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 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.
Relates to certificates of honorable separation from or service in the armed forces of the United States; provides that such certificates shall be forwarded to the appropriate local veterans' service agency within 60 days of receipt.
Includes the Space Force as being members of the armed forces or veterans eligible for certain credits and benefits that are available to other active and veteran members of the armed forces.
This bill requires New York's Department of Veterans' Services to create and maintain a centralized online employment portal for veterans with disabilities. The portal must link to federal and state resources like the U.S. Department of Labor, New York State Department of Labor, and civil service programs, including the existing veterans with disabilities employment program under Section 55-c of the Civil Service Law. The department must update the portal annually and may also provide printed versions of the information. This directly affects veterans with disabilities in New York seeking employment by improving access to existing support services.
This bill designates the state of New York as a "purple heart state" to honor combat veterans for their service and sacrifice. It directly affects the state's official branding and public recognition of veterans, with no new programs or funding. The key provision adds a new section to state law stating New York is a "purple heart state," which would be reflected in state communications, signage, or official materials. The designation is purely symbolic, with no concrete policy changes or obligations for veterans' benefits. (Note: As a commemorative resolution, this summary is concise per procedural bill guidelines.)
This bill (A 8237) designates a specific segment of State Route 35 in Westchester County (from US Route 202 to Route 100 in Somers) as a ceremonial dedication to Westchester Purple Heart Recipients. The law requires the transportation commissioner to install and maintain signs reading "Highway Dedicated to Westchester Purple Heart Recipients" along this route. Crucially, the bill clarifies this is purely symbolic - no official highway name change will occur, and the dedication is intended to avoid disrupting commerce. It does not alter traffic regulations or create new benefits for recipients. The bill was signed into law on September 10, 2025.
This bill (S 5769) designates a specific stretch of New York State Route 21 (from its intersection with Route 96 to Latting Road and Standpipe Road in Manchester, Ontario County) for commemorative purposes. It requires the Department of Transportation to install and maintain a ceremonial sign reading "Highway Dedicated to TSgt Kory Wade" along that route. The bill explicitly states this is purely ceremonial and does not change the official highway name or affect commerce. It was signed into law by the governor on September 10, 2025.