BILL NUMBER: S8897A
SPONSOR: ADDABBO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the veterans' services law, in relation to directing the
veterans service commission to submit a report relating to coordinated
services for veterans with service-connected disabilities to the commis-
sioner of veterans' services
 
PURPOSE::
The purpose of this bill is to review the services that are currently
available to veterans with service-connected disabilities by state and
local veterans' service agencies and identify any deficiencies in the
availability, accessibility and delivery of these services.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS::
Section 1 of the bill contains the legislative intent of establishing a
statewide comprehensive program to coordinate services and programs for
veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Section 2 requires the commission, in consultation with the Office of
the Chief Disability Officer, by April 1, 2024, to submit a report to
the Commissioner reviewing the services provided to veterans with
service-connected disabilities. The report shall provide any findings
and recommendations on how to improve services and better coordinate how
pertinent information can be better communicated to veterans. The report
shall be available for public review and comment.
Section 3 contains the effective date
 
JUSTIFICATION::
There are many veterans returning home from active military duty with
service-related disabilities. This bill would create an interagency
collaboration to identify the needs and services that service-disabled
veterans require and a more efficient matching of these needs to State
resources. New York State must provide additional assistance and support
to service-disabled veterans to better inform them of available services
and how such services can be accessed.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY::
2021-22: S180A/A6874A: Referred to Senate Veterans, Homeland Security
and Military Affairs Committee / Passed Assembly
2019-20: S2738: Referred to Senate Veterans, Homeland Security and Mili-
tary Affairs Committee
2017-18: S.2424B - Passed Senate.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS::
Minimal
 
EFFECTIVE DATE::
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have come
a law.