Relates to the veterans tuition awards program
This bill expands New York's veterans tuition award program to allow qualified veterans to transfer unused benefits to their spouse, child, or survivor. It defines "qualified veteran" as someone who would qualify for the award if they met enrollment requirements, and specifies who counts as an "eligible immediate family" member. Veterans can transfer all or part of their unused award, with transfers limited to children under 26 who meet service requirements (e.g., veteran served 10+ years unless discharged due to death or specific conditions). The bill caps annual transfers at 100 and requires veterans to designate beneficiaries via a form before the program's effective date in 2026.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Jun 2025
Senate Passage
Jun 2025
Assembly Passage
Jun 2025
Signed into Law
Dec 2025
Introduced Feb 4, 2025
Signed Dec 19, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
S4358
→
S4358A
·
3 edits
MINOR
This bill was amended to add a new provision limiting the number of tuition award transfers to 100 per year and to change the effective date from the 180th day after enactment to July 1, 2026. The bill also updated the sponsor list and committee reporting history, reflecting its progression through the legislative process.
Scope change
The bill's scope remains focused on expanding veterans' tuition award transfer options, but the amendment adds a numerical cap on transfers and adjusts the implementation timeline.
REQUIREMENT
Added a new subdivision (e) limiting the number of tuition award transfers to a maximum of 100 per year.
TIMELINE
Changed the effective date from '180 days after becoming law' to a fixed date of July 1, 2026.
TECHNICAL
Updated bill number to S4358-A and added California bill number 1221, reflecting legislative amendments and committee reporting history.
Floor votes · Senate May 27, 2025 · Assembly Jun 16, 2025
How they voted
59–0
Passed · 4 other
Total votes 63
May 27, 2025
D
Democratic41
92% Yea
R
Republican22
95% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
22
Key actions
5
Committee
4
Amendments
1
Dec 19, 2025
Signed into law
SIGNED CHAP.688
upper
Jun 16, 2025
Lower · Passed
PASSED ASSEMBLY
lower
Jun 12, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
lower
Jun 12, 2025
Upper · Passed
REPASSED SENATE
upper
Jun 9, 2025
Upper · Passed
AMENDED ON THIRD READING 4358A
upper
May 27, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
lower
May 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
PASSED SENATE
upper
Mar 4, 2025
Committee
REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO FINANCE
upper
Feb 4, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO VETERANS, HOMELAND SECURITY AND MILITARY AFFAIRS
upper
1 primary · 12 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Jamaal Bailey
DDemocratic/Working Families
Co
Bill Weber
RRepublican/Conservative
Co
Dean Murray
RRepublican/Conservative
Co
Jake Ashby
RRepublican/Conservative
Co
Jeremy Cooney
DDemocratic/Working Families
Co
Jessica Scarcella-Spanton
DDemocratic
Co
Joe Addabbo
DDemocratic
Co
Lea Webb
DDemocratic/Working Families
Co
Mario Mattera
RRepublican/Conservative
Co
Pam Helming
RRepublican/Conservative/Independence
Co
Pat Fahy
DDemocratic
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