Veterans

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8365: Provides for a preference for activated members of the New York army national guard or the New York air national guard for competitive examinations

Provides for a preference for activated members of the New York army national guard or the New York air national guard serving during declared state disaster emergencies for competitive examinations for original appointment or promotion.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides employment preference for activated National Guard members during disasters, directly supporting veteran employment opportunities through competitive examination advantages.92% confidence

Sub-Topics National Guard & Reserve

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signed · New York · Senate Dec 19, 2025

S 2068: Establishes an active service exemption

Authorizes municipalities to offer a real property tax exemption for active military 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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates property tax exemption for military members, providing tax relief. Aligns with support indicators for tax relief in Budget & Taxes.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransTax exemption for combat zone service recognizes military sacrifice, directly supporting veterans through financial benefit95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5418: Authorizes localities to waive citizenship requirements for certain police and firefighters in their jurisdictions

This bill (S 5418) allows New York cities, counties, towns, and fire/police districts to waive citizenship requirements for police and firefighter candidates who provide proof of an honorable military discharge from U.S. or New York military service (including National Guard or Naval Militia). It directly affects non-citizen applicants with military service history who would otherwise be ineligible due to citizenship rules. The key provision amends state law to permit local governing bodies to exempt these candidates from citizenship requirements if they submit verified military discharge documentation. This creates a pathway for qualified military veterans to serve in local emergency services roles without U.S. citizenship.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationEnables non-citizen veterans with military service to serve as police/firefighters, supporting immigrant integration by removing citizenship barriers for this group.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAllows veterans with honorable military discharge to qualify for police/firefighter roles by waiving citizenship requirements, directly supporting veteran employment opportunities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Citizenship & Naturalization Driver Licenses & IDs National Guard & Reserve

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jun 17, 2025

A 8822: Authorizes additional paid leave for public employees who are absent on military duty

This bill increases paid leave for public employees absent due to military duty from 30 days to 60 days per year. It allows up to 60 days or 52 workdays (whichever is greater) for military service in a single calendar year or continuous period. The change applies to all public employees, including state and local government workers, who serve in the military. The law amends existing military duty leave provisions to extend the paid absence period.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands paid military leave from 30 to 60 days for public employees, strengthening worker benefits and protections under Labor & Employment policies.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExtends paid military duty leave to 60 days for public employees, supporting veteran employment by preventing income loss during service.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Paid Leave

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in committee · New York · Senate May 6, 2025

S 1040: Relates to the issuance of pool and health memberships to disabled veterans at certain SUNY and CUNY campuses

Requires that the state university of New York's board of trustees shall 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; defines "disabled veteran".

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransRequires SUNY/CUNY campuses to provide disabled veterans free access to fitness/aquatic facilities, expanding benefits without fees.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Education

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in committee · New York · Senate Feb 10, 2026

S 939: Establishes a fund for the creation of affordable housing

This bill creates a voluntary tax contribution option on New York state income tax returns to fund affordable housing specifically for veterans and seniors. Taxpayers can choose to donate any whole dollar amount without reducing their tax liability, with all contributions directed to the new "Affordable Housing for Veterans and Seniors Fund." The fund, managed by the tax commissioner, veterans' affairs director, and comptroller, must be used exclusively for affordable housing projects serving these groups, with annual reports detailing how funds were spent and distributed. The bill requires yearly spending reports to state officials and the public, ensuring transparency in fund utilization.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesVoluntary tax contribution creates new fund for affordable housing, increasing public service funding through tax mechanisms without reducing liability.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates dedicated fund for affordable housing targeting veterans/seniors, explicitly advancing housing access through voluntary tax contributions.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill creates dedicated fund for veteran housing via voluntary tax contributions, directly funding housing services for veterans as specified in summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Income Tax Affordable Housing Veteran Housing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4528: Relates to free use of state parks, recreation facilities and historic sites by veterans

New York State bill S 4528 allows eligible veterans who are residents of New York to use state parks, recreation facilities, and historic sites without paying any fees, including entrance, parking, or camping charges. It directly affects New York resident veterans who served honorably (discharged other than bad conduct or dishonorable), including those with qualifying conditions or who are LGBT veterans. The bill requires the parks and recreation departments to create an information program - such as website updates - to help veterans access these free benefits and to develop implementing rules. This policy change removes financial barriers for veterans, making state recreational resources accessible at no cost under specific eligibility criteria.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill grants eligible New York veterans free access to state parks and facilities, directly expanding benefits and recognition without restrictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3525: Provides for the exemption of disabled veterans of the armed forces of the United States from New York state thruway tolls

This bill exempts New York State-resident disabled veterans certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Department of Defense for war-related disabilities from paying tolls on the New York State Thruway. It amends two laws to create this exemption, requiring veterans to have official certification of disability payments tied to wartime service. The change directly affects eligible veterans by removing a financial burden for using the Thruway. The policy modifies existing toll collection rules without altering other Thruway fees or requirements.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExempts disabled veterans with war-related disabilities from tolls, reducing financial burden and directly advancing veteran benefits per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Education

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7538: Authorizes the state mortgage agency to purchase veterans' assisted forward commitment mortgages from banks within the state

Authorizes the state mortgage agency to purchase veterans' assisted forward commitment mortgages from banks within the state; requires the board of directors of the state mortgage agency to establish income limits for eligible veterans from time to time.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill enables state mortgage agency to purchase veterans' mortgages with income limits, targeting affordable housing access for veterans within housing policy framework.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAuthorizes state to purchase veterans' mortgages, expanding housing benefits and establishing income limits for targeted veteran eligibility.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mortgages Veteran Housing

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failed · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5757: Provides for certain fee exemptions for disabled veterans

Bill A 5757 grants disabled veterans seven free days of sporting activity in New York State. These veterans, regardless of residency, would be exempt from fees normally required for licenses or permits under the environmental conservation law. The commissioner of environmental conservation is responsible for defining what constitutes a disability for this program and for adopting necessary rules and regulations for its implementation.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransGrants disabled veterans fee exemptions for sporting activities, expanding access to state recreational benefits and services.95% confidence

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