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Bill

S 1040

Relates to the issuance of pool and health memberships to disabled veterans at certain SUNY and CUNY campuses

2025 Regular Session Introduced by George Borrello and 5 co-sponsors

New York bill requiring SUNY and CUNY campuses to provide free pool and health memberships to disabled veterans, raising unfunded mandate concerns.

RECOMMIT, ENACTING CLAUSE STRICKEN
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Bill Summary · S 1040

Legislative bill overview

S 1040 would require SUNY and CUNY campuses to issue complimentary pool and health/fitness memberships to disabled veterans. The bill aims to provide accessible recreational and wellness benefits to this veteran population at public higher education institutions throughout New York State.

Why is this important

Disabled veterans often face financial constraints and may benefit from subsidized access to health and wellness facilities as part of broader support services. Such memberships could improve physical rehabilitation, mental health outcomes, and social integration for veterans attending or living near these campuses. However, the bill creates new unfunded mandates for already budget-constrained public universities.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding: The bill does not specify who bears the financial burden—whether campuses must absorb costs or if the state will provide dedicated funding, creating potential budget conflicts at SUNY and CUNY institutions
  • Definition and verification: The bill's language regarding who qualifies as "disabled" and how disability and veteran status will be verified remains unclear from available information
  • Scope limitations: Restricting benefits to "certain" campuses (rather than all) raises equity questions about why some institutions are excluded and whether this creates inconsistent access to benefits

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

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