It is hereby declared to be the public policy of the State to maintain, secure and protect the civil and property rights of persons in the military service, as hereinafter defined, and of employees who are members of the organized militia or members of a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States.

All the provisions of this act shall be liberally construed for the accomplishment of this purpose.

This act shall be deemed an exercise of the police power of the State, for the protection of the public welfare, prosperity, health and peace of the people of the State.

L.1979, c. 317, s. 1, eff. Jan. 18, 1980.