Bill > A01470

This bill expands eligibility for the New York State Veterans Tuition Awards program by modifying several key provisions. It now allows veterans to qualify for tuition awards if they have served on active duty for at least four years or participated in hostilities after February 28, 1961, as evidenced by receiving specific military expeditionary medals. The bill explicitly includes veterans from Vietnam, Persian Gulf, and Afghanistan conflicts in the eligible categories. Award recipients can receive tuition assistance for up to eight full-time semesters at undergraduate or graduate degree-granting institutions or approved vocational training programs. The award amount will cover either the undergraduate tuition rate for New York state residents at the State University of New York or the actual tuition charged, whichever is less, and this award will not be reduced by other federal education benefits like the Montgomery GI Bill or Pell Grants. While the bill was originally set to take effect immediately, it has been amended to take effect on July 1, 2025, providing a clear timeline for implementation of these expanded veterans' educational benefits.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1470