2. a. It shall be the duty of the New Jersey Commission on Veterans’ Benefits to develop, maintain and annually update a five-year Statewide veterans’ benefits strategic plan that includes goals and measurable outcomes to ensure that all State departments and agencies are effectively delivering comprehensive services and support for veterans and their families in this State.

b. In developing and updating the strategic plan, the commission shall conduct an analysis to identify the various programs and benefits provided by the State to the veteran population, and to evaluate those programs to assess their status and effectiveness. Areas of analysis shall include, but need not be limited to, each existing program’s status, successes, and challenges in addressing the veteran population’s: (1) access to benefits; (2) educational, job skills, employment, and business opportunities; (3) physical and behavioral health and long-term healthcare options; (4) criminal justice issues; (5) housing opportunities and homelessness; and (6) special needs as determined by the commission. The strategic plan shall be based upon comprehensive data gained through open and transparent engagement with State departments and agencies and veterans’ stakeholders.

c. The commission shall develop recommendations to be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature to address any deficiencies in the provision of benefits and services to veterans in this State. The recommendations shall specifically address whether the existing State programs, services, and resources are adequate to meet the veteran population’s existing needs; are being used to fulfill objectives in a manner that complements and leverages State, federal, and private resources; and how they may more effectively deliver veterans’ services to all current and future veterans in the State of New Jersey.

L.2017, c.375, s.2.