Veterans

passed · New York · Assembly Feb 4, 2026

K 924: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 3, 2026, as Four Chaplains Day in the State of New York

This resolution requests Governor Hochul to issue a proclamation designating February 3, 2026, as "Four Chaplains Day" in New York State. It commemorates the 83rd anniversary of the 1943 sinking of the U.S. Army transport Dorchester, honoring four chaplains of different faiths who gave their life jackets to soldiers and died together. The resolution recognizes their interfaith heroism and the historical significance of the event, including their posthumous military awards. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCommemorates veterans' service via designated day honoring chaplains' sacrifice, aligning with recognition aspect of veteran policy topic.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

Track

passed · New York · Assembly May 29, 2026

A 10142: Relates to veterans health care

Relates to veterans' health care; creates a veteran health care review to ensure veterans and their families have access to health and mental health treatment, including for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, military sexual trauma, reproductive and mental health conditions, and suicide prevention.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates veteran health care review to ensure access to mental health treatment, PTSD care, and suicide prevention, advancing healthcare access for veterans.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill creates veteran health care review to ensure access to mental/health treatments including PTSD, suicide prevention, and military sexual trauma, directly expanding services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing Veteran Mental Health

Track

passed · New York · Assembly Jan 13, 2026

K 834: Honoring Wayne Baumgartner upon the occasion of his retirement after 56 years of distinguished service to the American Legion Brounshidle Post 205 of Tonawanda, New York

Assembly Resolution 834 honors Wayne Baumgartner for 56 years of service to the American Legion Brounshidle Post 205 in Tonawanda, New York, recognizing his roles as Post Commander and volunteer work supporting veterans, community events, and local initiatives like school backpack drives and holiday gift distributions. The resolution, adopted by the Assembly, expresses legislative appreciation for his dedication and transmits a copy to Baumgartner. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges his civic contributions. This is a ceremonial resolution, not a substantive legislative measure.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransHonors 56-year veteran service via American Legion, recognizing community initiatives and veteran-focused volunteer work, aligning with state-level recognition of veteran contributions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

Track

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

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Feb 10, 2026

A 9669: Authorizes a distinctive "Honor Flight" license plate; establishes the Honor Flight fund

This bill creates a special "North Country Honor Flight" license plate for New York vehicle owners. Drivers who choose this plate pay an additional $25 annual fee on top of standard registration costs. Revenue exceeding $6,000 yearly from these fees is directed to the North Country Honor Flight fund, which supports a veterans' travel program helping veterans visit memorials. The fund is managed by state officials and can also accept grants or donations for this purpose.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates new $25 annual license fee tax revenue to fund veterans' program, directly allocating tax proceeds to a specific initiative.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransFunds veterans' travel program via $25 license plate fee, directing revenue to honor veterans' memorial visits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

Track

signed · New York · Assembly Feb 13, 2026

A 9433: Relates to electronic bell jar vending machines

This bill authorizes veteran organizations and volunteer fire companies to use electronic bell jar vending machines for fundraising. The machines dispense pre-printed tickets with predetermined winners and fixed prize values, but must be approved by the New York State Gaming Commission and operate only for members of these organizations. Key safeguards include prohibiting casino-style operations, requiring machines to track sales and report to the commission, and restricting use to licensed groups under strict rules to distinguish them from slot machines. The bill aims to modernize charitable gaming while maintaining oversight and preventing expansion into commercial gambling.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAuthorizes veteran organizations to use fundraising machines, enabling financial support for their activities.80% confidence

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 9083: Relates to providing that the ballots of deceased military personnel shall be counted toward the election for which they were cast

This bill ensures that military service members who cast absentee or military ballots while on active duty have their votes counted toward the election for which they were cast, even if they die in combat before the election date. It directly affects active-duty service members in all branches of the military (including National Guard and state militias) who vote before deployment and lose their lives during combat operations. The key provision requires election officials to count these ballots as valid if the service member's death occurs prior to the election, without requiring additional action from the voter or their family. This policy change preserves the voting rights of service members who made their choice before their death in service.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransEnsures voting rights for deceased service members who died in combat, directly recognizing their military service and sacrifice.90% confidence

Sub-Topics National Guard & Reserve Tags Elections

Track

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

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 21, 2026

A 9615: Includes special districts in veterans' real property tax exemptions

Includes special districts in veterans' real property tax exemptions provided that such special district exemption is adopted by the local governing body.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill extends real property tax exemption to veterans in special districts, providing tax relief through reduced tax burden for veterans.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill extends real property tax exemptions to veterans by including special districts, directly expanding access to financial benefits for veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

Track

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

Track