The New Jersey Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee on Feb. 20 released S202, a bill that would require a university to study the economic impact of military installations in the state and appropriate $155,000 to fund the work.

The committee’s chair called the bill for introduction and noted it had been prefiled for the 2026–2027 session and updated to reflect technical review. Several organizations recorded support without testifying, including the New Jersey State Veterans Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey, the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the VFW Department of New Jersey.

“I think it’s important to have an objective baseline on the economic contributions of our installations,” a committee reader said during introduction. Supporters emphasized the study would quantify local economic impacts and help shape policy.

A motion to release S202 passed unanimously on the committee roll call. The committee vote recorded Senators Tybur, Space, Vice Chair Cruz Perez and the chair as voting yes. No amendments were taken during the hearing; the bill will proceed to the next steps in the legislative process.

The committee noted the bill is at its initial reference and technical review changes were incorporated. No witnesses requested to testify in person and no formal objections were recorded during the hearing.