TRENTON — Legislation introduced by Assemblyman Sgt. Robert Andrzejczak that would exempt veterans with disabilities from certain fees for home adaptations that would facilitate mobility in their residences was advanced by an Assembly panel on Thurs.
The bill (A-2299) would require municipalities to exempt veterans with service-related disabilities or their caretakers from the entire cost of construction permit surcharge fees or enforcing agency fees for any construction, reconstruction, alteration or improvement done in an effort to increase the home’s accessibility.
“To show our gratitude for the sacrifices they made in defending our nation’s freedom, we ought to do whatever we can to ease New Jersey veterans’ transitions to civilian life,” said Andrzejczak (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland), a disabled veteran who lost a leg during a grenade attack in Iraq. “By alleviating some of the financial hardship that comes with home modification, this bill will allow our state to express appreciation for those who gave so much of themselves for the sake of this country.”
The legislation would appropriate $20,000 for municipal reimbursements, for which municipalities may apply via the Department of Community Affairs.
Under current law, municipalities may enact ordinances declaring fee exemptions for veterans with disabilities but are not required to do so.
The bill was released by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
