New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A10420

Introduced
3/4/26  
Refer
3/4/26  
Report Pass
3/10/26  
Engrossed
3/16/26  

Caption

Requires the department of veterans' services to provide legal and/or technical support to veterans who want to change their discharged status to honorable because such person was dishonorably or administratively discharged from the armed services due to sexual orientation.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will require the Department of Veterans' Services to provide comprehensive legal and technical support to veterans pursuing upgrades to their discharge status. The board will assist in reviewing applications, advising veterans on the merits of their cases, and helping them gather necessary documentation for review. Additionally, the board will also represent veterans in appeals to correction boards and assist in finding legal counsel when necessary. This legal aid for veterans seeking justice based on past discriminatory practices could lead to more equitable outcomes for affected individuals.

Summary

Bill A10420 intends to amend the veterans' services law in New York to provide additional support for veterans seeking to upgrade their discharged status to honorable. The bill specifically addresses cases of veterans who were dishonorably or administratively discharged due to their sexual orientation. By establishing a discharge upgrade assistance board, the bill aims to help these veterans navigate the process of altering their discharge status, which can significantly affect their access to various services and benefits.

Contention

The introduction of A10420 may spark discussions around the accountability of military policies that have historically discriminated against individuals based on sexual orientation. Supporters argue that such legislation is vital for acknowledging past wrongs and ensuring that all veterans receive fair treatment and access to benefits regardless of their service history. Conversely, opponents may express concerns about the implications of changing discharge statuses and the potential administrative burden this places on the military and veterans' services organization, as well as broader questions regarding the integrity of military evaluations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY S05124

Requires the department of veterans' services to provide legal and/or technical support to veterans who want to change their discharged status to honorable because such person was dishonorably or administratively discharged from the armed services due to sexual orientation.

NY S07779

Creates a distinctive license plate for veterans honoring Borinqueneers; defines "veteran" as a person who is a resident of this state, who served in the armed forces of the United States, and was honorably discharged from the armed forces, or has a qualifying condition, as defined in section one of the veterans' services law, and has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from such service, or is a discharged LGBT veteran, as defined in section one of the veterans' services law, and has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from such service.

NY HB450

Relating to recognizing persons who separated from military service solely on the basis of sexual orientation as honorably discharged veterans under state law.

NY SB2958

Relating to recognizing persons who separated from military service solely on the basis of sexual orientation as honorably discharged veterans under state law.

NY S2700

Authorizes the town of Middletown to adopt by ordinance, a veterans’ property tax exemption to any veteran, who was honorably discharged, or discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, regardless of dates or periods of service.

NY H7662

Authorizes the town of Middletown to adopt by ordinance, a veterans’ property tax exemption to any veteran, who was honorably discharged, or discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, regardless of dates or periods of service.

NY H7084

Authorizes a municipality to adopt by local ordinance, a veterans' property tax exemption to any veteran, who was honorably discharged, or discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, regardless of dates or periods of service.

NY S1898

Allows honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces or National Guard to carry handgun.

NY S08900

Requires the department of veterans' services to obtain information from the United States department of veterans affairs related to the county of residence of New York state veterans discharged from active service, in which county such veterans reside, and transfer such information to the appropriate county veteran service agency.

NY A00951

Creates a distinctive license plate for veterans honoring Borinqueneers; defines "veteran" as a person who is a resident of this state, who served in the armed forces of the United States, and was honorably discharged from the armed forces, or has a qualifying condition, as defined in section one of the veterans' services law, and has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from such service, or is a discharged LGBT veteran, as defined in section one of the veterans' services law, and has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from such service.

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