BILL NUMBER: S4213
SPONSOR: PARKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to establishing
distinctive "Women Veterans" license plates; and to amend the state
finance law, in relation to establishing the "women veterans support
fund"
 
PURPOSE:
This bill would establish a distinctive "Women Veterans" license plate
and provide for the use of the service charge for women veteran support
services such as homelessness, counseling, and other support programs.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: The vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding a new
section 404-ff.
Section 2: The state finance law is amended by adding a new section
95-1.
Section 3: A distinctive plate established pursuant to section 404-ff of
the vehicle and traffic law, as added by section one of this act, shall
only be designed, produced and issued upon the delivery to the depart-
ment of motor vehicles of a surety bond in the amount of six thousand
dollars which shall be executed by a surety company authorized by the
department of financial services to transact business in this state.
Section 4: This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day
after it shall have become a law; provided, however, that section three
of this act shall take effect immediately. Effective immediately, the
addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary
for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized
to be made completed on or before such effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York State is home to 65,756 women veterans. This is 12% of the
veteran population in NYS and this number continues to rise. Women
Veterans have been continually under cared for when it comes to health,
recognition, public awareness, and other areas typically involved with
male Veterans. It was not until 1980 that women were even give the title
of Veterans even though they had served for many years prior. Women were
not considered for normal Veteran's health care until 1983; it was not
until 1988 that. Dr. Susan H. Mather created the Veterans Health Admin-
istration office to finally address women's issues. In 1996 the first
"National Summit on Women Veterans Issues" was held in Washington, D.C.
so women could talk with policy makers and VA officials to make changes
to the way that women Veterans were taken care of.
Even though there are some programs in place for our women Veterans,
homelessness is a big issue. Women actually make up a larger number of
homeless Veterans than male Veterans. The VA did not approach this issue
until 2000 when they gave $3 million to fund support programs, but only
for a three-year program. Our women Veterans need more support from our
state to help fight the same male Veterans issues and more. PTSD, Coun-
seling, and Support programs will greatly benefit from this license
plate program. We need to show the same support we show our male Veter-
ans to our women Veterans.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S6003-Referred to Transportation
2021-22 S5037 - Referred to Transportation
2019-20: S4603 - Referred to Transportation
2017-18: S5412 - Referred to Transportation
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Minimal.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it
shall have become a law; provided, however, that section three of this
act shall take effect immediately. Effective immediately, the addition,
amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the
Implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be
made completed on or before such effective date.