Singleton Bill to Make National Guard Members Eligible for Certain Veterans’ Benefits Signed into Law

Trenton – Legislation sponsored by Senator Troy Singleton, which will make New Jersey National Guard members who have been issued an NGB-22 form eligible for certain veterans’ benefits, was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy today.

The law will 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.

“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 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. S-2538, now law, clarifies that an NGB-22 form is also exempt from access as a public record.