Bill > S00243

This bill amends multiple New York state laws to include members of the Space Force as being eligible for the same credits, benefits, and recognition currently afforded to members of other military branches. Specifically, the bill updates various definitions of "armed forces," "military service," and "veteran" across different areas of state law, such as civil service, election procedures, insurance, military benefits, public officer leave, economic development, and real property tax laws. By explicitly adding the Space Force to these definitions, the bill ensures that Space Force members receive the same treatment as members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard in terms of military service recognition, veterans' benefits, application fee waivers, holiday leave, memorial flag presentations, and other state-level protections and privileges. The bill reflects the relatively recent establishment of the Space Force as a distinct military branch in 2019 and aims to provide comprehensive legal recognition for its service members in New York state statutes.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S243