The Commissioner of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Adjutant General of Military and Veterans' Affairs, shall promulgate admission rules and regulations for public housing authorities and redevelopment agencies created pursuant to sections 17 and 21 of P.L. 1992, c.79 (C.40A:12A-17 and C.40A:12A-21), and the Department of Community Affairs, when acting as a public housing authority, to provide a housing preference for veterans and surviving spouses, as those terms are defined under subsection (h) of section 1 of P.L. 1963, c.171 (C.54:4-8.10), who qualify for public housing assistance, and for the spouses of veterans who currently so qualify.
N.J.S. § 40A:12A-20.1