NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., a member of the Senate Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs Committee, announced that legislation he co-sponsored to help ease the financial burden on disabled veterans received final approval from both the New York State Senate and Assembly and now awaits the Governor’s signature to become law.

The legislation, S.10398-A, known as the Disabled Veteran Home Modification Act, authorizes cities, towns, and villages across New York State to waive or reduce building permit fees for service-connected disabled veterans who need to make accessibility modifications to their homes.

Addabbo stated, “Our veterans have already paid an immeasurable price in service to our nation. They shouldn’t face additional financial hardship when making their homes safer and more accessible because of injuries sustained while serving our country. Whether it’s installing a wheelchair ramp, widening doorways, or making other necessary modifications, these improvements are not luxuries; they are necessities that allow veterans to live independently with dignity. This legislation is one small but meaningful way we can help remove unnecessary barriers.”

Veterans with service-connected disabilities often face significant expense when retrofitting their homes to accommodate mobility challenges or other permanent disabilities. In addition to construction expenses, local building permit fees, inspections, plan reviews, and related costs can add thousands of dollars to these projects.

If signed into law, municipalities would have the option to exempt or reduce these fees for eligible disabled veterans, providing meaningful financial relief while supporting their ability to remain safely in their homes.

“New York has a responsibility to support the men and women who have sacrificed so much in defense of our freedoms,” Addabbo added. “I am proud to cosponsor this important legislation, and grateful my Senate and Assembly colleagues recognize its value, and I respectfully urge Governor Hochul to sign this bill into law so disabled veterans can benefit from this common-sense measure.”

The law would take effect on December 1 should the Governor sign and enact the bill into law.