Changes the definitions of veteran and non-disabled veteran with regard to additional service credits

1 Co-sponsor

• William J. Larkin Jr.

BILL NUMBER:S3453

Title of bill

An act to amend the civil service law, in relation to the definition of the terms veteran and non-disabled veteran with regard to additional service credits

Purpose

To give all veterans who served on active duty equal consideration with regard to civil service examinations.

Summary of provisions

Section 1. Paragraph (a) of subdivision 1 of section 85 of the civil service law, as amended by chapter 333 of the laws of 1993, is amended to remove the requirement that veterans must have served during a time of war to receive additional civil service credit.

Section 2. Requires the Department of Civil Service to update all relevant civil service websites, forms and applications to reflect the herein contained changes.

Section 3. This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law. Any rules or regulations to implement this act shall be made before the effective date.

Existing law

Currently, in order to qualify for additional civil service credits, veterans must have served on active duty for other than training purposes in time of war, been honorably discharged, released under honorable circumstances, or will be so at the time of appointment, be residents of New York State at the time of application for examination or appointment.

Justification

Veterans are those men and women who have given a part of their lives in furtherance of service to their country and community. They are those few who chose to forego spending time with their friends and families, in the comfort of their homes, to pursue training, if not deployment, with the United States military.

While it is incumbent on New York State to recognize the service of those who suffered through the horrors of war abroad to defend what they love at home, many veterans' commitment to the safekeeping of these United States was not predicated upon whether they were living in a time of war. Some chose to serve because they felt it was their duty; some would act as a safeguard for their country at any time a national emergency could arise.

This bill recognizes the civil spirit of those men and women who served our country, though not directly participating in a conflict abroad. This bill does so in a small way: by giving these veterans additional consideration on civil service examinations in New York State. This bill does not in any way diminish the importance and value of veterans who served in a time of war, but recognizes that

any martial service to the United States is to be recognized and commended.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Local fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This bill is to take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law; provided, however, that effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.