New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S05124

Introduced
2/19/25  
Refer
2/19/25  

Caption

Requires the department of veterans' services to provide legal and/or technical support to veterans who want to change their discharged status to honorable because such person was dishonorably or administratively discharged from the armed services due to sexual orientation.

Summary

Bill S05124 amends the veterans' services law to require the New York Department of Veterans' Services to provide legal and technical support to veterans seeking to change their discharge status to honorable. This provision specifically addresses veterans who were dishonorably or administratively discharged due to their sexual orientation. The bill aims to rectify past injustices faced by LGBTQ+ veterans and facilitate their reintegration into society with an honorable status.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will create a new legal pathway for veterans who were unfairly discharged due to their sexual orientation to seek an upgrade in their discharge status. This change will not only affect the individuals directly involved but may also influence broader state policies regarding veteran services and discrimination based on sexual orientation, potentially leading to further legislative actions in support of LGBTQ+ rights.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S05124 appears to be largely supportive, particularly among advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and veteran support organizations. However, there may be some opposition from groups that hold traditional views on military service and discharge classifications, though specific voting history and committee discussions are not available to assess this fully.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the implications of changing discharge statuses and the criteria for determining eligibility for support. Some legislators may question the fairness of providing legal support based on sexual orientation, while advocates argue that this is a necessary step in addressing historical discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in the military.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY A10420

Requires the department of veterans' services to provide legal and/or technical support to veterans who want to change their discharged status to honorable because such person was dishonorably or administratively discharged from the armed services due to sexual orientation.

NY S07779

Creates a distinctive license plate for veterans honoring Borinqueneers; defines "veteran" as a person who is a resident of this state, who served in the armed forces of the United States, and was honorably discharged from the armed forces, or has a qualifying condition, as defined in section one of the veterans' services law, and has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from such service, or is a discharged LGBT veteran, as defined in section one of the veterans' services law, and has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from such service.

NY HB450

Relating to recognizing persons who separated from military service solely on the basis of sexual orientation as honorably discharged veterans under state law.

NY SB2958

Relating to recognizing persons who separated from military service solely on the basis of sexual orientation as honorably discharged veterans under state law.

NY S2700

Authorizes the town of Middletown to adopt by ordinance, a veterans’ property tax exemption to any veteran, who was honorably discharged, or discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, regardless of dates or periods of service.

NY H7662

Authorizes the town of Middletown to adopt by ordinance, a veterans’ property tax exemption to any veteran, who was honorably discharged, or discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, regardless of dates or periods of service.

NY H7084

Authorizes a municipality to adopt by local ordinance, a veterans' property tax exemption to any veteran, who was honorably discharged, or discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, regardless of dates or periods of service.

NY A01152

Creates a distinctive license plate for veterans honoring Borinqueneers; defines "veteran" as a person who is a resident of this state, who served in the armed forces of the United States, and was honorably discharged from the armed forces, or has a qualifying condition, as defined in section one of the veterans' services law, and has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from such service, or is a discharged LGBT veteran, as defined in section one of the veterans' services law, and has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from such service.

NY A00951

Creates a distinctive license plate for veterans honoring Borinqueneers; defines "veteran" as a person who is a resident of this state, who served in the armed forces of the United States, and was honorably discharged from the armed forces, or has a qualifying condition, as defined in section one of the veterans' services law, and has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from such service, or is a discharged LGBT veteran, as defined in section one of the veterans' services law, and has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from such service.

NY S1898

Allows honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces or National Guard to carry handgun.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.