Requires that the state university of New York's board of trustees and the city university of New York's board of trustees shall each adopt a policy requiring all state university of New York, city university of New York, college, and community college campuses that offer membership programs to the general public for the use of fitness and aquatic facilities, to permit disabled veterans to obtain a membership for the use of fitness and aquatic facilities upon the same terms and conditions as apply to the general public, but without payment of any fees or other charges, or at a discounted rate; defines "disabled veteran".
Establishes the congressional chartered veterans service organizations fund; provides for gifts made to such fund on an individual's personal income tax return.
Relates to defining veteran; includes national guard members who have served for at least twenty years, part of which was during any war or period of hostilities.
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.
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.
This bill designates the fourth Thursday in March as "Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day" in New York State. It adds this date to the existing list of official commemorative days in the state's law, which already includes days honoring figures like Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks. The bill does not create new programs or funding - it simply establishes a recognized day to honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military aviators in U.S. history. The designation applies statewide to all government and educational institutions.
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.
