Bill > S05397

This bill amends the veterans' services law to establish a new requirement for handling military discharge certificates (specifically the DD-214 form, which is a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). The bill mandates that when the state department receives a veteran's discharge certificate, they must forward this document to the appropriate local veterans' service agency within 60 days of receipt. The transmission can be done electronically, and the bill emphasizes that the personal information contained in these certificates must be treated as confidential under existing public officers law. The purpose of this requirement appears to be ensuring that local veterans' service agencies have timely access to veterans' discharge documents, which can be crucial for determining eligibility for various state and federal benefits and services. The bill will take effect 30 days after it becomes law, providing a short transition period for implementation.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5397