Veterans (Veteran Benefits)

in committee · New York · Senate Jun 11, 2025

S 5246: Expands the definition of veteran to include members of the commissioned corps of the national oceanic and atmospheric administration and the commissioned corps of the public health service

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.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands veteran definition to include NOAA/Public Health Service corps, granting access to benefits previously excluded.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5962: Relates to certain veterans and competitive civil service exam points

Relates to certain veterans; entitles them to 10 additional competitive civil service exam points if they are disabled; entitles them to 5 additional competitive civil service exam points if they are non-disabled and if they received certain medals or ribbons.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides additional civil service exam points for veterans, directly supporting employment opportunities and recognizing service through expanded benefits.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Employment

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 129: Relates to exemptions available to veterans

Relates to exemptions available to veterans; requires school districts to provide the veterans alternative exemption; establishes that costs associated with such exemption shall be borne by the state.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates state funding for veterans' school exemption costs, increasing state budget expenditure to cover district costs.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransMandates school districts provide veterans alternative exemptions with state-funded costs, expanding veteran benefits and ensuring state financial responsibility.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 408: Authorizes a veteran's close friend or family member who is reasonably familiar with such veteran's wishes to request that such veteran be buried in a state veterans' cemetery

Authorizes a veteran's close friend or family who is reasonably familiar with such veteran's wishes to request that such veteran be buried in a state veterans' cemetery.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAuthorizes family/friends to request veteran burial in state cemetery, expanding access to a recognized veterans' benefit service.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2530: Requires the notification to veterans of the availability of veterans' services free of charge by federal, state, and local veteran agencies

Requires the notification to veterans of the availability of veterans' services free of charge by federal, state, and local veteran agencies; requires certain disclosures to be provided when notifying veterans about available services; provides for civil penalties for any violations.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransMandates notification of free veteran services, improving access to existing benefits without restriction or defunding.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3225: Relates to expanding opportunities for veteran-owned business enterprises

This bill establishes a certification program for veteran-owned businesses (requiring at least 51% veteran ownership, New York operations, and meeting size standards) and creates a "Division of Veterans' Business Development" within the Office of General Services. The division will maintain a public directory of certified businesses by service type and assist state agencies in using these businesses for contracts exceeding $25,000. It directly affects veteran entrepreneurs seeking state contracts and all state agencies issuing qualifying contracts. The law requires agencies to consider certified veteran-owned businesses when awarding eligible contracts.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransEstablishes certification for veteran-owned businesses, mandates state agencies to prioritize them for contracts >$25k, directly supporting veteran entrepreneurship and economic opportunities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Employment

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4965: Waives the state application fee for all civil service examinations for all veterans

This bill (S 4965) requires the New York State civil service department to waive all application fees for veterans taking civil service examinations for government jobs. It directly affects all veterans applying for state or municipal civil service positions, including those who served in the U.S. armed forces, National Guard, or New York Guard. The key provision mandates that the state must eliminate these fees for veterans, as defined by law (including honorably discharged service members and certain LGBT veterans), regardless of their current employment status. This policy change removes a financial barrier for veterans seeking government employment through civil service exams.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill waives civil service application fees for veterans, directly supporting employment access and reducing financial barriers for state job applications.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Employment

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1298: Expands the veterans tuition awards program

Expands the veterans tuition awards program to include all persons who were honorably discharged and were residents of the state before and after serving in the armed forces of the United States; provides veterans an award equal to the in-state tuition paid at a state university for each semester the veteran is engaged in undergraduate, graduate or vocational study.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands tuition access for veterans at state universities, directly supporting higher education affordability and access through funding.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill expands veterans' tuition benefits to include all honorably discharged residents, providing full in-state tuition coverage for education, directly advancing veteran educational support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Employment

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3509: Relates to a reduced fare program in the metropolitan transportation authority for veterans who are students

This bill establishes a half-fare program on all MTA systems (subways, buses, commuter rail) for New York State veterans who are currently enrolled students. It directly affects veterans who are full-time or part-time undergraduate, graduate, or vocational students at accredited colleges, universities, or approved vocational schools in New York. To qualify, veterans must be New York residents, honorably discharged from military service, and present a valid veteran ID card.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEstablishes half-fare program on MTA systems for veteran students, expanding public transit access and affordability.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransEstablishes half-fare MTA program for veteran students, directly expanding transportation benefits. Qualification criteria confirm targeted veteran support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Housing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8425: Directs the department of veterans' services to conduct a study about veterans' employment review

Bill A 8425 directs the New York State Department of Veterans' Services to conduct a comprehensive study on veterans' employment opportunities and incentives within the state. The study will involve consulting with several state agencies and veteran organizations. It aims to review the current system for awarding civil service credit to veterans, analyze potential new criteria for these credits, and assess existing employment protections. The bill also focuses on methods to help veterans, including those recently displaced from federal employment, transition into state employment and recommends additional incentives for employers to recruit and retain veteran employees. A report detailing the findings and recommendations must be submitted by December 31, 2027.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill directs study to review civil service credits, analyze new criteria, and improve veterans' employment protections, advancing employment support for veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Employment

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