Bill > S07850

This bill authorizes the presentation of a New York State Cold War Commemorative Medal to veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces during the period from September 2, 1945, through December 26, 1991. The medal will be available to current or former New York State residents who were on active duty during the specified timeframe and were discharged under honorable conditions, including those with a qualifying condition or discharged LGBT veterans. The medal can only be awarded once per person, and in the event of the veteran's death before receiving the medal, it can be presented to their designated representative. The Adjutant General, in consultation with the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans' Services, will establish rules for the medal's distribution, including eligibility for those who have already received a Cold War Certificate. The bill also modifies existing language to clarify that recipients of various service medals do not need to have been New York State residents at the time of their military entry. The act will take effect on the first of April following its enactment, with the Division of Military and Naval Affairs authorized to develop necessary implementation rules.

Budget and Finance, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7850