NY A09850

Requires state and local agencies providing assistance in health, mental health, family services, criminal justice, or employment to request information about veteran status from individuals they serve.

Mandates that individuals identifying as veterans, including those obtaining a veteran notation on their driver's license or non-driver identification card, be informed about benefits available through the Department of Veterans' Services and local veterans' service agencies.

Protects veteran status and military service information provided to agencies as confidential personal information under Public Officers Law Article 6-A, limiting use to diagnosis, treatment, assessment, and referral to veterans' services.

Directs the Department of Motor Vehicles commissioner, in consultation with the Department of Veterans' Services commissioner, to establish a process for referring driver's license and non-driver identification card applicants with veteran notations to the Department of Veterans' Services upon request.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.