New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S09235

Introduced
2/18/26  

Caption

Clarifies the definition of severe and permanent disability for eligibility for military enhanced recognition, incentive and tribute ("MERIT") scholarships.

Impact

The implications of S09235 on state laws are significant as it establishes a more stringent and clear definition for disability in the context of educational support for veterans. This adjustment could open up access to scholarship funds for veterans who may not have previously qualified under the more ambiguous criteria. By standardizing what constitutes a severe and permanent disability, the bill potentially enhances fairness and transparency in the allocation of educational resources to veterans.

Summary

Bill S09235 seeks to amend the education law regarding the eligibility criteria for military enhanced recognition, incentive and tribute (MERIT) scholarships. The primary focus of this bill is to clarify the definition of 'severe and permanent disability' as it pertains to veterans seeking educational assistance. The bill stipulates that individuals must be determined by a licensed medical professional to be unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity or remuneration due to a physical or mental impairment in order to qualify for these scholarships. This change aims to ensure that those with significant disabilities receive the support they need in their educational pursuits.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding S09235 may relate to the perception of who qualifies as 'severely and permanently disabled.' While supporters argue that the bill will provide much-needed assistance to those with genuine disabilities, critics may express concern about the stringent medical determination required, potentially excluding some veterans who experience significant challenges but do not meet the exact criteria set forth. This debate reflects broader societal discussions about disability definitions and support systems for vulnerable populations, particularly in the context of military service members.

Companion Bills

NY A09357

Same As Clarifies the definition of severe and permanent disability for eligibility for military enhanced recognition, incentive and tribute ("MERIT") scholarships.

Previously Filed As

NY A09357

Clarifies the definition of severe and permanent disability for eligibility for military enhanced recognition, incentive and tribute ("MERIT") scholarships.

NY S07964

Incentivizes projects on certain Brownfield sites through enhanced tax credits.

NY A08630

Incentivizes projects on certain Brownfield sites through enhanced tax credits.

NY A10089

Clarifies the eligibility for the New York opportunity promise scholarship to prevent people from applying if they previously received a postsecondary degree within a certain timeframe.

NY S09127

Clarifies the eligibility for the New York opportunity promise scholarship to prevent people from applying if they previously received a postsecondary degree within a certain timeframe.

NY S08298

Clarifies the definition of business records and the use of such records in grand jury proceedings.

NY S09448

Adds Down syndrome to the definition of developmental disability for the purpose of making Down syndrome an automatic qualifier for Medicaid; expands the definition of developmental disability to include certain individuals below the age of ten who cannot demonstrate that their disability constitutes a substantial handicap to their ability to function in a normal society, but that have a high probability of meeting such criteria later in life; expands the definition of developmental disability to include certain individuals below the age of four.

NY A03972

Modifies eligibility for ordinary disability benefits and re-employment of disability retirees of the New York city police pension fund Tier III plans.

NY A06904

Adds Down syndrome to the definition of developmental disability for the purpose of making Down syndrome an automatic qualifier for Medicaid; expands the definition of developmental disability to include certain individuals below the age of ten who cannot demonstrate that their disability constitutes a substantial handicap to their ability to function in a normal society, but that have a high probability of meeting such criteria later in life; expands the definition of developmental disability to include certain individuals below the age of four.

NY A03542

Provides the carrier or employer a credit against permanent partial disability benefits for temporary partial disability payments made in excess of 130 weeks.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.