This bill expands property tax exemptions for veterans living together in the same household. It adds up to a 7.5% exemption (capped at $6,000) for non-combat veterans sharing a home, and up to a 5% exemption (capped at $4,000) for veterans who served in combat zones. Local governments must adopt these provisions through public hearings and local ordinances to implement the additional tax breaks. The changes directly affect qualifying veterans living with other veterans and require local jurisdictions to formally approve the exemptions.
Directs the commissioner of veterans' services to establish a registry of self-identifying service members, veterans and family members of such individuals who may have experienced exposure to a hazardous substance at a military installation and to establish and maintain a public information program in order to educate and inform service members, veterans, and their families.
Revises the New York state veteran's memorial and monument registry such that it is easier to navigate; relates to the updating and availability of the registry.
Bill A 8061 creates a "women veterans history trail" to recognize and celebrate the history of women in service. The Department of Veterans' Services will develop and designate this trail, consulting with the New York State Military Museum, Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the State Historian. The trail will feature various sites like museums, memorials, and historic homes. The department will solicit recommendations from local governments, individuals, and organizations for inclusions in the trail. Public information about the trail will be available through the department's website, a free mobile application, and digital veterans' welcome kiosks.
This bill updates the statewide goal for service-disabled veteran-owned business enterprises to secure eight percent of state contracts, increasing the current target of six percent. The change directly affects state procurement departments and veteran-owned businesses by raising the participation benchmark they are expected to meet. By amending the veterans' services law, the legislation sets a new numerical target for future contract awards without altering the underlying process for selecting vendors.
Establishes a veterans' bill of rights; provides sample language for such bill of rights; requires the department of veterans' services to establish and distribute a veterans' bill of rights and to make such bill of rights available on the department's website.
This bill expands the definition of "period of war" for a veterans' property tax exemption to include recent military service. It adds specific conflicts: the Global War on Terrorism (starting September 11, 2001), and U.S. military operations in Somalia (1992-1994), Bosnia (1995-2004), and Kosovo (1999-1999) to the existing list. Veterans who served during these newly defined periods will now qualify for the tax exemption. The change directly affects veterans whose service falls within these added conflict dates. The bill amends existing law to clarify which military service periods count for the exemption.
Requires the department of health to consult with the office of addiction services and supports, the office for the prevention of domestic violence, and the department of veterans' services for purposes of administering the traumatic brain injury program and state policies with respect to traumatic brain injuries; adds the commissioner or executive director of such offices or departments to the traumatic brain injury services coordinating council.
Relates to veterans' health care; creates a veteran health care review to ensure veterans and their families have access to health and mental health treatment, including for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, military sexual trauma, reproductive and mental health conditions, and suicide prevention.
This bill expands real property tax exemptions to veterans who served in designated combat zones or theaters of operation. To qualify, veterans must provide proof of their service through specific military documents, such as discharge papers, campaign medals, or records showing they received hostile fire pay. If eligible, the bill allows these veterans to reduce their property taxes by up to ten percent of their home's assessed value, with a maximum benefit capped at eight thousand dollars. The law takes effect immediately upon passage and applies to qualifying residential properties.
