Veterans (Veteran Benefits)

signed · New York · Senate Nov 5, 2025

S 8150: Enacts the governing unaccredited representatives defrauding (GUARD) VA benefits act

Protects veterans from fraud and unaccredited representatives; institutes a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for violation; establishes the class A misdemeanor crime of unaccredited representation of a veteran; establishes a veterans' services fund.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill protects veterans from fraud by unaccredited reps, imposes civil penalties, and establishes a veterans' services fund - directly advancing VA benefit security.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4125: Establishes distinctive "POW-MIA" license plates and establishes the "POW-MIA awareness fund"

Establishes distinctive "POW-MIA" license plates; establishes the "POW-MIA awareness fund" to fund POW-MIA public education and awareness campaigns and veteran services by Rolling Thunder New York chapters and upon approval by the state director of veterans' services.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransEstablishes fund for veteran services via Rolling Thunder and POW-MIA awareness campaigns, directly funding veteran programs as per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4528: Relates to free use of state parks, recreation facilities and historic sites by veterans

New York State bill S 4528 allows eligible veterans who are residents of New York to use state parks, recreation facilities, and historic sites without paying any fees, including entrance, parking, or camping charges. It directly affects New York resident veterans who served honorably (discharged other than bad conduct or dishonorable), including those with qualifying conditions or who are LGBT veterans. The bill requires the parks and recreation departments to create an information program - such as website updates - to help veterans access these free benefits and to develop implementing rules. This policy change removes financial barriers for veterans, making state recreational resources accessible at no cost under specific eligibility criteria.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill grants eligible New York veterans free access to state parks and facilities, directly expanding benefits and recognition without restrictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5620: Exempts from the mortgage recording tax mortgages executed by a veteran first time homebuyer

This bill exempts veteran first-time homebuyers in New York from paying the mortgage recording tax on new home purchases. It adds a new provision to tax law stating that mortgages executed by veterans (as defined in the Veterans' Services Law) who are first-time homebuyers are not subject to the mortgage recording tax. The exemption applies directly to qualifying veterans purchasing their first home, removing a financial cost associated with closing the mortgage. This is a concrete tax policy change affecting eligible veteran homebuyers, not a broader housing or veteran benefit program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts veteran first-time homebuyers from mortgage recording tax, providing direct tax relief for a specific group as a tax policy change.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts veteran first-time homebuyers from mortgage recording tax, reducing financial barriers to homeownership and advancing affordable housing access.92% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExempts veteran first-time homebuyers from mortgage recording tax, reducing financial barriers to homeownership - a direct benefit expansion under veterans' services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Homeownership Mortgages Veteran Benefits Veteran Housing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 2, 2026

S 7277: Allows veterans to fish for free in state parks

This bill (S 7277) allows eligible veterans to fish for free in all New York State parks managed by the relevant agency. It directly affects veterans who served on active duty with an honorable discharge (including qualifying LGBT veterans with specific discharge types under state law). The key provision removes fishing fees for these veterans at state parks, requiring the agency to create necessary rules for implementation. The policy change takes effect 90 days after the law is signed.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill eliminates fishing fees for veterans, directly expanding recreational benefits and recognizing service through state park access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

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signed · New York · Senate Dec 19, 2025

S 4358: 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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands veterans' tuition benefits to family members, increasing higher education access and affordability for dependent students under the program.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands veterans' tuition benefits by allowing transfer to family members, strengthening program accessibility and benefit utilization.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8987: Provides for early retirement without a pension reduction for certain disabled veterans

Provides that a member of a public retirement system of the state who is a disabled veteran may retire without reduction of their retirement benefit upon their attainment of at least fifty-five years of age and completion of at least thirteen years of credited service in such retirement system.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill removes pension reduction for disabled veterans retiring at 55+ with 13 years service, expanding retirement benefits for this group.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Employment

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 95: Relates to a half fare rate program in the MTA for veterans

This bill requires the MTA to create a half-fare program for eligible New York State veterans using public transportation. It applies specifically to veterans who are New York residents, honorably discharged from U.S. military service, and possess a valid New York veteran ID card. The MTA must establish the program but cannot fund it from its regular operating or capital budgets; instead, it can only implement it using state funds specifically allocated for this purpose. The bill defines "veteran" clearly and mandates that the program be implemented with state appropriations.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires MTA to establish veteran half-fare program, expanding public transit access for eligible veterans through dedicated state funding.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates half-fare public transit benefit for eligible veterans, requiring state funding allocation. Expands transportation access as a veteran service.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Housing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1176: Relates to the receipt of compensation for advising or assisting with veterans' benefits matters

Establishes certain protections related to the receipt of compensation for advising or assisting with veterans' benefits matters, including penalties for violations.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill protects advisors assisting veterans with benefits, preventing penalties for compensation, ensuring smoother access to support systems without restricting services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

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passed · New York · Senate May 28, 2026

S 2073: Requires the department of motor vehicles compile a list of veterans who apply for a veteran driver's license

Requires the department of motor vehicles compile a list of veterans who apply for a veteran driver's license and provide such list to the department of veterans' services to aid in outreach efforts by the department of veterans' services.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCompiles veteran driver's license applicants for outreach, enhancing access to veterans' services per bill's purpose to aid department's outreach efforts.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Employment

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