Requires the department of veterans' services to obtain information from the United States department of veterans affairs related to the county of residence of New York state veterans discharged from active service, in which county such veterans reside, and transfer such information to the appropriate county veteran service agency.
Impact
The passage of S08900 would strengthen the support structure for veterans by ensuring that county veteran service agencies receive critical information about veterans who have been discharged. By facilitating the flow of information from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to local service agencies, the bill aims to improve how services are delivered, ultimately enhancing the well-being of veterans across New York state. This could lead to more tailored support services that align with the specific needs of veterans, fostering a stronger network of assistance at the local level.
Summary
Bill S08900, introduced by Senator Rhoads, aims to amend the veterans' services law by requiring the New York State Department of Veterans' Services to obtain contact information from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs regarding New York state veterans who have been discharged from active service. This information is intended to be transferred to the appropriate county veteran service agencies to facilitate better access to services and support for veterans in their respective communities. The bill emphasizes the importance of efficient communication and coordination between state and federal agencies in serving veterans' needs.
Contention
While the bill presents significant benefits for veterans, discussions around its implementation could reveal contention regarding data privacy and jurisdictional authority. Some stakeholders might question the adequacy of measures in place to protect veterans' sensitive personal information during its transfer between federal and state systems. Furthermore, there may be debates about the responsibilities of local agencies in managing and using this information effectively to avoid complications in service delivery.
Requires the department of labor create and maintain a list of available careers and job openings for veterans in the state of New York and provide such list to the department of veterans' services; requires such list to be placed on the department of veterans' services website.
Requires the department of labor create and maintain a list of available careers and job openings for veterans in the state of New York and provide such list to the department of veterans' services; requires such list to be placed on the department of veterans' services website.
Renames the veterans' services law the veterans and military families law; renames the department of veterans' services the department of veterans and military families; requires the department of veterans and military families to provide certain services to military families.
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.
Authorizes the department of motor vehicles to accept a certificate of release or discharge from active duty issued by the United States department of defense (DD form 214), a veteran identification card issued by the United States department of veterans affairs, or a veterans health identification card issued by the United States department of veterans affairs from veterans of the military as acceptable proofs of identity when applying for a driver license or state identification card.
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.
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.