BILL NUMBER: S6281
SPONSOR: ASHBY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the state finance law, in relation to the role of the
commissioner of veterans' services in regards to the veterans' home
assistance fund and the military family relief fund
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To ensure that all current tax check offs for veterans are under the
purview and control of the NYS Department of Veteran Services.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 changes how money is paid out of the Veterans' Home Assistance
Fund. It changes the person who approves and certifies vouchers from the
commissioner of health to the commissioner of veteran services. It also
changes the annual expenditure report to be written by the commissioner
of veterans' services instead of the commissioner of health.
Section 2 changes how money is paid out of the Military Family Relief
Fund. It changes the person who approves and certifies vouchers from the
commissioner of tax and finance to the commissioner of veterans'
services.
Section 4 sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
When New Yorkers file their tax returns, there are many options to make
charitable contributions to worthy entities. Currently, there are four
such tax check-off choices that benefit veterans: Veterans' Remembrance
and Cemetery Maintenance and Operation; Homeless Veterans Assistance;
Veterans' Home Assistance Fund; and Military Family Relief. Recent
mismanagement has necessitated that all funds should be under the
control of the NYS Dept of Veteran Services, and not piece- meal under
different commissioners. Taxpayers deserve to know their charitable
donations are properly spent towards our veterans.
 
PRIOR EGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024; Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Minimal.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.

Statutes affected:
S6281: 89-i state finance law, 89-i(4) state finance law