Veterans (Veteran Education)

passed both · New York · Assembly May 14, 2026

A 10418: Expands the veterans' services commission

This bill expands the New York Veterans' Services Commission by adding two additional voting members and several non-voting ex officio members to improve oversight of veteran services. The legislation requires the governor to appoint fifteen total members, including veterans and individuals with expertise in areas like healthcare, education, and veterans' benefits, while also including state agency heads as non-voting members. Key provisions mandate quarterly meetings, require the commission to study issues affecting veterans and their families, and establish a public website to display member information and meeting minutes. The bill also clarifies appointment processes, term lengths, and the commission's duty to submit annual reports to the governor and legislature.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill expands Veterans' Services Commission with additional members to improve oversight and services for veterans, directly strengthening veteran support infrastructure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Employment

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in committee · New York · Senate May 12, 2026

S 9315: Relates to pre-release briefings for incarcerated veterans regarding available federal and state benefits

Directs the department of veterans' services to conduct pre-release briefings for incarcerated veterans regarding available federal and state benefits available to veterans and their families and how to apply for such benefits.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides pre-release briefings for incarcerated veterans to access benefits, aiding reintegration and reducing recidivism through targeted rehabilitation support.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransDirects pre-release briefings for incarcerated veterans on available benefits and application process, improving access to existing services and benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Housing

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in committee · New York · Senate Feb 4, 2026

S 9116: Establishes an instant lottery scratch-off game to fund scholarships for veterans

This bill creates a new instant lottery scratch-off game called the "veterans' benefit game," with all proceeds funding scholarships for veterans through New York's Veterans Tuition Awards Program. The lottery tickets must clearly state that profits support veterans, and the generated funds will be placed into a dedicated "Veterans' Education and Scholarship Fund" managed by the state education department and comptroller. The fund will provide scholarship money directly to the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation to administer the veteran tuition program. This establishes a permanent funding source for veteran education benefits through state lottery revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates new lottery revenue stream to fund veterans' scholarships, directly increasing state education budget allocation for a specific program.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds veterans' education scholarships via dedicated state fund, directly supporting higher education access and expanding educational opportunity for veterans.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill creates lottery to fund veterans' scholarships via dedicated education fund, directly advancing benefits through new revenue stream for existing program.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Higher Education Student Financial Aid Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Feb 18, 2026

S 9235: Relates to eligibility for military enhanced recognition, incentive and tribute ("MERIT") scholarships

Clarifies the definition of severe and permanent disability for eligibility for military enhanced recognition, incentive and tribute ("MERIT") scholarships.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransClarifies disability definition for MERIT scholarships, expanding eligibility for veteran benefits and recognition programs.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Education

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in committee · New York · Senate Mar 3, 2026

S 8958: Exempts certain disabled veterans from real property taxation

This bill would provide a full real property tax exemption for the primary residence of disabled veterans who meet specific criteria. To qualify, veterans must have been discharged under honorable conditions, have a qualifying disability or LGBT status recognized under veterans' services law, and be rated as permanently and totally disabled by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The exemption also applies to veterans who are individually unemployable due to their disability and have received government pecuniary assistance for housing modifications. The law ensures the property's taxable value cannot go below zero and does not affect any existing tax exemptions veterans may already receive.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, providing targeted tax relief aligning with support indicators for lower-income tax relief.92% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExempts disabled veterans rated by VA from property taxes, providing direct financial relief and expanding tax benefits for veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Veteran Education Veteran Housing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 14, 2026

S 8900: Relates to information relating to discharged New York state residents

Requires the department of veterans' services to obtain information from the United States department of veterans affairs related to the county of residence of New York state veterans discharged from active service, in which county such veterans reside, and transfer such information to the appropriate county veteran service agency.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransTransfers veteran residence data to county agencies, enabling better service access and coordination for veterans' needs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 21, 2026

A 9602: Establishes a voluntary veterans' registry

Establishes a voluntary veterans' registry for the purpose of providing information on federal, state, and local governmental benefits, programs, and services available to veterans, and to link veterans with resources that can provide assistance.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill creates voluntary registry to connect veterans with existing benefits/services, enhancing access to support resources without restricting or funding new programs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Education Veteran Mental Health

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 21, 2026

A 9672: Establishes a returning veterans tax credit for businesses that hire veterans and disabled veterans

Establishes a returning veterans tax credit for businesses that hire veterans and disabled veterans; provides that such tax credit is worth $3,000 per veteran hired or $4,000 for every disabled veteran hired and the total benefit shall not exceed $15,000 annually.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax credit for businesses hiring veterans, providing tax relief and directly impacting state tax policy through targeted fiscal incentives.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides $3,000-$4,000 tax credit per veteran/disabled veteran hired, directly incentivizing veteran employment and strengthening workforce opportunities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Veteran Education Veteran Employment

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 21, 2026

A 9658: Waives certain licensure fees for veterans

This bill (A 9658) waives renewal fees for vehicle operator licenses for eligible veterans. It directly affects veterans who served in active U.S. military or naval service during a war, were honorably discharged, or were furloughed to the reserve. The bill adds a new rule to vehicle and traffic law requiring license renewal fees to be waived for these veterans. It takes immediate effect and applies to all gender identities.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransWaives license renewal fees for eligible veterans, removing financial barriers and directly expanding benefits per bill's explicit language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics National Guard & Reserve Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

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signed · New York · Assembly Feb 13, 2026

A 9476: Relates to the veterans tuition awards program; repealer

This bill expands New York's veterans tuition awards program by allowing qualified veterans to transfer unused benefits to eligible family members, including spouses, children, or financially dependent survivors. It defines "eligible immediate family member" and sets key rules: transfers are one-time only, children receiving benefits must be under 26, and annual transfers are capped at 100. Veterans must formally designate beneficiaries through a prescribed process, and transfers cannot exceed the original award amount. The changes take effect in 2027, building on prior legislative proposals to enhance support for veterans' families.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands higher education access by allowing veterans to transfer tuition benefits to family members, increasing educational opportunity under the veterans' program.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands veterans' tuition benefits by enabling transfer to family members, strengthening program access and support for veterans' families.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Veteran Education