Diegnan, Van Drew Bill That Helps Veterans, Military Service Members Obtain Housing Advances from Senate

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Patrick J. Diegnan and Senator Jeff Van Drew that would require landlords to count federal military or veteran housing allowances as income when determining whether a prospective tenant who is a veteran or military service member meets any applicable minimum income qualifications to rent advanced from the Senate today.  The bill will be known as the “Securing Electronic Records for Veterans Ease” (SERVE) Act

“The SERVE Act will help our brave men and women secure burden-free housing as they seek higher education through the GI bill,” said Senator Diegnan (D-Middlesex). “This simple fix reduces a hardship for our veterans and service members by ensuring a comfortable home in which they and their families can live while those who have honorably served our country earns his or her education.”

Under S-2447, a military service member or veteran would have to present documentation issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to a landlord or their agent stating they are receiving a federal military or veteran housing allowance.

“The SERVE Act would incredibly beneficial for individuals who do not have an income because they are attending higher education through the GI bill.  Requiring landlords to acknowledge housing allowances will be advantageous for veterans as they seek housing,” said Senator Van Drew (D-Atlantic/ Cape May/Cumberland).

The “Securing Electronic Records for Veterans Ease Act” was released from the full Senate by a vote of 39-0.