Veterans

passed both · New York · Assembly May 14, 2026

A 10418: Expands the veterans' services commission

This bill expands the New York Veterans' Services Commission by adding two additional voting members and several non-voting ex officio members to improve oversight of veteran services. The legislation requires the governor to appoint fifteen total members, including veterans and individuals with expertise in areas like healthcare, education, and veterans' benefits, while also including state agency heads as non-voting members. Key provisions mandate quarterly meetings, require the commission to study issues affecting veterans and their families, and establish a public website to display member information and meeting minutes. The bill also clarifies appointment processes, term lengths, and the commission's duty to submit annual reports to the governor and legislature.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill expands Veterans' Services Commission with additional members to improve oversight and services for veterans, directly strengthening veteran support infrastructure.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

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passed both · New York · Senate May 14, 2026

S 8440: Dedicates a portion of the state highway system to Sgt Henry Johnson

Dedicates the bridge located on Interstate 90, designated as Bridge Number 1092839, which crosses over the Hudson River in the cities of Albany and Rensselaer to Sgt Henry Johnson.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill dedicates a bridge to Sgt Henry Johnson (veteran), providing recognition per topic description's 'recognition' indicator.80% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

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passed both · New York · Assembly May 12, 2026

A 10163: Relates to pre-release briefings for incarcerated veterans regarding available federal and state benefits

Directs the department of veterans' services to conduct pre-release briefings for incarcerated veterans regarding available federal and state benefits available to veterans and their families and how to apply for such benefits.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransDirects pre-release briefings for incarcerated veterans on accessing federal/state benefits, improving access to existing support services.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

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passed · New York · Assembly May 4, 2026

A 11022: Relates to making widely available information on programs related to the hiring of veterans

Directs the department of veterans' services and the department of economic development to make available on their website information about federal and state programs available to businesses that employ veterans.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill promotes hiring veterans, strengthening labor market inclusion and employment opportunities.80% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill mandates making hiring programs for veterans widely available, directly supporting veteran employment and economic integration.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

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passed · New York · Assembly Apr 27, 2026

A 8722: Establishes a credit for military spouses and surviving spouses of veterans for competitive examinations

Establishes a credit for military spouses and surviving spouses of veterans for competitive examinations whether for original appointment or promotion.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides employment credit for veteran spouses, directly advancing family benefits tied to military service95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

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signed · New York · Senate Mar 27, 2026

S 8790: Establishes the combat zone service exemption

Authorizes municipalities to offer a real property tax exemption for combat zone service members who at any time during the taxable year performed active duty in the armed forces in a combat zone; defines terms; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates real property tax exemption for combat zone service members, providing targeted tax relief that aligns with supporting tax policy for specific groups.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides tax exemption for combat veterans, directly expanding benefits and recognizing service through municipal property tax relief.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

passed · New York · Assembly Mar 16, 2026

A 10362: Directs the veterans service commission to submit a report regarding coordinated services for veterans with service-connected disabilities

Directs the veterans service commission to submit a report regarding coordinated services for veterans with service-connected disabilities to the commissioner of veterans' services by April 1, 2029.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill directs veterans service commission to submit report on coordinated services for veterans with service-connected disabilities, indicating intent to improve and strengthen veteran support systems.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

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passed · New York · Assembly Mar 16, 2026

A 10420: Requires the department of veterans' services to provide certain assistance to veterans

Requires the department of veterans' services to provide legal and/or technical support to veterans who want to change their discharged status to honorable because such person was dishonorably or administratively discharged from the armed services due to sexual orientation.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill mandates department of veterans' services to provide legal/technical support to veterans seeking to change discharged status due to sexual orientation, directly advancing veteran benefits and services.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

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signed · New York · Assembly Feb 13, 2026

A 9476: Relates to the veterans tuition awards program; repealer

This bill expands New York's veterans tuition awards program by allowing qualified veterans to transfer unused benefits to eligible family members, including spouses, children, or financially dependent survivors. It defines "eligible immediate family member" and sets key rules: transfers are one-time only, children receiving benefits must be under 26, and annual transfers are capped at 100. Veterans must formally designate beneficiaries through a prescribed process, and transfers cannot exceed the original award amount. The changes take effect in 2027, building on prior legislative proposals to enhance support for veterans' families.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands higher education access by allowing veterans to transfer tuition benefits to family members, increasing educational opportunity under the veterans' program.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands veterans' tuition benefits by enabling transfer to family members, strengthening program access and support for veterans' families.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · New York · Senate Feb 13, 2026

S 8785: Relates to voluntary opportunities for veterans

Requires the department of veterans' services to consult with the office of fire prevention and control and the department of health to identify the most effective ways to provide useful information to veterans about available volunteer opportunities with local volunteer fire departments and emergency services providers.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill facilitates veteran access to volunteer opportunities with fire departments, recognizing service and encouraging continued community involvement.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans