NY A10196

Requires the Division to forward certificates of release or discharge from active duty to appropriate local veterans' service agencies within 60 days of receipt, based on the veteran's post-separation mailing address, with electronic transmission permitted.

Protects information in discharge certificates as confidential personal information under Public Officers Law Article 6-A and restricts use to providing information and assistance regarding state benefits and entitlements.

Authorizes authorized funeral firm representatives to access recorded honorable discharge certificates in county clerk offices for burial assistance purposes, in addition to existing permitted disclosures to veterans and their families.

Requires certificates to be made available for public inspection and copying according to the National Archives and Records Administration archival schedule, with official military personnel files becoming public records 62 years after military separation.

Section 2 takes effect 180 days after enactment; remaining provisions take effect immediately with authorization for implementing rules and regulations.