BILL NUMBER: S4529
SPONSOR: SCARCELLA-SPANTON
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the military law and the state finance law, in relation
to legal assistance for military families
 
PURPOSE OF THE BILL:
The purpose of this bill is to provide a pro bono legal fund for mili-
tary families and active military personnel.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1: the bill amends the military law by adding a new section 15-a
which would provide pro bono legal services for active duty members of
the military and their families. This provision is an expansion of the
current pro-bono legal services funded by the state's IOLA account.
Section 2: Amends paragraph c of subdivision 3 of section 97-v of the
state finance law to include legal services for military personnel and
their families as eligible for funds from the state IOLA account.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This bill would provide much needed legal relief for military families
and active military personnel. While service members and their families
have access to military legal assistance to advice and assistance, many
have to pay for and obtain their own counsel.
This bill would help by creating a pro bono legal program that can
connect qualified attorneys with service members and their families.
This program would provide assistance to those who have served our coun-
try, as well as their families. By ensuring pro bono legal represen-
tation to military personnel and their families, New York State can
continue to give back to our brave veterans and service families.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024; Held in Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
Yet to be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S4529: 97-v state finance law, 97-v(3) state finance law