New York Assembly Bill A03240

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/25
• Refer: 1/27/25
• Report Pass: 6/16/25
• Refer: 6/16/25

Caption

Expands the veterans tuition awards program to allow the transfer of unused benefits to a spouse, survivor or child; defines terms.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will greatly enhance educational opportunities for veterans' families by ensuring that unused tuition awards benefit those who are closely related to service members. The legislation specifies criteria around who qualifies as immediate family, thereby aiming to provide clarity and accessibility to these educational benefits for families residing within New York State. Additionally, the bill sets limits on the number of transfers, which ensures that the program remains manageable and sustainable over time.

Summary

A03240, known as the Veteran Family Educational Attainment Act, proposes to amend New York's education law by expanding the veterans tuition awards program. The bill allows qualified veterans to transfer unused tuition benefits to their immediate family members, including spouses, children, and survivors. This initiative aims to support the educational aspirations of families affected by military service, acknowledging their sacrifices and contribution to the nation.

Contention

Though the bill is expected to gain support within veteran communities, it may face scrutiny regarding the cap placed on the number of transfers, which is limited to one hundred per year. Some may argue that such restrictions undermine the bill's intent to support as many veterans' families as possible. Another potential point of contention could arise from defining eligible family members and the required ten years of service for transferring benefits, which may not align with all veterans' circumstances.