Relates to veterans tuition awards program eligibility; makes tuition awards available for certain veterans including, but not limited to Vietnam, Persian Gulf and Afghanistan.
Provides for distinctive plates for gold star families, including gold star parents, as defined in 10 USC 1126, or children of a gold star parent, and their spouses.
S 480 eliminates a $10 one-time application fee for veterans' special license plates in New York. It directly affects veterans who apply for plates through veterans organizations, removing the additional charge while keeping the standard registration fee. The bill amends multiple sections of the vehicle and traffic law (including 404-h, 404-j, and 404-v) to remove the $10 fee provision. This is a concrete policy change that reduces costs for veterans obtaining these plates.
Senate Resolution J 486 formally commends Allen L. Ayotte posthumously for receiving the New York State Senate's Liberty Medal, the highest honor for exceptional service. The resolution recognizes his military service (U.S. Air Force in Vietnam, 1967-1968), 48 years of community volunteer work with the WK Mansfield Hose Company, and his career with the Capitol Police and fire protection services. It directs that a copy of the resolution be transmitted to his family following the Saratoga County Honor A Deceased Veteran Ceremony on March 18, 2025. This is a ceremonial resolution with no binding legislative effect, solely honoring his legacy.
Directs the MTA to rename the Eltingville transit center the Iraq War and Afghanistan War Veterans' Memorial Transit Center; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.
This bill allows New York state retirement system members to earn up to three years of service credit for qualifying military service, including state active duty ordered by the governor. It applies to members who were honorably discharged, have a qualifying condition under veterans' law, or are discharged LGBT veterans with non-dishonorable discharges. The credit covers both federal military service and state-ordered active duty (like National Guard activations under governor's call). This directly affects state employees who served in the military, potentially increasing their retirement benefits by counting that service toward their total years.
Establishes a credit for military spouses and surviving spouses of veterans for competitive examinations whether for original appointment or promotion.
The New York State Supplier Diversity Act (S 7443) aims to increase the participation of businesses owned by LGBT individuals, disabled individuals, and veterans in state contracts. It establishes a new Division of Supplier Diversity within the Office of General Services. This division will certify eligible businesses - defined as those at least 51% owned and controlled by these groups, with a significant state presence and up to 300 employees - and create a directory for state agencies to use. The bill applies to state contracts for services, supplies, and real property projects exceeding specified monetary thresholds.
This bill eliminates registration fees for special license plates designated for Gold Star Mothers - mothers who have lost a child in military service. It amends vehicle and traffic laws to ensure no fee or service charge applies when registering these specific plates. The change applies directly to eligible Gold Star Mothers who would otherwise pay standard registration costs for these commemorative plates. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.
Provides a right of reemployment for persons who reside in another state who are ordered to military service within New York state, if the state of residence provides a like protection.
