Establishes the New York state veterans cemetery act

4 Co-sponsors

• Andrew J. Lanza
• William J. Larkin Jr.
• Michael F. Nozzolio
• Patty Ritchie

BILL NUMBER:S2424A

Title of bill

An act to amend the executive law, in relation to the establishment of the New York state veterans cemetery act

Purpose

This bill seeks to establish a New York State Veterans Cemetery Program.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of this bill would provide that this law shall be known and may be cited as the New York State Veterans Cemetery Act. Section 2 of this bill would amend the executive law to add a new section 367 to establish a New York State Veterans Cemetery Program. Pursuant to such section, the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs would be directed to conduct an investigation and study on the issue of the establishment of a New York State Veterans Cemetery Program. Such investigation and study would be required to be completed on or before December 31, 2011. As soon as possible, the Division shall submit to the Federal Veterans Administration Veterans Cemetery Grants Program a pre-application for one or more veterans cemetery. Within 90 days of the completion of such investigation and study, such Division must also complete and deliver, to the chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs and the chair of the Assembly Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs, a report on such investigation and study, containing recommendations to the legislature on the establishment of a New York State Veterans Cemetery Program. Such recommendations shall include what measures need to be taken by New York State to establish such a program, what laws should be amended or added to establish such a program, and what fiscal resources would need to be appropriated and expended, if any, to establish such program. Section 3 of this bill would provide for an immediate effective date.

Justification

New York State presently exists in a dangerous and uncertain world. Like in generations before, our veterans have answered the call and have placed themselves as the defenders of our freedoms and liberties. This bill seeks to provide the mechanism for the establishment of a New York State Veterans cemetery Program· Such a program is a necessary and prudent step toward recognizing the commitment and sacrifice our state's veterans have made Such a program, by terms of this bill, would be developed in partnership with the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs, after thoughtful study and investigation. The report and recommendations required under this bill would provide the framework for the establishment of the Program, upon which a successful establishment and implementation could be based. This bill seeks to direct New York State's Veteran recognition and services in a responsible, thoughtful manner, using experience and intelligence to seek the best possible

outcome for those who have given so much of themselves for all the people of our State.

Legislative history

New legislation.

Fiscal implications

None noted, for although some staff time at the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs would be required to accomplish the investigation, study and report required under this bill, its actions could easily be performed with current resources.

Effective date

This bill would take effect immediately.