New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A06559

Introduced
3/6/25  
Refer
3/6/25  
Report Pass
5/19/25  
Refer
5/19/25  
Report Pass
5/21/25  
Engrossed
5/21/25  

Caption

Establishes a veterans' bill of rights; provides sample language for such bill of rights; requires the department of veterans' services to establish and distribute a veterans' bill of rights and to make such bill of rights available on the department's website.

Impact

The Bill of Rights outlined in A06559 underscores the essential rights of veterans, including their right to apply for benefits, receive assistance from state agencies, and appeal any adverse decisions regarding their applications for services. By mandating that these rights be publicly available and easily accessible, the bill aims to empower veterans, making them more informed about their entitlements. This addition to state law is anticipated to improve the overall transparency of the veterans' services process and the interaction between veterans and the state government.

Summary

Bill A06559 proposes the establishment of a Veterans' Bill of Rights within New York's veterans' services law. The aim of this bill is to formalize and clarify the rights afforded to veterans, ensuring that they have access to benefits, assistance, and fair treatment. The proposed legislation requires the Department of Veterans' Services to draft, publish, and distribute this Bill of Rights, which is meant to serve as a guiding document for veterans within the state. This effort is part of a broader initiative to enhance the support mechanism for veterans and improve their access to necessary services.

Contention

One point of contention that may arise from A06559 is how effectively the rights can be enforced and communicated to veterans. Critics might argue that while a formal Bill of Rights is a positive step, the real challenge lies in ensuring that veterans are aware of these rights and that local service agencies are adequately trained to uphold them. Furthermore, there could be discussions regarding the adequacy of state resources to support the implementation of these rights, especially in ensuring that veterans receive the necessary help when navigating the complexities of benefits applications and appeal processes.

Companion Bills

NY S07708

Same As Establishes a veterans' bill of rights; provides sample language for such bill of rights; requires the department of veterans' services to establish and distribute a veterans' bill of rights and to make such bill of rights available on the departments website.

Previously Filed As

NY A00668

Establishes a pregnant persons' bill of rights; requires posting and disclosing such bill of rights; establishes a penalty for failure to post or disclose such bill of rights.

NY S01304

Relates to enacting the "adjacent neighbors' bill of rights"; requires the department of buildings to develop a bulletin known as the "adjacent neighbors' bill of rights" advising homeowners who are adjacent to a property under development or construction of their rights and available resources and post such bulletin on the department's website.

NY A02517

Relates to enacting the "adjacent neighbors' bill of rights"; requires the department of buildings to develop a bulletin known as the "adjacent neighbors' bill of rights" advising homeowners who are adjacent to a property under development or construction of their rights and available resources and post such bulletin on the department's website.

NY S08783

Requires the department of labor create and maintain a list of available careers and job openings for veterans in the state of New York and provide such list to the department of veterans' services; requires such list to be placed on the department of veterans' services website.

NY A10609

Requires the department of labor create and maintain a list of available careers and job openings for veterans in the state of New York and provide such list to the department of veterans' services; requires such list to be placed on the department of veterans' services website.

NY A10261

Establishes a co-occurring disorders patient bill of rights to be implemented by various agencies; requires a five-year plan for implementing such bill of rights.

NY S09523

Establishes a co-occurring disorders patient bill of rights to be implemented by various agencies; requires a five-year plan for implementing such bill of rights.

NY S08770

Establishes a continuing care retirement community bill of rights; requires the commissioner of health to designate a county ombudsman to monitor such bill of rights.

NY S00057

Enacts the "STAR credit bill of rights"; establishes the office of STAR ombudsman.

NY A05255

Enacts the "STAR credit bill of rights"; establishes the office of STAR ombudsman.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.