Enacts the "military experience recognized for institutional transfer (MERIT) act"; grants academic credit for veterans with regard to SUNY and CUNY college credits for military learning, training, coursework and occupational experience.
This bill expands the Veterans' Services Commission by increasing the number of appointed members from thirteen to fifteen and adding several new ex officio members. The changes allow for additional representation from veterans' service organizations, local agency directors, family members of veterans, and individuals with expertise in areas like healthcare, education, and legal issues specific to veterans. The commission will continue to coordinate state agency operations related to veterans' services, study issues affecting veterans and their families, and submit annual reports to the governor and legislature. One of the existing members, including the adjutant general, will be designated as chairperson, and the commission is required to meet at least quarterly. The bill also mandates that the state department maintain a public webpage listing all commission members, their appointment details, and meeting minutes.
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.
This bill ceremonially dedicates a specific segment of State Route 42 in Fallsburg, Sullivan County (from Railroad Plaza to 5286-5288 Main Street) to honor Lieutenant Roland "The Gator" Ward. It requires installing commemorative signage but explicitly states the highway's official name will not change. The dedication is purely symbolic, with no alteration to the road's legal designation or impact on transportation operations.
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.
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.
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.
This bill increases monthly personal needs allowances for residents in specific care facilities. It raises the amount from $55 to $140 per month for residents of residential health care facilities (like nursing homes), and from $35 to $89 per month for residents of developmental disability or mental health facilities. Veterans with reduced VA pensions in nursing homes will receive allowances matching their pension amount (capped at $196/month). These changes apply to individuals eligible for federal Supplemental Security Income or state payments, effective January 2027.
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.
Requires the department of veterans' services to establish and maintain, in consultation and collaboration with other state agencies, a searchable database on the department's website providing resources available in the state for veterans, members of the uniformed services, and their families.
