BILL NUMBER: S4358
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.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The Veteran Tuition Awards Program offers funding for up to the total
cost of undergraduate or graduate tuition for New York State residents
at a SUNY school. The program also provides tuition for approved voca-
tional training programs. As of 2024, it is available to all New York
resident veterans, including those who did not serve in combat. Under
current law, qualifying veterans cannot transfer their tuition award to
immediate family members. This bill gives eligible. veterans the option
to transfer unused award benefits to an eligible immediate family member
or members if they choose. New York State has long recognized the sacri-
fices made by veterans in service to their country. This legislation
hopes to recognize the shared sacrifice of veteran families.
 
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 shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall
have become a law. 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