Veterans

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8664: Sets fees for gold star family distinctive plates at the same rate as for gold star mothers

This bill (S 8664) changes the fee for Gold Star Family license plates to match the existing fee for Gold Star Mothers plates, eliminating any additional service charge. It directly affects military families who have lost a service member, allowing them to obtain distinctive license plates at the same cost as Gold Star Mothers plates. The key provision amends vehicle law to require identical fee rates for these two plate types, ensuring consistency without extra charges.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransRemoves additional fee for Gold Star Family plates, ensuring consistent recognition and support for military families who lost service members, aligning with veteran recognition policies.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 21, 2026

A 9591: Sets fees for gold star family distinctive plates at the same rate as for gold star mothers

This bill amends New York's vehicle and traffic law to set the fee for gold star family distinctive license plates at the same rate as gold star mothers plates, eliminating any additional service charge. It directly affects New York residents who qualify for these plates - specifically, families who have lost a military service member (gold star family) and mothers who have lost a child in military service (gold star mothers). The key provision requires that gold star family plate fees match the existing fee structure for gold star mothers plates, as defined under Section 404-i of the law. This is a procedural adjustment to standardize fees without altering eligibility, plate design, or the underlying programs.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill eliminates extra fees for gold star family plates, recognizing military sacrifice and reducing financial barriers for families of fallen service members, aligning with veteran recognition policies.90% confidence

Track

passed both · New York · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 8968: Relates to establishing a veteran suicide mortality review board

Establishes a 13 member veteran suicide mortality review board to serve as the statewide entity responsible for the multidisciplinary review of suicide deaths among veterans by identifying trends and systemic factors contributing to veteran suicide; assessing gaps in services, access to care, and institutional practices; developing evidence-based recommendations for prevention and policy improvement; and promoting collaboration among relevant state, local, and federal agencies.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill establishes a review board to identify suicide trends, gaps in services, and develop prevention recommendations for veterans, directly strengthening veteran healthcare and suicide prevention efforts.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

Track

signed · New York · Senate Feb 13, 2026

S 8785: Relates to voluntary opportunities for veterans

Requires the department of veterans' services to consult with the office of fire prevention and control and the department of health to identify the most effective ways to provide useful information to veterans about available volunteer opportunities with local volunteer fire departments and emergency services providers.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill facilitates veteran access to volunteer opportunities with fire departments, recognizing service and encouraging continued community involvement.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Employment Veteran Housing

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 15, 2026

S 8922: Dedicates a portion of the state highway system to Specialist Thomas Edwin Beglinger

Dedicates a portion of the state highway system in the county of Wyoming, constituting state route 98 from School Street in the town of Sheldon at the southern end to the southern line of the village of Attica, to Specialist Thomas Edwin Beglinger.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill symbolically recognizes veteran service by dedicating highway to Specialist Beglinger, directly aligning with topic's 'recognition' indicator.95% confidence

Track

signed · New York · Senate Feb 13, 2026

S 8803: Relate to a real property tax exemption for veterans with a one hundred percent service connected disability

This bill creates a new property tax exemption for the primary residence of veterans with a 100% service-connected disability. It applies to veterans who were honorably discharged, have a 100% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and meet specific criteria like permanent total disability or receipt of VA benefits. The exemption fully removes property taxes and special assessments for qualifying veterans' primary homes, in addition to existing tax benefits. The law takes effect for tax assessments dated October 1, 2026, and does not reduce a property's taxable value below zero.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates property tax exemption for veterans, reducing tax burden. Direct tax relief aligns with fiscal policy support for vulnerable groups.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates property tax exemption for veterans with 100% service-connected disability, removing financial burden on primary residence and expanding tax benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Housing

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 28, 2026

S 8805: 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 education benefits to eligible family members. It directly affects veterans who served at least 10 years (with exceptions for certain discharges) but didn't use their full tuition benefit, enabling them to transfer it to a spouse, child, or surviving financial dependent who lives in New York. Key provisions include requiring children receiving transfers to be under 26, capping annual transfers at 100, and establishing application rules for the transfer process. The bill repeals outdated language about "survivor" definitions and updates eligibility terms to clarify who qualifies for these transferred benefits.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands higher education access for veterans' families by transferring unused tuition benefits, directly increasing educational funding and opportunity.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill expands veterans' tuition benefits by enabling transfer of unused education awards to family members, directly strengthening program accessibility and benefits for veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Military Families Veteran Education

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 21, 2026

A 9664: Relates to creating a distinctive plate for combat veterans having served in the navy, marine corps, air force or coast guard

This bill would create a special license plate for combat veterans who served in the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard, and for their spouses (if the veteran hasn't already received a plate). To qualify, applicants must provide proof of service and pay a one-time $10 fee on top of the regular registration fee. The state would only issue these plates if costs are covered - either through a $6,000 surety bond or by securing at least 200 pre-orders with the fee - and collected fees would fund the plate program's design and production.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill creates a distinctive license plate for combat veterans as recognition, directly aligning with veteran recognition policies in the topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

Track

passed · New York · Senate Jan 21, 2026

J 1410: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 29, 2026, as Vietnam Veterans Day in the State of New York

This Senate Resolution (J 1410) memorializes Governor Hochul to officially proclaim March 25, 2026, as Vietnam Veterans Day in New York State, aligning with National Vietnam Veterans Day. It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the service of New York veterans who served during the Vietnam War era (1962-1975). The resolution encourages New Yorkers to observe the day with ceremonies honoring these veterans' contributions and supporting their reintegration into civilian life. It is a symbolic gesture of appreciation, not a policy change affecting specific groups or programs.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransFormally recognizes Vietnam veterans' service and contributions, aligning with National Vietnam Veterans Day to honor their service and support reintegration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

Track

passed · New York · Senate Jan 13, 2026

J 1350: Congratulating John Neggia upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th Birthday

Senate Resolution J 1350 is a ceremonial resolution that formally congratulates John Neggia, a World War II veteran and the last surviving member of his local VFW Post 5802, on his 100th birthday. It recognizes his military service (including his 1944 enlistment and return in 1946), his advocacy for Memorial Day remembrance, and his community contributions. The resolution has no policy impact or binding effect - it serves solely as a symbolic gesture from the legislature. It was adopted by the Senate on January 13, 2026, and will be delivered to Mr. Neggia.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCeremonial recognition of veteran service (WWII veteran, VFW advocacy) aligns with 'recognizes veteran service' indicator, though purely symbolic with no policy impact.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

Track