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New YorkS 81502025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Enacts the governing unaccredited representatives defrauding (GUARD) VA benefits act

Sponsored By: Siela Bynoe (Democratic)

Became Law

VETERANS, HOMELAND SECURITY AND MILITARY AFFAIRSCODES

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

No illegal fees for VA claims

The law bans anyone from charging fees for help with VA benefits, unless federal or state rules allow it. If you are harmed, you can sue to stop it and get your actual losses or at least $2,500. A court can add up to $10,000 for each violation. If the conduct targets people seeking VA benefits help, the court can add another penalty up to $10,000. Courts must pay victims back before penalties. Breaking the fee ban counts as a deceptive business act under New York consumer law. Knowingly and willfully charging illegal fees is a class A misdemeanor.

Grants to VA-certified veterans’ groups

New York creates a veterans’ services fund. Money comes from civil penalties, state funding, gifts, and interest. The fund only gives grants to VA-certified veterans’ service organizations to help prepare and press VA claims. By February 1 each year, the department reports who got money, amounts, and uses. The comptroller also certifies yearly deposits into the fund.

Scam alerts for veterans’ benefits

The state runs an outreach program to warn about veterans’ benefits scams. It uses public service ads, a toll-free hotline and email, and a web page with warnings and VA links. The department also holds seminars three times a year across the state. Agencies and veterans’ groups coordinate, handle complaints, and keep the information current. The program’s actions and recommendations appear in the department’s annual report.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Siela Bynoe

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Steve Rhoads

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 83 • No: 0

committee vote • 6/9/2025

Rules Committee Vote

Yes: 21 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/9/2025

FLOOR Vote

Yes: 62 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. SIGNED CHAP.491

    11/5/2025Senate

  2. DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR

    11/3/2025Senate

  3. RETURNED TO SENATE

    6/13/2025House

  4. PASSED ASSEMBLY

    6/13/2025House

  5. ORDERED TO THIRD READING RULES CAL.758

    6/13/2025House

  6. SUBSTITUTED FOR A8476

    6/13/2025House

  7. REFERRED TO CODES

    6/9/2025House

  8. DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY

    6/9/2025Senate

  9. PASSED SENATE

    6/9/2025Senate

  10. ORDERED TO THIRD READING CAL.1717

    6/9/2025Senate

  11. COMMITTEE DISCHARGED AND COMMITTED TO RULES

    6/9/2025Senate

  12. REFERRED TO VETERANS, HOMELAND SECURITY AND MILITARY AFFAIRS

    5/15/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Original

    5/15/2025

    PDF

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