Changes the eligibility dates for a military service recognition scholarship to include certain conflicts

2 Co-sponsors

• Suzi Oppenheimer
• Antoine M. Thompson

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to changing the eligibility dates for a military service recognition scholarship to include the conflicts that occurred after June 1, 1982 to December 31, 1987

Purpose

To change the eligibility dates for a military enhanced recognition, incentive and tribute scholarship to include all the military conflicts that occurred from June 1, 1982 to December 31, 1987.

Summary of provisions

This bill would act as an amendment to Section 1, paragraph a of subdivision 1 of the section 668-e of the education law, as added by chapter 106 of the laws of 2003 to alter the eligibility dates for those applying for academic scholarships regarding tribute to those whom were wounded in military combat within specified years. The bill would allow those children, spouses and financial dependents of a member of the armed forces of the US or state organized militia who served on or after June 1, 1982 to December 31, 1987 or after August 2, 1990. These members must qualify according to section 8 and 9 of section 1 of the military law which states that the member must have resided legally in New York State, died, became severely and permanently disabled or was classified as missing in action in a combat theater or zone of operations, or died as a result of injury or illness suffered or incurred during such military service; or, while a legal resident of New York State, died or became severely and permanently disabled as a result of injury or illness suffered or incurred during military training operations in preparation for duty in a combat theater or zone of operations.

Justification

The enactment of this bill would allow familial members or financial dependents of New York State residents whom were wounded or killed while serving the United States military between the time of June 1, 1982 and December 31, 1987 to qualify for academic scholarships such as the NYS Regents Award for Children of Veterans and the Military Service Recognition Scholarship. This bill would also grant well deserved recognition and tribute to those whom bravely fought and were injured or died protecting their country and the State of New York.

Legislative history

New bill. S.6772 of 2007/2008; Referred to Higher Education

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.