New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., a member of the Senate Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee announced the passage of a comprehensive package of veteran-focused bills designed to expand opportunities, improve access to benefits and services, remove barriers to identification, preserve veterans’ history, and honor the service and sacrifice of New York’s military veterans.

The package includes legislation to increase contracting opportunities for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, establish a Veterans’ Bill of Rights, update state law to ensure veterans who served in more recent military conflicts are eligible for important property tax benefits, improve access to state identification documents for veterans, and create a more comprehensive registry of veterans’ memorials and monuments throughout New York State.

“As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to ensure our veterans are honored not only with words, but through action. These bills help expand economic opportunity, promote benefits, remove bureaucratic red tape, preserve military history, and provide long-overdue recognition to veterans who served in modern conflicts,” concluded Addabbo.

The Senate passed S.9419, sponsored by Addabbo, which authorizes the Department of Motor Vehicles to accept certain veteran-issued documentation, including DD-214 discharge papers, Veteran Identification Cards, and VA Health Identification Cards, as proof of identity when applying for a driver’s license or state identification card. This bill was delivered to the Assembly for consideration.

“Access to government-issued identification is often the first step toward securing housing, employment, healthcare, and other critical services,” Addabbo said. “Too many veterans, particularly those experiencing homelessness, displacement, or personal hardship, encounter unnecessary barriers when attempting to obtain identification. This legislation will help veterans regain stability and access the resources they need.”

Another Addabbo bill approved by the Senate, S.1242A, expands New York’s Veterans Memorial Registry by requiring the inclusion of both veteran memorials and monuments from communities across the state. The legislation establishes reporting deadlines and creates a comprehensive, searchable database to preserve and promote New York’s military history.

“Our veterans’ stories should be remembered and shared with future generations,” Addabbo said. “By creating a complete inventory of veterans’ memorials and monuments across New York, we can better honor those who served, educate the public about their sacrifices, and preserve these important historical landmarks for years to come.”

Among the other bills passed by the Senate and cosponsored by Addabbo is S.9594A, which increases New York’s goal for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises from 6 percent to 8 percent to expand opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs and strengthen participation in state contracting programs.

“Service-disabled veterans often face challenges transitioning from military service to civilian careers,” Addabbo said. “By increasing the state’s procurement goal, we are creating new opportunities for veteran-owned businesses to compete, grow, and succeed while contributing to local economies across New York.”

The Senate also passed S.7708B, to establish a Veterans’ Bill of Rights created, published, and distributed by the Department of Veterans’ Services. The document will provide veterans with a clear, accessible summary of the benefits, services, and protections available to them under New York law.

“Many veterans are unaware of the benefits they have earned through their service,” explained Addabbo. “A Veterans’ Bill of Rights will serve as an important resource, providing veterans and their families with the information they need to access critical programs and support.”
Lastly, the Senate approved S.3194A, to update the definition of “period of war” under the state’s Alternative Veterans Property Tax Exemption to include service during the Global War on Terrorism and military operations in Somalia, Bosnia, and Kosovo.

“Veterans who served honorably in these conflicts have not been fully recognized under current state law,” Addabbo added. “This legislation fixes that oversight to ensure these veterans are recognized equally when seeking property tax benefits available to those who served during other recognized periods of war.”

“Supporting our veterans is not a holiday-specific or one-day commitment. It is an ongoing obligation,” Addabbo concluded. “I am proud to support this legislative package and pleased that all but one have advanced through both the Senate and Assembly, and I urge the Governor to sign these bills.”