New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08365

Introduced
5/13/25  
Refer
5/13/25  
Refer
1/7/26  
Report Pass
4/28/26  

Caption

Expands eligibility for admission to New York state veterans' homes to certain veterans who have an immediate family member who shall have been a resident of this state for six months prior to the date of application for admission; defines an immediate family member to include a spouse, or a birth or adoptive parent, child, sibling, stepparent, stepchild, stepsibling, grandparent and grandchild; requires, where applicable, the immediate family member of a veteran applicant to file an affidavit of New York state residence; authorizes veterans with an immediate family member who has been a New York state resident for six months to be entitled to admission to the Long Island state veterans home at Stony Brook university.

Impact

The bill is designed to broaden access to state veterans' homes, which provide essential services and care for veterans in need. By facilitating the admission process for veterans with family members living in New York, the bill will likely increase the number of veterans able to utilize these resources, thus promoting their welfare and wellbeing. Consequently, this change in state law reflects a more inclusive approach toward veterans' services, potentially easing the burden on families and caregivers who previously faced challenges in obtaining admission for their loved ones due to strict residency rules.

Summary

Bill A08365 proposes to expand the eligibility criteria for admission to New York state veterans' homes. The bill allows veterans who have an immediate family member that has been a resident of New York state for at least six months prior to the application date to gain access to these veterans' homes. The definition of an immediate family member includes a spouse, biological or adoptive parents, children, siblings, and even more extended relatives like grandparents and grandchildren. This amendment aims to facilitate the admission process for veterans who might not meet the direct residency requirements but have family ties to the state.

Contention

Despite its positive intent, A08365 may encounter challenges. Critics may argue that the bill simplifies residency requirements too much, potentially leading to overcrowding in veterans' homes if many new applicants emerge without adequate facilities or resources to support them. Concerns could also be raised regarding how the verification process for the residency of an immediate family member will be managed, and whether it is feasible to ensure that applicants genuinely meet the new criteria outlined in the bill. Legislative discussions may highlight these potential issues as they consider the implications of amending existing laws governing veterans' admissions.

Companion Bills

NY S08055

Same As Expands eligibility for admission to New York state veterans' homes to certain veterans who have an immediate family member who shall have been a resident of this state for six months prior to the date of application for admission; defines an immediate family member to include a spouse, or a birth or adoptive parent, child, sibling, stepparent, stepchild, stepsibling, grandparent and grandchild; requires, where applicable, the immediate family member of a veteran applicant to file an affidavit of New York state residence; authorizes veterans with an immediate family member who has been a New York state resident for six months to be entitle to admission to the Long Island state veterans home at Stony Brook university.

Previously Filed As

NY S08055

Expands eligibility for admission to New York state veterans' homes to certain veterans who have an immediate family member who shall have been a resident of this state for six months prior to the date of application for admission; defines an immediate family member to include a spouse, or a birth or adoptive parent, child, sibling, stepparent, stepchild, stepsibling, grandparent and grandchild; requires, where applicable, the immediate family member of a veteran applicant to file an affidavit of New York state residence; authorizes veterans with an immediate family member who has been a New York state resident for six months to be entitle to admission to the Long Island state veterans home at Stony Brook university.

NY LD1043

An Act to Provide Free Admission to State Parks and Historic Sites for the Immediate Family Members of Veterans and Active Military Personnel

NY S08805

Expands the veterans tuition awards program to allow the transfer of unused benefits to eligible immediate family members; defines terms.

NY A09476

Expands the veterans tuition awards program to allow the transfer of unused benefits to eligible immediate family members; defines terms.

NY A08089

Establishes a New York state veterans' and service member law book of a compilation of all state statutes governing the rights, privileges, benefits and services afforded to veterans, service members and their families.

NY S07765

Establishes a New York state veterans' and service member law book of a compilation of all state statutes governing the rights, privileges, benefits and services afforded to veterans, service members and their families.

NY HB3602

VETERANS HOMES-ADMISSIONS

NY HB2541

Relating to the waiver of state park entrance, admission, and vehicle entrance fees for certain holders of state parklands passports and their immediate family members.

NY H5052

Changes the service requirement for admissions to RI Veterans' Home from 90 days to 2 years, and gives priority to veterans defined as war veterans.

NY S408

Permits application for PERS accidental disability benefit for injury sustained after January 2003 while employed at State psychiatric institution or correctional facility immediately prior to PERS membership.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.