New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday signed six pieces of legislation affecting property taxes, vehicle registrations, and accessibility for veterans and active-duty service members.
The governor’s office said the legislative package aims to reduce financial and administrative barriers and expand access to benefits for military families. State officials stated the bills will help disabled veterans afford necessary home modifications and easily access state university fitness facilities.
| Bill Numbers | What Changes | Who Is Affected |
|---|---|---|
| A10921A/S10398A | Allows local governments to waive or reduce fees for home improvements | Veterans with service-connected disabilities |
| A9351A/S8571A | Allows use of existing federal rating to get Universal Symbol of Access license plates | Veterans with a 100% VA disability rating |
| A11233A/S9806A | Allows early vehicle registration renewal | Armed forces members deploying or performing official duties |
| A3450A/S3194A | Clarifies the time period used to determine property tax benefit eligibility | Veterans of the Persian Gulf conflict |
| A5578A/S1788A | Expands types of military records accepted for additional property tax exemptions | Veterans who served in combat zones |
| A6001A/S7784A | Provides free or discounted memberships at SUNY and CUNY gyms and pools | Veterans with disabilities |
The legislation allows local governments to waive or reduce permitting fees when disabled veterans make home improvements to accommodate service-connected injuries. Another law allows veterans with a 100% federal disability rating to use that status to obtain license plates featuring the Universal Symbol of Access. For active-duty members, the state will now permit early vehicle registration renewals if their current registration expires during deployment.
Two bills target property tax benefits, expanding the types of military records combat veterans can use to prove eligibility and clarifying the eligible timeframe for those who served in the Persian Gulf conflict. Additionally, the legislation offers disabled veterans free or discounted access to public gyms and pools at State University of New York and City University of New York campuses.
The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services also announced $150,000 in funding for six nonprofit organizations. Each will receive $25,000 to expand outdoor recreational therapy programs for veterans across the state. To mark Veterans Day, the governor directed 17 state landmarks to be illuminated green.
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