What's happening
This bill allows honorably discharged war veterans in New York to ride public transportation for free for one year after returning from service.
Why it matters
Supports veterans’ reintegration. By providing free public transportation for one year, the bill helps returning war veterans adjust to civilian life, making it easier to access jobs, education, healthcare, and other essential services during a critical transition period.
Reduces financial burden. Many veterans may face economic challenges upon returning home; this measure directly lowers their cost of living and relieves immediate transportation expenses as they get settled.
Broad eligibility and coverage. The bill applies to any honorably discharged war veteran residing in New York, covering rides on any public, private, or non-profit transportation provider using public funds—ensuring a wide range of transportation options statewide.
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Who cares
Honorably discharged wartime veterans
New York residents who qualify would receive free rides for the year immediately after returning to the state from their military service.
Publicly funded transportation providers
Public, private and nonprofit entities using public funds to provide or contract for public transportation would have to carry eligible veterans free of charge, regardless of conflicting laws or contract terms.
New York State Department of Transportation
The transportation commissioner would be authorized to issue regulations implementing the free-ride entitlement.
Headline styles
Free Rides for Veterans
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
2 Co-sponsors
1 Multi-sponsor
History
- Referred to governmental operations
- Referred to governmental operations
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
3274
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 29, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. ORTIZ, COOK -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. GUNTHER -- read once and referred to the Committee on Governmental Operations
AN ACT to amend the military law, in relation to allowing certain veterans to ride public transportation free of charge
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The military law is amended by adding a new section 245-a to read as follows:
§ 245-a. Free public transportation; certain war veterans. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law or the terms of any contract, a resident of the state who is a honorably discharged member of any branch of the armed forces of the United States who performed military service during a period of war shall be entitled, for the year immediately after his or her return to this state from such military service, to ride free of charge on every transportation provider in this state. The commissioner of transportation is authorized to promulgate regulations to carry out the provisions of this section. For purposes of this section, "transportation provider" shall mean any public, private or not-for-profit entity utilizing public funds to provide or contract for public transportation services for the benefit of the general public or specific client groups.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become a law. 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 to be made and completed on or before such date.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07456-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.