Bill > A07520

This bill modifies the definition of "veteran" in New York's veterans' services law to expand the criteria for veteran status. Specifically, the bill now includes members of the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, New York Guard, and New York Naval Militia who have served for at least twenty years, with part of that service occurring during a war or period of hostilities. This change broadens the existing definition, which previously only recognized veterans as those who served on active duty in the uniformed services of the United States or as commissioned officers in certain public health and scientific services. The bill maintains the existing requirement that individuals must have been released from service under conditions other than dishonorable to qualify as a veteran. By expanding the definition, the bill aims to recognize and potentially provide benefits to a wider range of military service members, particularly those who have served in the National Guard for an extended period during times of conflict.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7520