Veterans (Memorials & Recognition)

passed · New York · Senate May 28, 2026

S 1009: Authorizes a veteran's close friend or family member who is reasonably familiar with such veteran's wishes to request that such veteran be buried in a state veterans' cemetery

Authorizes a veteran's close friend or family who is reasonably familiar with such veteran's wishes to request that such veteran be buried in a state veterans' cemetery.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAuthorizes family/friend to request veteran burial in state cemetery, recognizing service and expanding access to burial benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve Veteran Benefits

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5733: Relates to the cost of maintenance and operation of local veterans' service agencies

This bill (S 5733) changes how state funds cover maintenance and operation costs for local veterans' service agencies. County and city agencies will receive 50% of their approved costs from the state, with population-based limits: $25,000 for areas under 100,000 people, plus $5,000 for each additional 100,000 people in population. The state will allocate funds using 0.5% of the previous year’s veterans’ administration spending. It directly affects county and city veterans’ service agencies, ensuring predictable state reimbursement for operational costs. The bill amends existing law to clarify funding mechanisms without creating new programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds (50% coverage with population-based limits) to maintain veterans' service agencies, directly funding essential public services through budget appropriations.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill allocates state funds (50% of costs, capped by population) to cover maintenance/operations of veterans' service agencies, directly funding veteran programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Housing

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7520: Relates to defining veteran

Relates to defining veteran; includes national guard members who have served for at least twenty years, part of which was during any war or period of hostilities.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands veteran definition to include National Guard members with 20+ years service (part during hostilities), enabling broader access to benefits and recognition.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve Veteran Education

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7300: Relates to a "Campaign Medal for Service" to be awarded to those who have provided military service in Iraq

This bill creates the "Campaign Medal for Service" to honor New York residents or former residents who served in active duty in Iraq with the U.S. military (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, or Coast Guard). It authorizes the governor to award the medal to eligible individuals who completed their service with an honorable record, limiting recipients to one medal per person. The law also specifies that the medal may be presented to a designated representative of a deceased recipient and outlines requirements for the medal's design and ribbon. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on establishing this commemorative award without altering other policies.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates a medal to honor New York veterans who served in Iraq, directly recognizing military service as a key indicator of support for veterans' recognition.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve

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failed · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5943: Provides veterans of the armed forces of the United States access to all state parks and recreational facilities without the charge of any admission

Bill A 5943 provides veterans of the United States armed forces with free access to all state parks and recreational facilities. Under this bill, eligible veterans can obtain a lifetime pass that grants them admission without charge. These passes will be available at regional park headquarters and other designated locations. The relevant state office is responsible for determining the pass's form and developing the necessary rules for its implementation.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides free state park access via lifetime pass, expanding veteran benefits and recognizing service per bill language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Education

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4302: Relates to free use of state park pavilions by recognized veterans' organization

This bill (A 4302) grants recognized veterans' organizations free access to rent pavilions at state parks, recreational facilities, and historic sites. It requires state agencies to allow these groups to use pavilions under the same terms as the general public but without charging any rental fees or other fees. The provision applies to all pavilions managed by the state parks office or other relevant agencies. This is a direct policy change affecting eligible veterans' organizations by removing a financial barrier to using state facilities.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransGrants free pavilion access to veterans' orgs, removing fees as direct benefit to recognized groups per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Education Veteran Housing

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4597: Directs the division of veterans' services to establish a searchable database of veteran-owned businesses

Directs the division of veterans' services to establish a searchable database of veteran-owned businesses; requires the use of a special mark to indicate service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates searchable database for veteran-owned businesses, including service-disabled veterans, directly supporting veteran employment and recognition initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Education Veteran Employment

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5674: Relates to a leave of absence for veterans on Veterans Day

This bill requires New York employers to grant veterans unpaid leave on Veterans Day (November 11) if the employee provides written proof of veteran status by October 15. It applies to veterans who are New York residents, honorably discharged U.S. military members, or lawful permanent residents. Employers may deny the leave only if it causes undue hardship, and the leave must be taken as unpaid time off or charged against existing accrued leave. The policy does not affect employees covered by specific public officer laws or override existing union agreements.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires unpaid leave for veterans on Veterans Day, expanding workplace leave benefits for a specific worker group, aligning with worker protection policies.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransMandates employer leave on Veterans Day for eligible veterans, directly recognizing service and advancing veteran recognition.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining Paid Leave Memorials & Recognition Veteran Education Veteran Employment

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2143: Awards high school diplomas to veterans; repealer

S 2143 allows veterans who served in the U.S. military under honorable conditions but couldn't complete high school to receive a high school diploma based on their military experience. It repeals outdated provisions and creates a program where the education commissioner develops a process to award diplomas to eligible veterans. The bill directly affects veterans who were unable to finish secondary education due to military service, regardless of the conflict they served in. This replaces prior law that only covered World War II veterans, expanding eligibility to all qualifying veterans.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates pathway for veterans to earn high school diplomas missed due to military service, expanding educational access for a specific group within K-12 education framework.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides high school diplomas to veterans who served honorably but couldn't complete education, directly expanding educational benefits and recognizing service through credentialing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Education Veteran Employment

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2600: Waives certain licensure fees for veterans

S 2600 waives renewal fees for vehicle operator licenses for 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 reserve. The bill adds a new provision to vehicle and traffic law requiring license renewal fees to be waived for qualifying veterans. The policy change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransWaives vehicle license renewal fees for qualifying veterans, directly expanding financial benefits and recognizing military service.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

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