Assemblyman Brian Rumpf of the 9th Legislative District has introduced two legislative measures that “would expand access for veterans to conduct business while also lifting unnecessary permitting fees for disabled veterans within New Jersey,” the lawmaker noted. Both measures were introduced at the request of constituents who served in the U.S. armed forces.

Bill A-5524 would exempt eligible veterans, as well as volunteer firefighters, from the requirement to obtain a permit for selling patriotic items; restrictions would be lifted on public beaches and public boardwalks for vending purposes; and veterans would be allowed to conduct business related to selling armed services products without certain associated fees and regulatory barriers.

The second legislative initiative, A-5525, would expand outdoor gamesmanship access for disabled veterans by establishing hunting, fishing and trapping license reciprocity. Disabled veterans visiting New Jersey would be exempt from license fees if the state they are from has the similar benefits.

Fellow 9th District Assemblyman Gregory Myhre is co-priming the legislation while Sen. Carmen Amato Jr., also of the 9th District, has introduced S-4730 and S-4473, the identical Senate companion measures.

“Veterans should not be regulated by the state to such an extreme extent,” said Rumpf. “The men and women of our armed forces deserve better than burdensome license fees and outdated restrictions.

“Disabled veterans visiting our state to enjoy New Jersey’s wildlife and outdoor sporting should not be asked to pay these unnecessary fees, especially when considering their service and sacrifice to our nation,” he added.

Upon introduction, A-5524 and A-5525 were referred to the Assembly Regulated Professions Committee and Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, respectively. The companion measures introduced Amato, S-4730 and S-4473, have been referred to the Senate Commerce Committee and the Senate Environment and Energy Committee, respectively.

Rumpf currently serves as a member of the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee and was named the 2026 VFW Legislator of the Year.