Veterans

in committee · New York · Senate May 18, 2026

S 8055: Relates to eligibility for admission to New York state veterans' homes

Expands eligibility for admission to New York state veterans' homes to certain veterans who have an immediate family member who shall have been a resident of this state for six months prior to the date of application for admission; defines an immediate family member to include a spouse, or a birth or adoptive parent, child, sibling, stepparent, stepchild, stepsibling, grandparent and grandchild; requires, where applicable, the immediate family member of a veteran applicant to file an affidavit of New York state residence; authorizes veterans with an immediate family member who has been a New York state resident for six months to be entitle to admission to the Long Island state veterans home at Stony Brook university.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands eligibility for state veterans' homes by including veterans with qualifying family residents, directly advancing access to housing benefits.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

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in committee · New York · Senate May 18, 2026

S 1250: Enacts the "military experience recognized for institutional transfer (MERIT) act"

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill enables veterans to earn college credit for military training, expanding higher education access at SUNY/CUNY institutions.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides academic credit recognition for veterans' military training, advancing educational benefits and easing college transition for veterans.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

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in committee · New York · Senate May 14, 2026

S 9851: Expands the veterans' services commission

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.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill expands the Veterans' Services Commission by adding members representing veterans and their families, strengthening oversight and support.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

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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 · New York · Senate May 14, 2026

S 7942: Dedicates a portion of the state highway system to Lieutenant Roland "The Gator" Ward

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.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransHonors veteran service via symbolic highway dedication, aligning with recognition as a support indicator per topic description.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

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in committee · New York · Senate May 14, 2026

S 7114: Relates to obtaining military credit for members of the New York state and local police and fire retirement system, the New York city police pension fund, and the New York city fire pension fund

Relates to obtaining military credit for members of the New York state and local police and fire retirement system, the New York city police pension fund, and the New York city fire pension fund; provides that the calculation for military credit shall be equal to the product of the number of years of military service being claimed and three percent of such member's compensation earned during the twelve months of credited service.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides military service credit toward retirement benefits for police/fire members, enhancing veterans' retirement compensation through expanded credit calculation.95% 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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in committee · New York · Senate May 12, 2026

S 9315: 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 ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides pre-release briefings for incarcerated veterans to access benefits, aiding reintegration and reducing recidivism through targeted rehabilitation support.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransDirects pre-release briefings for incarcerated veterans on available benefits and application process, improving access to existing services and benefits.95% 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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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 28, 2026

S 7850: Relates to the issuance of a New York State Cold War Commemorative Medal

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.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill authorizes a commemorative medal for Cold War veterans' service, directly recognizing their contributions per topic description.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

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