Queens, NY (February 20, 2026) - The State Senate passed S.1188, legislation sponsored by Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., a proud member of the Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs Committee, to protect congressionally chartered veterans’ organizations by establishing a 120-day warning period to allow for the correction of certain violations issued on their posts or veterans buildings, before any fines are imposed. Following Senate passage, the bill has been returned to the New York State Assembly and referred to the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee for consideration.

According to Addabbo’s bill, congressionally chartered veterans’ organizations, including local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts, would receive written notice and a 120-day opportunity to remedy certain violations before fines are issued. The bill also allows organizations to request a written extension if they can demonstrate a good-faith effort to resolve the violation. Violations that pose an imminent threat to public health or safety, as well as violations of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, are exempt from this warning period.

“My bill recognizes the invaluable role veterans’ organizations and their posts play in supporting those who have sacrificed for our country,” said Addabbo. “These posts are pillars of their communities, providing services, community space, guidance, and a sense of brotherhood to veterans and their families. By allowing a reasonable 120-day warning period to correct violations, we are ensuring that these organizations are treated fairly and allowed to comply without facing immediate financial penalties that could jeopardize their mission.”

Veterans’ organizations serve as critical community institutions, providing essential support services, camaraderie, and access to nonprofit and government resources for those who have served our nation. However, many of these organizations operate with limited financial resources and face significant hardship when fines are imposed without adequate time to address compliance issues.

This legislation has been introduced in multiple legislative sessions and has consistently received support in the Senate, reflecting the ongoing commitment to protecting and strengthening veterans’ organizations across New York State.

Addabbo concluded, “My Senate colleagues and I continue to demonstrate our commitment to advancing policies that honor and support veterans and the organizations dedicated to serving them. I am hopeful the Assembly will join us by approving this legislation in 2026, which has no fiscal impact on the state, while providing significant financial relief to our most deserving veterans’ organizations.”