New YorkA 2912025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Includes the space force as being members of the armed forces or veterans eligible for certain credits and benefits

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

State retirement now covers Space Force

Commissioned officers with at least 20 years in the New York organized militia or the U.S. Army, Air Force, Space Force, Navy, or Marines are eligible for state retired‑list benefits. The state pays a set percentage of your highest annual pay, as the statute provides. Some tiers also require 10 straight years before retirement with actual combat experience or other listed service combinations.

Property tax breaks recognize Space Force

New York counts Space Force service as veteran service for property tax law. If you served during the listed wartime or expeditionary periods and have an honorable or qualifying discharge, you qualify as a veteran. Homeowner veterans can apply for veteran or STAR property tax breaks if they meet the program rules. Certain reserve, merchant marine, and specified civilian wartime service also count when the statute says so.

Auto insurers must honor service licensing

Insurers cannot refuse a New York auto liability policy just because you lacked New York vehicle ownership in the last 39 months. If you kept a valid out‑of‑state or out‑of‑country license that whole time due to active military service, including Space Force, you are treated as continuously licensed in New York. You must show proof of that continuous licensing.

Job protections for Space Force duty

Space Force service counts as "military duty" under New York law. Public employees who leave for military duty and return within 90 days get reinstatement and job protections. Certificates from the proper personnel centers are accepted as proof for Air Force or Space Force service.

Space Force counted across New York laws

New York now treats U.S. Space Force service as part of the armed forces. Space Force counts as "military service" for voting rules, like absentee voting for service members. It also counts for education rules that use military service, so student veterans can access protections tied to that status. Many military‑law terms are updated to cover Space Force, reducing confusion across agencies.

Free memorial flags for Space Force families

When the Governor orders flags lowered for a fallen Space Force member, the adjutant general gets U.S. and New York flags flown over the capitol. The flags are offered free to the person in charge of the remains. This matches the honors given for other branches.

Law takes effect now, one part delayed

The law takes effect immediately. One civil service change waits for a 2023 law to expire and revert. When that happens, section eleven of this act takes effect.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Didi Barrett
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 57 • No: 2

House vote • 6/12/2025

FLOOR Vote