NY A03093

Requires the Department of Veterans' Services to forward certificates of release or discharge from active duty to appropriate local veterans' service agencies within 60 days of receipt, with transmission allowed electronically.

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

Authorizes county clerks to furnish certified copies of recorded honorable discharge certificates without charge to veterans, their families, estate representatives, and authorized funeral home representatives.

Allows public inspection and copying of discharge certificates in accordance with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) archival schedule, which transfers military personnel files to NARA ownership 62 years after service member separation.

Takes effect immediately, except Section 2 which takes effect 180 days after enactment.