Queens, NY (March 2, 2026) - New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., a member of the Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs Committee, announced this month Senate approval of legislation (S.1788) to expand property tax exemptions for veterans who served their country on classified missions or aboard submarines during periods of war.

The bill amends the state’s real property tax law to provide a 10 percent property tax reduction to veterans whose service locations may remain classified or otherwise difficult to document. Under current law, many veterans don’t qualify for the exemption because they cannot provide proof of combat zone service due to the sensitive or secretive nature of their assignments.

By expanding eligibility, S.1788 ensures that veterans who undertook dangerous and essential missions—often without public recognition—are not excluded from receiving property tax relief simply because their service records remain restricted.

Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., a cosponsor of the legislation, emphasized the importance of recognizing all forms of military service while continuing to advocate for additional tax relief for veterans.

“Our veterans answered the call to serve, often under extraordinary and highly classified circumstances that required immense sacrifice,” said Addabbo. “This legislation ensures those who served on submarines or classified missions are not denied the benefits they rightfully deserve simply because the nature of their service cannot be publicly documented. I remain committed to strengthening support for our veterans, including monitoring my own legislation, S.8803, which provides a full property tax exemption for veterans with a 100-percent service-connected disability,” Addabbo added.

Senator Addabbo’s legislation, S.8803, was approved by the New York State Legislature, amended, and ultimately signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul as Chapter 77 of the Laws of 2026, representing a major expansion of property tax relief for the state’s most severely disabled veterans.

“This progress reflects our continued responsibility to ensure that every veteran in New York receives the support and recognition they have earned through their service,” Addabbo added.

After passing the Senate, S.1788 returns to the Assembly Veterans Affairs committee to advance through the legislative process as lawmakers continue efforts to provide meaningful relief and recognition to veterans across the state.