WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 6264

Expands the definition of veteran to include members of the commissioned corps of the national oceanic and atmospheric administration and the commissioned corps of the public health service

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Berger and 4 co-sponsors

Expands New York veteran definition to include NOAA and PHS commissioned corps, granting these service members access to state veteran benefits.

RETURNED TO ASSEMBLY
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 6264

Summary of Assembly Bill A 6264

Overview

A 6264 expands New York State’s definition of “veteran” to include members of the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service (PHS). The bill seeks to ensure these service members can access veteran-related benefits and programs under state law.

What the bill would do

  • Amends the statutory definition of “veteran” to explicitly include:
    • Members of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps
    • Members of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps
  • By broadening the veteran definition, those individuals could become eligible for state veteran programs and services that are available to veterans of other military and uniformed services.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definition expansion: Adds the NOAA and PHS commissioned corps to the list of groups recognized as veterans for purposes of state benefits and services.
  • Scope: Applies to the state’s veteran-benefit framework (subject to existing program rules and any implementing regulations).
  • No explicit new funding or benefits are detailed in the available bill language summary; any costs or program specifics would follow from how the expanded definition interacts with current programs.

Affected parties

  • Members of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps
  • Members of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps
  • Other state veterans’ affairs programs and agencies that administer veteran benefits, who would need to apply the expanded definition in determining eligibility

Procedural timeline and status

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Initial committee path: Referred to Veterans’ Affairs (Feb 27, 2025) → Ways and Means (Mar 11) → Rules (Apr 1)
  • Assembly actions: Reported → Passed Assembly (April 2, 2025); Delivered to Senate
  • Senate path: Referred to relevant committees; Substituted for S5246 (June 11, 2025) → 3rd Reading CAL.742; Passed Senate (June 11, 2025)
  • Current status: Returned to Assembly (June 11, 2025), i.e., awaiting Assembly action to reconcile or move forward
  • Sponsors: Steve Stern (primary); cosponsors Judy Griffin, Sam Berger, Tommy Schiavoni, Rebecca Seawright
  • Related bills: Companion/Senate version S 5246; prior-session bills S 5233 and A 8914

Potential implications and considerations

  • Practical impact: Extends state veteran eligibility to NOAA and PHS commissioned corps members, promoting parity with other uniformed services.
  • Implementation: State agencies would need to apply the broadened definition consistently; potential need for guidance or regulations.
  • Fiscal impact: Not specified in the summary; any cost implications would depend on how expanded eligibility affects program participation and benefits.

For readers seeking the latest status or full text, check the current legislative database for A 6264 and its Senate companion S 5246.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.