Veterans

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.

This bill, S 2623, enhances employment assistance for veterans, particularly those with disabilities, by updating the Veterans' Services Law. It mandates the Department of Veterans' Services to maintain an online portal providing virtual links to federal and state employment programs. Additionally, the bill clarifies that both state and local veterans' service agencies must inform and assist veterans with employment and re-employment services, specifically including the employment of veterans with disabilities program under section fifty-five-c of the civil service law.

Relates to veterans tuition awards program eligibility; makes tuition awards available for certain veterans including, but not limited to Vietnam, Persian Gulf and Afghanistan.

This bill establishes the "Staff Sergeant Alex R. Jimenez New York State Military Immigrant Family Legacy Program" within the Office for New Americans. It directly assists military-connected immigrants, including active service members, veterans (including LGBT veterans), reserve members, their family members (spouses, children, parents), and next-of-kin of service members who died in service. The key mechanism designates liaisons between military offices (like the Division of Military and Naval Affairs) and the Office for New Americans to refer eligible individuals to existing immigration legal services, including citizenship assistance. The program coordinates with federal agencies and community partners to help intended recipients navigate immigration processes, and requires annual reporting on program activity and demographics.

This bill (A 2058) creates a state maternity care coordinator role to improve support for pregnant and postpartum veterans in New York. The coordinator must facilitate coordination between the VA, state health agencies, hospitals, and maternity care providers (like obstetricians and midwives) to address veteran-specific health needs. Key provisions require the coordinator to disseminate information about conditions affecting veteran mothers, develop referral systems for veterans with service-connected disabilities, and promote the federal Veterans Community Care Program. The bill also repeals outdated sections and updates screening tools for providers. Signed into law on February 14, 2025, it directly affects veterans accessing maternity care and the healthcare providers serving them.