Relates to pre-release briefings for incarcerated veterans regarding available federal and state benefits
Summary
A10163 would require the New York State Division of Veterans' Services to provide a pre-release briefing to any incarcerated person who is a veteran before release from a state correctional institution. The briefing would be part of the discharge planning process and would explain federal and state benefits available to veterans and their families, as well as how to apply for those benefits.
The bill also directs the Division of Veterans' Services to consult with the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to carry out the new requirement. The measure takes effect 60 days after becoming law, and it amends the veterans' services law by adding a new duty for the agency.
Impact
The bill would expand the responsibilities of the Division of Veterans' Services under the veterans' services law by creating a specific outreach and education obligation for incarcerated veterans nearing release. It would not create new benefit programs, but it would require coordination with the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to integrate benefits counseling into discharge planning for eligible individuals. The practical effect would be to improve access to existing federal and state veterans' benefits for a population that may face barriers to enrollment after release.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad support and little to no opposition in the available record. It passed the Assembly Veterans' Affairs Committee, the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, and the Assembly floor unanimously, and the bill later passed the Senate. The voting history suggests the measure was viewed as a straightforward veterans' services improvement rather than a controversial policy change.
Contention
No significant contention is reflected in the available committee or floor history. The main implementation issue is administrative: how the Division of Veterans' Services and the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision will coordinate to ensure briefings occur before release and that veterans receive accurate information about benefits and application procedures. Any concerns would likely center on staffing, logistics, and program execution rather than the underlying policy goal.
Same As
Directs the department of veterans' services to conduct pre-release briefings for incarcerated veterans regarding available federal and state benefits available to veterans and their families and how to apply for such benefits.
Directs the department of veterans' services to conduct pre-release briefings for incarcerated veterans regarding available federal and state benefits available to veterans and their families and how to apply for such benefits.
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.
Directs the department of veterans' services and the department of economic development to make available on their website information about federal and state programs available to businesses that employ veterans.
Includes the Space Force as being members of the armed forces or veterans eligible for certain credits and benefits that are available to other active and veteran members of the armed forces.
Requires mental health services for incarcerated individuals with mental health issues related to the trauma of incarceration upon reentry and reintegration into society upon release.
Includes the Space Force as being members of the armed forces or veterans eligible for certain credits and benefits that are available to other active and veteran members of the armed forces.
Requires all forms issued to the public by the state include an optional question regarding veteran status and whether the person completing the form would consent to the agency sharing their contact information with regards to resources available to veterans.
Relates to state and local law enforcement agency coordination with the federal government for purposes of immigration enforcement, to the release of noncitizen incarcerated individuals for federal immigration purposes, and to immigration enforcement in sensitive locations.
Revises the New York state veteran's memorial and monument registry such that it is easier to navigate; relates to the updating and availability of the registry.
Revises the New York state veteran's memorial and monument registry such that it is easier to navigate; relates to the updating and availability of the registry.