BILL NUMBER:S2424A

TITLE OF BILL:
An act
to amend the executive law, in relation to the establishment of the New
York state veterans cemetery act

PURPOSE:
This bill seeks to establish a New York
State Veterans
Cemetery Program.

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of this bill would provide that this law shall be known and
may be cited as the New York State Veterans Cemetery Act. Section 2
of this bill would amend the executive law to add a new section 367
to establish a New York State Veterans Cemetery Program. Pursuant to
such section, the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs would
be directed to conduct an investigation and study on the issue of the
establishment of a New York State Veterans Cemetery Program. Such
investigation and study would be required to be completed on or
before December 31, 2011. As soon as possible, the Division shall
submit to the Federal Veterans Administration Veterans Cemetery
Grants Program a pre-application for one or more veterans cemetery.
Within 90 days of the completion of such investigation and study,
such Division must also complete and deliver, to the chair of the
              

Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military
Affairs and the chair of the Assembly Standing Committee on Veterans
Affairs, a report on such investigation and study, containing
recommendations to the legislature on the establishment of a New York
State Veterans Cemetery Program. Such recommendations shall include
what measures need to be taken by New
York State to establish such a program, what laws should be amended or
added to establish such a program, and what fiscal resources would
need to be appropriated and expended, if any, to establish such
program. Section 3 of this bill would provide for an immediate
effective date.

JUSTIFICATION:
New York State presently exists in a dangerous and
uncertain world. Like in generations before, our veterans have
answered the call and have placed themselves as the defenders of our
freedoms and liberties. This bill seeks to provide the mechanism for
the
establishment of a New York State Veterans cemetery Program· Such a
program is a necessary and prudent step toward recognizing the
commitment and sacrifice our state's veterans have made Such a
program, by terms of this bill, would be developed in partnership
with the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs, after
thoughtful study and investigation. The report and recommendations
required under this bill would provide the framework for the
establishment of the Program, upon which a successful establishment
and implementation could be based. This bill seeks to direct New York
State's Veteran recognition and services in a responsible, thoughtful
manner, using experience and intelligence to seek the best possible


outcome for those who have given so much of themselves for all the
people of our State.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New legislation.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None noted, for although some staff time at the
New York State Division of Veterans Affairs would be required to
accomplish the investigation, study and report required under this
bill, its actions could easily be performed with current resources.

EFFECTIVE DATE:
This bill would take effect immediately.