BILL NUMBER: S4358A
SPONSOR: BAILEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to expanding the veterans
tuition awards program to allow the transfer of unused benefits to a
spouse, survivor or child
 
PURPOSE::
To allow veterans eligible for the Veterans Tuition Award Program schol-
arship to transfer their tuition award to an immediate family member.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS::
The bill amends the education law to allow a "qualified veteran" who
would be eligible for the award the option to transfer all or part of
said award to an immediate family member under certain circumstances. It
further stipulates that the number of tuition award transfers shall not
exceed 100 per year.
 
JUSTIFICATION::
The Veterans Tuition Award Program or VTAP, is a scholarship specif-
ically for combat veterans with Honorable Discharges offered in New York
State. Under current law, qualifying veterans cannot transfer their
VTAP benefits to their eligible immediate family members.
New York State has long recognized the sacrifices made by veterans in
service to their country. This legislation hopes to recognize the shared
sacrifice of veteran families while allowing a more comprehensive range
of persons to utilize veteran benefits that better our society.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY::
2021-22: S5456C - Passed Senate
2023-24: S2119A - Passed Senate
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS::
To be determined.
 
LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS::
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE::
This act shall take effect July 1, 2026. 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 and completed on or before such effective date

Statutes affected:
S4358: 669-a education law, 669-a(1) education law
S4358A: 669-a education law, 669-a(1) education law