Bill > S06005

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, veterans must have served in the U.S. military or related services, been discharged honorably or under specific conditions, and be hired between January 2026 and January 2028. The grant amount varies based on the veteran's employment status and disability: municipalities can receive 15% of wages for non-disabled veterans and 20% for disabled veterans, with maximum annual grants ranging from $7,500 to $20,000 depending on hours worked and veteran status. The veteran must be employed continuously for at least twelve months and cannot have been previously employed more than 35 hours per week in the 180 days prior to municipal employment. The bill explicitly prohibits municipalities from firing existing employees to hire veterans solely to obtain the grant, and ensures the program does not interfere with existing civil service employment laws. The grant program will automatically expire on January 1, 2029.

Budget and Finance, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6005