S 4013 creates a state-funded peer support program for veterans, specifically targeting women veterans through regional or county-based services. It establishes credentialing requirements for veteran peer counselors (veterans with relevant training) and mandates state agencies to develop programs offering mental health support, substance abuse counseling, family services, and legal assistance. The bill requires the mental hygiene commissioner, addiction services agency, and veterans' services department to create training pathways and certification standards for peer counselors. This policy directly affects veterans seeking mental health and substance use support by connecting them with certified peers who share military service experience.
This bill would allow local governments (counties, cities, towns, villages, or school districts) to create a property tax exemption for the primary residence of veterans with a 100% service-connected disability. To qualify, veterans must have an honorable discharge, a 100% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and be permanently and totally disabled due to military service. The exemption covers all real property taxes, special district charges, and assessments on their primary home. This policy change directly affects veterans meeting these specific criteria, providing them with tax relief on their main residence starting with 2026 assessment rolls.
Relates to veterans' eligibility for public housing; expands eligibility requirements to include veterans of the recent conflicts; requires granting of a preference for public housing to veterans or families of veterans who have a military service connected disability.
This bill designates the state of New York as a "purple heart state" to honor combat veterans for their service and sacrifice. It directly affects the state's official branding and public recognition of veterans, with no new programs or funding. The key provision adds a new section to state law stating New York is a "purple heart state," which would be reflected in state communications, signage, or official materials. The designation is purely symbolic, with no concrete policy changes or obligations for veterans' benefits. (Note: As a commemorative resolution, this summary is concise per procedural bill guidelines.)
Requires employers to offer paid leave of absence to veterans on Veterans' day, except for emergency or critical employees, who shall be offered another day of paid leave.
This bill creates a state program to coordinate veteran contact information across multiple government agencies. It requires agencies providing services like healthcare, housing, employment, or tax benefits to ask individuals about veteran status during intake. Veteran status details are protected as confidential information and can only be used to connect veterans with benefits or referrals to the Department of Veterans' Services. The program directly affects veterans seeking state benefits and state agencies delivering those services.
Directs the issuance of special number and distinctive license plates for military service members and members of veterans organizations without payment of service charges or renewal fees.
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.
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.
This bill establishes a statewide "Green Alert" system to help locate missing current or former military members. It specifically applies to those who have opted into the system and suffer from a mental illness, such as PTSD, or a traumatic brain injury. When a participating military member is reported missing and a law enforcement agency verifies their condition and that their disappearance poses a threat, the Department of Veterans' Services activates the alert. The Green Alert then shares relevant information with designated media outlets and may utilize dynamic message signs to aid in their safe recovery, while also including provisions for privacy and allowing military members to opt out.
