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.
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.
Authorizes the presentation of a New York State Cold War Commemorative Medal for active duty during the period of September 2, 1945 through December 26, 1991.
This bill creates a new property tax exemption for the primary residence of veterans with a 100% service-connected disability. It applies to veterans who were honorably discharged, have a 100% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and meet specific criteria like permanent total disability or receipt of VA benefits. The exemption fully removes property taxes and special assessments for qualifying veterans' primary homes, in addition to existing tax benefits. The law takes effect for tax assessments dated October 1, 2026, and does not reduce a property's taxable value below zero.
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.
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.
This bill authorizes veteran organizations and volunteer fire companies to use electronic bell jar vending machines for fundraising. The machines dispense pre-printed tickets with predetermined winners and fixed prize values, but must be approved by the New York State Gaming Commission and operate only for members of these organizations. Key safeguards include prohibiting casino-style operations, requiring machines to track sales and report to the commission, and restricting use to licensed groups under strict rules to distinguish them from slot machines. The bill aims to modernize charitable gaming while maintaining oversight and preventing expansion into commercial gambling.
Provides a legacy credit to the children and siblings of veterans who were killed in the line of duty including veterans who were disabled as a result of their service, exposed to toxic substances, or presumptive conditions determined by the department of veterans affairs.
This bill (A 6188) formally dedicates a specific bridge on I-88 in Rotterdam (where Becker Road crosses the interstate) to honor CW2 John M. Grassia III, a military veteran. The legislation requires the state transportation commissioner to install and maintain ceremonial signage stating "Bridge Dedicated to CW2 John M. Grassia III" on the bridge. Crucially, the bill clarifies this is purely symbolic and does not change the bridge's official name or affect highway operations. It has no policy impact beyond this commemorative naming. The bill passed the Assembly and was referred to the Senate on June 9, 2025.
This bill would allow local governments (counties, cities, towns, villages, or school districts) to create a property tax exemption for the primary residence of veterans with a 100% service-connected disability. To qualify, veterans must have an honorable discharge, a 100% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and be permanently and totally disabled due to military service. The exemption covers all real property taxes, special district charges, and assessments on their primary home. This policy change directly affects veterans meeting these specific criteria, providing them with tax relief on their main residence starting with 2026 assessment rolls.
