which have created separate agencies to better serve their veteran populations.