Bill > A08484

This bill directs the commissioner of veterans' services to establish a comprehensive registry and public information program focused on hazardous substance exposure for service members, veterans, and their families. The bill requires the commissioner to identify military installations within New York State where individuals may have been exposed to hazardous substances, including sites registered as inactive hazardous waste or brownfield cleanup sites. The registry will collect self-reported information from participants, including personal contact details, military installation location and service period, and any medical conditions potentially related to hazardous substance exposure. The commissioner must also create a public information program to educate participants about various federal veterans' health registries, presumptive conditions related to toxic exposure, recent scientific developments, and processes for applying for service-connected disability compensation. The bill mandates that aggregate data be made publicly available and requires the preparation of a study analyzing the collected information. Additionally, the commissioner is tasked with notifying affected individuals of potential exposure risks and advocating at the federal level for veterans' recognition and support. The collected information will be treated as confidential and used only for the specified purposes. The bill defines key terms such as "military installation," "toxic exposure," "service member," and "veteran" to provide clarity and scope to the proposed registry and program.

Budget and Finance, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8484