Enacts the "New York veteran digital navigator program act"; requires the state commissioner of the department of veterans' services to establish a program to promote digital citizenship, through which the state commissioner shall award grants to eligible entities.
Requires the department of motor vehicles compile a list of veterans who apply for a veteran driver's license and provide such list to the department of veterans' services to aid in outreach efforts by the department of veterans' services.
This bill adds veterans to the list of protected classes under New York's housing discrimination law. It prohibits landlords, property owners, and housing providers from refusing to rent, sell, or lease housing accommodations based solely on a person's veteran status. The law applies to both publicly-assisted housing (Section 1) and general housing, land, or commercial space (Section 2). These changes take effect immediately upon enactment.
Expands the definition of veteran to include members of the commissioned corps of the NOAA and the commissioned corps of the public health service; expands access to certain benefits to those who served in the commissioned corps of the NOAA and the commissioned corps of the public health service.
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.
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.
Protects veterans from fraud and unaccredited representatives; institutes a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for violation; establishes the class A misdemeanor crime of unaccredited representation of a veteran; establishes a veterans' services fund.
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 increases the real property tax exemption for combat veterans from 10% to 35% of their property's assessed value. It directly affects veterans who served in combat zones and received specific military medals (like campaign ribbons or expeditionary medals). The exemption is capped at $40,000 or the equivalent based on local tax rates, whichever is lower. The change applies to properties assessed on or after January 1, 2026.
Bill A 5943 provides veterans of the United States armed forces with free access to all state parks and recreational facilities. Under this bill, eligible veterans can obtain a lifetime pass that grants them admission without charge. These passes will be available at regional park headquarters and other designated locations. The relevant state office is responsible for determining the pass's form and developing the necessary rules for its implementation.
