WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 10163

Relates to pre-release briefings for incarcerated veterans regarding available federal and state benefits

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Keith Brown and 15 co-sponsors

A pre-release briefing for incarcerated veterans, conducted by the Department of Veterans’ Services with DOCCS, will explain and provide how to apply for federal and state benefits

ADVANCED TO THIRD READING CAL.375
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 10163

Bill Summary: A.10163 (2025-2026) – Pre-Release Briefings for Incarcerated Veterans

Basic Information

  • Jurisdiction: New York
  • Bill Number: A.10163
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Introduced by: Assembly member Lavine (multiple co-sponsors)
  • Committee: Veterans’ Affairs
  • Introduced/Status Timeline:
    • Referred to Veterans’ Affairs (Feb 12, 2026)
    • Reported (Feb 25, 2026)
    • Advanced to Third Reading (Apr 23, 2026)
  • Effective Date: Sixty days after enactment

Purpose and Policy Intent

The bill seeks to improve post-release outcomes for veterans incarcerated in New York by ensuring they receive timely information about federal and state benefits. Specifically, it mandates a pre-release briefing as part of the discharge planning process to explain and share information about benefits available to veterans and their families and how to apply for them.

Key Provisions

  • New Provision Added to Veterans’ Services Law:
    • Subdivision 40 (New): Requires the Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) to conduct a pre-release briefing for any incarcerated individual who is a veteran, prior to release from a state correctional facility.
    • Content of Briefing: The briefing must explain and share information regarding:
    • Federal veteran benefits (e.g., VA benefits)
    • State veteran benefits (New York options)
    • Benefits available to veterans and their families
    • How to apply for these benefits
    • Discharge Planning Integration: The briefing is to be conducted as part of the discharge planning process.
    • Interagency Collaboration: The DVS must consult with the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) to implement the provisions, ensuring coordination with the correctional system.

Who is Affected

  • Primary Beneficiaries: Incarcerated veterans in state correctional facilities who are nearing release.
  • Institutions/Entities Involved:
    • New York Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS)
    • Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS)
    • State correctional facilities and their discharge planning processes
  • Families of Veterans: Indirect beneficiaries through information on applicable benefits and the ability to access support after release.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Implementation Timeline: The act provides for an effective date 60 days after enactment. Exact start of the pre-release briefings will align with the discharge planning schedule near each inmate’s release date.
  • Consultation Requirement: DVS must consult with DOCCS to implement the program, indicating a collaborative approach to integrate the briefing within existing discharge planning workflows.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Benefits:
    • Improves awareness of federal and state benefits before release, potentially reducing recidivism through better post-release support.
    • Facilitates smoother access to benefits such as healthcare, housing, education, and veterans’ assistance programs for veterans and their families.
  • Operational Considerations:
    • Requires development of briefing materials and coordination protocols between DVS and DOCCS.
    • May necessitate staff training and allocation of time within discharge planning to accommodate the briefing.

Summary

A.10163 aims to strengthen supports for incarcerated veterans by mandating a pre-release briefing on available federal and state benefits as part of discharge planning. The briefing, conducted by the Department of Veterans’ Services in collaboration with the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, would equip veterans and their families with information on how to apply for benefits, facilitating a more seamless transition upon release. The act becomes effective 60 days after enactment.

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

Sign in to ask a question.