New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S04889

Introduced
2/13/25  
Refer
2/13/25  
Report Pass
5/28/25  
Engrossed
6/10/25  
Refer
6/10/25  

Caption

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.

Summary

Bill S04889 amends the veterans' services law in New York to redefine the term 'veteran'. Specifically, it includes members of the National Guard who have served for at least twenty years, with part of that service occurring during any war or period of hostilities. This change aims to broaden the definition of who qualifies as a veteran, thereby potentially expanding access to benefits and services provided to veterans in the state.

Impact

The impact of this bill on state laws includes a more inclusive definition of veterans, which may affect eligibility for various state benefits and services. By recognizing long-serving National Guard members as veterans, the bill aligns state law with the contributions of these individuals during critical periods of service. This could lead to an increase in the number of individuals eligible for veterans' services and benefits, thereby enhancing support for those who have served in the military.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around Bill S04889 appears to be positive, as evidenced by the unanimous support in committee votes and a strong majority in the final Senate floor vote. The discussions surrounding the bill suggest a recognition of the sacrifices made by National Guard members and a commitment to ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve.

Contention

There have been minimal points of contention regarding the bill. Some concerns may arise from those who believe that expanding the definition of veterans could dilute the significance of the term or lead to increased costs associated with providing benefits. However, these concerns have not significantly impacted the overall support for the bill, which has seen strong backing from both sides of the aisle.

Companion Bills

NY A07520

Same As 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.

Previously Filed As

NY A07520

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.

NY S01938

Relates to defining "period of war" for the alternative veterans' exemption; includes more recent hostilities in the definition of "period of war".

NY H7254

Allows members of the retirement system who served in the national guard or reserves and qualify as veterans, to purchase retirement service credits based on their years of service in the National guard or reserves.

NY S2234

Allows members of the retirement system who served in the national guard or reserves and qualify as veterans, to purchase retirement service credits based on their years of service in the National guard or reserves.

NY S0444

Allows members of the retirement system who served in the national guard or reserves and qualify as veterans, to purchase retirement service credits based on their years of service in the National guard or reserves.

NY H6253

Allows members of the retirement system who served in the national guard or reserves and qualify as veterans, to purchase retirement service credits based on their years of service in the National guard or reserves.

NY HB820

Require free on-campus parking permits for veterans and Montana national guard service members

NY H3835

Honoring as veterans certain persons who served in the National Guard and Reserves

NY S00243

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.

NY A00291

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.