NY A05896

Expands the definition of "veteran" across multiple New York State laws to include members who served in active duty in the United States Public Health Service, alongside traditional armed forces service members.

Applies Public Health Service members to veteran benefit programs including tax credits, economic development opportunities, and leave of absence provisions on Memorial Day and Veterans' Day.

Extends eligibility for "discharged LGBT veteran" status to Public Health Service members who were discharged less than honorably due to sexual orientation or gender identity discrimination.

Includes Public Health Service members in definitions of "service-disabled veteran" and "Cold War veteran" for purposes of property tax exemptions and other state benefits.

Takes effect immediately, with certain provisions coordinated with the effective date of 2022 law amendments to maintain consistency across the affected statutes.