Addabbo Announces Passage of Bills for Veterans

By Forum Staff

State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) on Thursday announced sponsorship and support of a package of bills aimed at addressing the needs of New York’s veterans. The package includes bills that expand tax relief eligibility, housing, and enhance veterans’ access to essential programs and services:

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo
Addabbo also noted that the proposed laws “protect [veterans’] dignity, give them a second chance, and honor their sacrifice.”

• S.1183 (Addabbo) – Establishes a real property tax exemption for veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability.
• S.1192 (Addabbo) – Establishes an alternative resolution program for veterans and service members charged with certain felonies, recognizing that military-related trauma, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or Traumatic Brain Injury, may have contributed to their criminal behavior. Veterans who complete a court-ordered treatment plan may have their charges reduced or dismissed, providing a pathway to rehabilitation over incarceration.
• S.1788 (Co-Sponsor) – Expands the existing 10-percentproperty tax abatement to veterans who served on classified missions or submarines during wartime—groups that often cannot produce standard proof of service due to the nature of their assignments. This legislation ensures these heroes receive the same benefits as other wartime veterans.
• S.2068A – Provides a property tax exemption for an active service member whose military duty station is within the boundaries of New York State and has served in a combat zone at any time during the taxable year.
• S.2289 (Co-Sponsor) – Expands the Mitchell-Lama admissions preference for veterans to include veterans and surviving spouses from all eras of combat service, not just those who served during a time of war.
• S.2623A (Co-Sponsor) – Ensures state and local veterans’ service agencies include disabled veterans in their employment assistance obligations.
• S.4152A (Co-Sponsor) – Establishes Sept. 22 of each year as a day of commemoration known as “Veteran Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day.”
• S.4358 (Co-Sponsor) – Expands the veteran’s tuition awards program to allow the transfer of unused benefits to a spouse, survivor or child.
• S.6281 (Co-Sponsor) – Directs that money in the veterans’ home services fund shall be payable on vouchers certified by the commissioner of veterans’ services.

“Each of these bills is a tribute to our veterans—not just with words, but with laws that protect their dignity, give them a second chance, and honor their sacrifice,” Addabbo said.

With the exception of S.2623A, which passed both houses and now awaits final approval by Gov. Kathy Hochul, the remaining bills in the package have been sent to the Assembly for consideration.