S 4358 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Relates to the veterans tuition awards program

This bill expands New York's veterans tuition award program to allow qualified veterans to transfer unused benefits to their spouse, child, or survivor. It defines "qualified veteran" as someone who would qualify for the award if they met enrollment requirements, and specifies who counts as an "eligible immediate family" member. Veterans can transfer all or part of their unused award, with transfers limited to children under 26 who meet service requirements (e.g., veteran served 10+ years unless discharged due to death or specific conditions). The bill caps annual transfers at 100 and requires veterans to designate beneficiaries via a form before the program's effective date in 2026.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Jun 2025
Senate Passage
Jun 2025
Assembly Passage
Jun 2025
Signed into Law
Dec 2025
Introduced Feb 4, 2025 Signed Dec 19, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

S4358 S4358A · 3 edits
MINOR
This bill was amended to add a new provision limiting the number of tuition award transfers to 100 per year and to change the effective date from the 180th day after enactment to July 1, 2026. The bill also updated the sponsor list and committee reporting history, reflecting its progression through the legislative process.
Scope change
The bill's scope remains focused on expanding veterans' tuition award transfer options, but the amendment adds a numerical cap on transfers and adjusts the implementation timeline.
REQUIREMENT

Added a new subdivision (e) limiting the number of tuition award transfers to a maximum of 100 per year.

TIMELINE

Changed the effective date from '180 days after becoming law' to a fixed date of July 1, 2026.

TECHNICAL

Updated bill number to S4358-A and added California bill number 1221, reflecting legislative amendments and committee reporting history.

Floor votes · Senate May 27, 2025 · Assembly Jun 16, 2025

How they voted

590
Passed · 4 other
Total votes 63
May 27, 2025
D Democratic41
38 Yea 3
92% Yea
R Republican22
21 Yea 1
95% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
22
Key actions
5
Committee
4
Amendments
1
Dec 19, 2025
Signed into law
SIGNED CHAP.688
upper
Jun 16, 2025
Lower · Passed
PASSED ASSEMBLY
lower
Jun 12, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
lower
Jun 12, 2025
Upper · Passed
REPASSED SENATE
upper
Jun 9, 2025
Upper · Passed
AMENDED ON THIRD READING 4358A
upper
May 27, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
lower
May 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
PASSED SENATE
upper
Mar 4, 2025
Committee
REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO FINANCE
upper
Feb 4, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO VETERANS, HOMELAND SECURITY AND MILITARY AFFAIRS
upper
1 primary · 12 co-sponsors

Sponsors