Gov. Kathy Hochul signed six bills on Veterans Day aimed at easing access to property tax benefits, accessible homes, vehicle registrations and recreational facilities for New York veterans and active-duty service members.
The Nov. 11 package includes measures for veterans with disabilities and military personnel whose registrations would expire during deployment or other official duties, according to the governor’s announcement. Hochul also directed 17 state landmarks, including the Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal, to shine green that evening in recognition of veterans.
Home accessibility and vehicle paperwork
The Disabled Veteran Home Modification Act, A10921A/S10398A, allows local governments to waive or reduce fees for home improvements needed to accommodate a veteran’s service-connected disability. The measure gives municipalities that option; the announcement does not establish that every community will automatically waive those fees.
Assemblymember Steve Stern, who sponsored the measure, said permitting fees and other administrative expenses can add costs and delay accessibility improvements. State Sen. Monica Martinez said the changes are intended to help veterans with disabilities remain safely in their homes.
A second law, A9351A/S8571A, allows veterans with a 100% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to use that federal rating to qualify for license plates bearing the Universal Symbol of Access.
A11233A/S9806A allows members of the armed forces to renew vehicle registrations early when those registrations are set to expire while they are deployed or performing other official military duties. State Sen. Chris Ryan and Assemblymember William Magnarelli sponsored the two vehicle-related measures.
Property tax benefits and campus recreation
A3450A/S3194A clarifies the period of the Persian Gulf conflict used to determine eligibility for veterans’ property tax benefits. The governor’s office said the change is intended to remove barriers for veterans who served during that conflict.
Another measure, A5578A/S1788A, expands the military records veterans can use to establish eligibility for additional property tax exemptions tied to combat-zone service. Acceptable evidence described in the announcement includes discharge records, military awards and records of hazardous duty pay.
State Sen. Michelle Hinchey said that measure addresses obstacles faced by veterans whose service included classified or submarine missions. Assemblymember Pamela Hunter, a veteran and the bill’s Assembly sponsor, said the law is intended to prevent documentation barriers from keeping eligible veterans from receiving relief.
The sixth law, A6001A/S7784A, provides for free or discounted memberships for veterans with disabilities at State University of New York and City University of New York campus gyms and swimming pools that are open to the general public.
The release did not specify the laws’ effective dates, detailed application procedures or the precise revised Persian Gulf eligibility dates.
Outdoor recreation grants and other support
The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services also announced $150,000 through the Veterans Outdoor Recreational Therapy Grant Program. Six nonprofit organizations will receive $25,000 each to expand therapeutic outdoor recreation for veterans. The announcement did not name the recipients.
Hochul’s office cited earlier support that includes approximately $4.6 million for 73 veterans organizations through the Veterans’ Nonprofit Capital Program, expanded educational opportunities through the Veterans Tuition Award, $350,000 for the Military Family Relief Fund and $1.1 million in state funding for suicide prevention initiatives.
The administration also reported approximately $1 million in Justice for Heroes grants and multiyear commitments to expand free legal services for veterans and military families.
Fairport bridge among 17 landmarks going green
The Fairport Lift Bridge and the State Fairgrounds’ Main Gate and Expo Center are among the sites designated for green illumination on Veterans Day.
The other locations are One World Trade Center; the Governor Mario M. Cuomo and Kosciuszko bridges; the H. Carl McCall SUNY Building; the State Education Building; the Alfred E. Smith State Office Building; Empire State Plaza; Lincoln Bathhouse at Saratoga Spa State Park; the Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge; Grand Central Terminal’s Pershing Square Viaduct; Albany International Airport Gateway; Lake Placid Olympic Gateway; the Long Island Rail Road’s East End Gateway at Penn Station; Moynihan Train Hall; and Roosevelt Island Lighthouse.
Operation Green Light began in 2021 through a collaboration among New York county and veterans service organizations. The National Association of Counties later adopted the campaign, which encourages visible support for veterans while drawing attention to available benefits and services.
Illustrative file photo of a person using a wheelchair. Image source: Pixabay.
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