Bill > S04529

This bill establishes a military pro bono legal assistance program in New York to provide free legal services to active military service members, deployed military personnel, and their family members who are domiciled or stationed in the state. The program, to be created by the Attorney General in consultation with the Adjutant General and the chair of the New York Interest on Lawyer Account Fund, will offer legal assistance across various areas including civil law, family law, estate planning, employment law, immigration law, debtor-creditor law, and military administrative law. The bill mandates the creation of a Military Family Legal Assistance Advisory Committee comprising representatives from military legal offices, veterans' organizations, court administration, and legal aid groups, which will provide guidance on program design, volunteer recruitment, and service delivery. The program can receive grants and donations, which will be deposited in the New York Interest on Lawyer Account Fund specifically for military family legal assistance. The Attorney General is authorized to develop rules and regulations to implement the program, with the ultimate goal of providing comprehensive, no-cost legal support to military families in New York.

Budget and Finance, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4529