Veterans

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

Track

signed · New York · Assembly Dec 5, 2025

A 6264: Expands the definition of veteran to include members of the commissioned corps of the national oceanic and atmospheric administration and the commissioned corps of the public health service

Expands the definition of veteran to include members of the commissioned corps of the NOAA and the commissioned corps of the public health service; expands access to certain benefits to those who served in the commissioned corps of the NOAA and the commissioned corps of the public health service.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands veteran definition to include NOAA/Public Health Service corps members, granting access to existing benefits and services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

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

Track

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

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7433: Preferences under the affordable home ownership development program for service related disabled veterans

This bill amends New York's affordable housing law to add a preference category for "service related disabled veterans" in home ownership development programs. It directly affects veterans who served honorably in the military, have a 40%+ disability rating from the VA or DoD related to service, and meet specific documentation requirements. The key change requires housing programs to prioritize these veterans when serving the lowest-income households or ensuring long-term affordability. This policy update modifies eligibility criteria without altering program funding or structure.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAdds veteran preference in affordable home ownership programs, expanding access for disabled veterans within low-income housing initiatives.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAdds housing preference for disabled veterans in affordable programs, directly advancing their access to housing benefits through prioritization.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Veteran Employment Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Feb 2, 2026

A 7739: Enacts the "military experience recognized for institutional transfer (MERIT) act"

Enacts the "military experience recognized for institutional transfer (MERIT) act"; grants academic credit for veterans with regard to SUNY and CUNY college credits for military learning, training, coursework and occupational experience.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill enables veterans to earn college credit for military training, expanding higher education access and aligning with educational access policies for veterans.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides academic credit for veterans' military training courses, advancing educational benefits and recognition for veterans' service.95% confidence

Sub-Topics National Guard & Reserve Veteran Education Veteran Employment

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jun 13, 2025

A 8476: 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 creates civil penalties and misdemeanor crimes to prevent fraud against VA benefits, establishes a veterans' services fund, and directly protects veterans' access to benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Housing

Track

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

Track

in committee · New York · Senate May 18, 2026

S 1250: Enacts the "military experience recognized for institutional transfer (MERIT) act"

Enacts the "military experience recognized for institutional transfer (MERIT) act"; grants academic credit for veterans with regard to SUNY and CUNY college credits for military learning, training, coursework and occupational experience.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill enables veterans to earn college credit for military training, expanding higher education access at SUNY/CUNY institutions.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides academic credit recognition for veterans' military training, advancing educational benefits and easing college transition for veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Education Veteran Employment Veteran Healthcare

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7250: Increases the amount combat veterans shall be exempt from real property taxation to thirty-five percent

This bill increases the real property tax exemption for combat veterans from 10% to 35% of their property's assessed value. It directly affects veterans who served in combat zones and received specific military medals (like campaign ribbons or expeditionary medals). The exemption is capped at $40,000 or the equivalent based on local tax rates, whichever is lower. The change applies to properties assessed on or after January 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases tax exemption for combat veterans, providing targeted tax relief to lower-income veterans, aligning with tax relief indicators.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransIncreases combat veterans' property tax exemption from 10% to 35%, expanding financial benefits and recognizing service through tax relief.95% confidence

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

Track