Committee Advances Free Birth Certificates for Veterans
A New Jersey Assembly panel approved a bill waiving the $25 fee for one certified birth certificate for eligible veterans.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Military Jobs
Live Poll
Should New Jersey prioritize broader veterans benefit bills over small fee waivers?
The Assembly Appropriations Committee approved Assembly Bill 2355 on September 17, which would let eligible veterans request one certified New Jersey birth certificate at no charge. Extra copies would still cost the usual fee.
Why it matters
The bill would remove a $25 cost for veterans who need a birth certificate for benefits or records. Versions of the measure have been filed in every two-year session since at least 2020 without becoming law.
The state charges $25 for a first certified birth certificate, and the bill would forgo that revenue for each free certificate issued. The state does not track how many veterans order certificates annually, so the total revenue effect cannot be estimated.
The players
Joe Danielsen
Danielsen is a New Jersey Assemblyman who sponsored the free birth certificate bill for veterans.
Paul Kanitra
Kanitra is a New Jersey Assemblyman who criticized the bill as a token gesture while broader veterans legislation remains stalled.
The details
The waiver covers anyone discharged from a U.S. Armed Forces branch other than under dishonorable circumstances, along with World War II Merchant Marine members who qualify for federal veterans' benefits. Assemblyman Paul Kanitra criticized the bill as a token gesture while broader veterans bills remain stalled.
Timeline
September 14: Assembly Bill 1887 cleared the Assembly veterans committee.
September 17: The Appropriations Committee approved Assembly Bill 2355.
Roadmap
The Bringing Veterans Home bill passed the Senate 40-0 on June 30 and seeks to codify the initiative into law. The birth certificate waiver is a narrower, separate measure that moves through the Assembly while the broader package remains pending.
Eligible veterans who need a birth certificate would pay nothing for one certified copy if the bill becomes law. Additional copies would still require the standard $25 fee.
The takeaway
Veterans in New Jersey should watch whether AB 2355 reaches a full Assembly vote, since earlier versions of this waiver have not advanced to law. Pennsylvania already offers free certificates to most veterans, a benchmark that may shape the debate.
What happens next
AB 2355 now awaits a vote by the full New Jersey Assembly.
Further reading
For related coverage, see Military Jobs news.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Shore News Network.
Live Poll
Should New Jersey prioritize broader veterans benefit bills over small fee waivers?
