Bill > A00401

This bill establishes the Hire a Vet Grant Program, which provides financial incentives to municipalities (counties, cities, towns, villages, or school districts) for hiring and retaining veterans in full-time or part-time positions. To qualify, a veteran must have served in the U.S. military (including various branches and service types), been discharged honorably or with certain acceptable conditions, and begin employment between January 1, 2026, and January 1, 2028. The grant amount is 15% of the veteran's wages during their first twelve months of employment, with a higher rate of 20% for disabled veterans. The grant is capped at different levels depending on the veteran's employment status: up to $15,000 for full-time non-disabled veterans, $20,000 for full-time disabled veterans, $7,500 for part-time non-disabled veterans, and $10,000 for part-time disabled veterans. The bill includes provisions to prevent municipalities from inappropriately displacing existing employees to claim the grant, and requires veterans to certify they were not substantially employed in the six months prior to being hired. The program is set to expire on January 1, 2029, providing a two-year window for municipalities to participate.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A401