Relates to creating the women veterans advisory committee

Section 2 amends the executive law by adding a new section 361-c creating the Women Veterans Advisory Committee consisting of five members, with one member appointed by the governor, the Temporary President of the Senate, the Speaker of the Assembly, the Minority Leader of the Senate and the Minority Leader of the Assembly. All appointed members must be women, and must be former members of the armed forces of the United States, including without limitation the New York Army National Guard and the New York Air National Guard, who received an honorable discharge. The following shall be considered when making appointments: recommendations of the Director of Veterans' Affairs, whether the appointments provide a geographical balance between urban and rural areas and represent the cultural diversity of this state and the level of activity of the woman in the veteran community.

The committee shall elect a chair from among its members. Terms are four years and vacancies are filled in the same manner as original appointment. The committee shall meet at least four times per year at the call of the chair. A majority of members appointed constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. Each member serves without compensation, except that a member who is a state officer or employee may receive her regular compensation while engaging in business of the committee.

The committee shall support and assist the Division of Veterans' Affairs in locating, educating and advocating for all women veterans in this state; determining the unique needs of women veterans; conducting outreach and education through various means; and educating women veterans as to available programs and benefits. At least annually, the committee will make recommendations as may be deemed necessary. It will advocate on behalf of women veterans to ensure the programs and policies of this state and the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs remain open to women and mindful of the elements of the experience of a veteran that are unique to women.

Finally, the committee shall submit a report on or before February 15 of each year, outlining the activities of the committee during the preceding calendar year and any recommendations of the committee to the governor. The report must include demographics of women veterans, contributions women veterans have made, unique needs of the population of women veterans and steps taken to reduce misinformation and improve support for women veterans programs.

The Department of Veterans' Affairs shall provide the personnel, facilities, equipment and supplies required by the committee.

Section 3 provides this act shall take effect immediately.

Existing law

New law

Justification

Women make up 15 percent of the veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States and continue to be an increasingly integral part of the operations of the Armed Forces of the United States around the world. Few studies have been conducted to determine and understand the unique challenges that women veterans may have, both post deployment and following separation from active duty. Many veterans who are women do not self-identify as veterans and may, therefore, fail to consider various programs and benefits that are available to them as a result of their military service.

Legislative history

New bill

Fiscal implications

Negligible

Local fiscal implications

None

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.