New York State Senate Marks Veterans Hall of Fame Ceremony by Advancing Laws to Support NY Veterans, Service Members

May 27, 2025

New York State Senate Marks Veterans Hall of Fame Ceremony by Advancing Laws to Support NY Veterans press release.

The New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony in Albany, NY.

The New York State Senate today passed legislation in support of New York veterans and active-duty military personnel. The legislation coincides with the Senate’s annual Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony that commemorates and honors outstanding and decorated veterans. The bills included in the package would allow local municipalities to adopt new property tax relief for active duty service members who served in combat zones and disabled veterans; honor fallen veterans by establishing Veteran Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day as a commemorative day in New York State and adopting the “Honor and Remember” flag as the state flag; and permit veterans to transfer their tuition award program benefits to an immediate family member. This legislation builds on this year's enacted budget, which expanded eligibility for the Gold Star Families Annuity Program to better support the family members of fallen veterans and invested in mental health services for New York State veterans.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “The sacrifices made by our service members, veterans, and their families on behalf of us all deserves to be continually recognized and honored. Through today’s legislative package, coinciding with our annual Veterans Hall of Fame Day celebration, we are protecting those who put everything on the line to protect us. Our Senate Democratic Conference has made it a priority to invest in mental health services, housing assistance, workforce training initiatives and other resources that veterans rely on to thrive. I want to thank the Chair of our Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee, Senator Scarcella-Spanton, and all of the bill sponsors for championing vital legislation to further support our state's veterans, military and their families.”

Chair of Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton said, “As Chair of Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs, I’m proud to support this legislation and stand with those who have served and continue to serve. This package of legislation reflects our unwavering commitment to our veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. From property tax exemptions to expanding educational opportunities for veterans and families, we are investing in their futures back to civilian life and ensuring they receive the support they deserve.”

Legislation Components

Real property tax exemption for active-duty military personnel: This bill, S02068-A, sponsored by Senator Scarcella-Spanton, allows local municipalities to adopt a real property tax exemption for active-duty service members and military personnel who served in a combat zone.

Establishes an official state flag for honoring fallen veterans: This bill, S.02364, sponsored by Senator Scarcella-Spanton, designates the “Honor and Remember” Flag as the official state flag for recognizing armed service members who have died as a result of serving the United States in any war or conflict.

Real property tax exemption for eligible disabled veterans: This bill, S.1183, sponsored by Senator Addabbo, allows local municipalities to adopt a full real property tax exemption on primary residences of veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability.

Veteran Family Educational Attainment Act: This bill, S.4358, sponsored by Senator Jamaal Bailey, allows a qualified veteran to transfer their unused tuition awards and benefits to their spouse or children.

Veteran Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day: This bill, S.4152-A, sponsored by Senator James Sanders Jr., establishes September twenty-second of each year as Veteran Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day in the State of New York.

Member Support

Senator Joseph Addabbo said, “Each of these bills transforms how we honor our veterans, not just with words, but with laws that protect their dignity and give them a second chance. It's time for the Assembly to pass my bill, S.1183, so that our 100 percent, service-connected disabled veterans and surviving spouses can receive a full property tax exemption on their primary residence. This would have a significant impact on the livelihood of our service members and their families while honoring their selflessness and sacrifice.”

Senator Jamaal Bailey said, “As we honored the courage and sacrifice of our service members this Memorial Day weekend, it's vital we continue supporting veterans and their families not just in words, but through action. The Veteran Family Educational Attainment Act ensures that a veteran’s earned educational benefits can uplift their loved ones, creating opportunity and stability for generations. I’m proud to stand behind this bill and the broader package of legislation that strengthens our commitment to those who have served.”

Senator James Sanders Jr. said, “This legislative package reflects New York’s deep commitment to the men and women who’ve served, from housing and education to remembrance. I’m especially proud to contribute by recognizing the toll of veteran suicide and ensuring those lives are never forgotten.”