This bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially declare September 22, 2026, as Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day in New York. The resolution highlights the high rates of suicide among veterans and aims to raise public awareness about this issue while honoring those who have died. By designating this specific date, the legislature hopes to encourage open conversations about mental health and reduce the stigma that often prevents veterans from seeking help. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to focus attention on veteran suicide prevention efforts.
This bill directs the Governor of New York to officially designate June 2026 as Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Month and June 27, 2026, as Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day. The legislation uses the term "injury" rather than "disorder" to highlight the physical impact of trauma on the brain and to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help. By adopting this resolution, the state aims to raise awareness about mental health challenges faced by citizens, including veterans and survivors of other traumatic events, without imposing new laws or funding requirements.
This bill is a commemorative resolution that officially recognizes the 4th Annual Riggie Run, Walk & Riggiefest scheduled for October 11, 2026. The event, hosted by the Sitrin Health Care Center at SUNY Polytechnic Institute, brings together runners, walkers, families, and veterans to support the center's Military Program. The program provides free healthcare services to post-9/11 veterans and service members dealing with conditions such as PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. The resolution highlights the event's unique features, including a 5K race where participants eat chicken riggies and a subsequent food festival celebrating local cuisine. It also notes that the Legislative Body will pause its work to honor the event and send a copy of the resolution to the organizers.
This bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially declare October 21, 2026, as Pets for Veterans Day in New York. The resolution recognizes the role of therapy animals in helping veterans cope with stress and loneliness, particularly those suffering from PTSD. It highlights how pet ownership can improve mental and physical health while also benefiting shelter animals. The measure is purely ceremonial and does not create new laws or funding.
Requires a report on the administration, function and outcomes of all superior courts for veterans treatment to be delivered to the legislature and the governor on or before March 15th every year beginning in 2028.
Enacts the "missing vulnerable veterans at risk program act" to establish a missing vulnerable veterans at risk program to provide a comprehensive and coordinated approach to the problem of missing vulnerable veterans at risk.
This bill allows trained crisis responders helping veterans and first responders during mental health emergencies to display a green flashing light on their vehicles. The law defines these responders as individuals affiliated with recognized programs who have completed specific state-approved crisis intervention training. While the green light is intended to increase visibility and encourage other drivers to yield, it does not grant any special right-of-way privileges. The measure applies only when responding to active emergencies involving suicide prevention or mental health crises for the specified groups.
Provides that space be set aside in the capitol for the display of the Veteran Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Flag and plaque for the raising of awareness of veteran suicide; directs the commissioner of general services to place and maintain such flag and plaque.
This bill creates a new peer-to-peer support program specifically designed for women veterans. It directs state agencies, such as mental health and labor departments, to work together to develop and run this service. Additionally, the bill updates the duties of the veterans' services office to include establishing this program and advocating for policies that address the unique experiences of female veterans. The changes will take effect on the first day of April following the bill's passage.
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.
