Bill > A00055

This bill expands the definition of "military status" in New York's executive law to provide broader anti-discrimination protections for veterans in housing and other contexts. Specifically, the bill broadens the existing definition to include additional military service categories such as commissioned officers in the Public Health Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Environmental Sciences Services Administration, as well as cadets at United States armed forces service academies. Importantly, the bill explicitly clarifies that military status protection applies to veterans regardless of their discharge status, meaning that all individuals who have participated in military service - whether they were honorably or other-than-honorably discharged - are now protected from discrimination. This modification ensures that veterans cannot be denied housing or face other forms of discrimination based on their military service history. The bill aims to provide more comprehensive legal safeguards for veterans by removing potential barriers to equal treatment in housing and potentially other areas of public life. The amendment takes effect immediately upon passage, providing immediate legal protection for a broader range of military service members.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A55