NY A06515

Adds "veteran status" as a protected classification under New York's Executive Law, defining veterans as those who served in active U.S. military during wartime, received a service-connected disability rating, or received specific military expeditionary medals, and were not dishonorably discharged.

Expands protections against employment discrimination to prohibit employers, employment agencies, and labor organizations from discriminating based on veteran status in hiring, firing, compensation, terms, conditions, and job advertisements.

Extends housing discrimination protections to prohibit denying sale, rental, or lease of housing accommodations, land, or commercial space based on veteran status, and prohibits discriminatory advertising or inquiries regarding veteran status.

Adds veteran status to protected categories in educational institutions, public accommodations, credit transactions, volunteer fire departments, and other areas already covered under New York's human rights law.

Requires the Division of Human Rights to develop policies and create advisory councils to study and address discrimination based on veteran status alongside other protected classifications.