Directs the department of veterans' services to conduct pre-release briefings for incarcerated veterans regarding available federal and state benefits available to veterans and their families and how to apply for such benefits.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A10163
SPONSOR: Lavine TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the veterans' services law, in relation to pre-release
briefings for incarcerated veterans regarding available federal and
state benefits
PURPOSE:
To require the New York State Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) to
conduct a mandatory pre-release briefing for veterans incarcerated in
state correctional institutions that explains federal and state veter-
ans' benefits and how eligible individuals and their families may access
these benefits, and to direct DVS to consult with the Department of
Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) to implement this program.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Amend 4 of Veterans' Service Law by adding a new subsection
40 to require DVS to conduct pre-release benefit briefings for incarcer-
ated veterans prior to their anticipated release. Require DVS to consult
with DOCCS to integrate this program into the discharge planning proc-
esses of state correctional institutions.
Section 2 this act shall take effect on the sixtieth day
JUSTIFICATION:
New York State is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the
nation, yet state and federal veterans' benefits remain significantly
underutilized. Data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and
state veterans' service agencies consistently show that a substantial
number of eligible veterans are riot enrolled in or receiving benefits
such as disability compensation, pensions, education assistance, housing
supports, and other earned services.
Justice-involved veterans face even greater barriers to accessing these
benefits. Veterans who are incarcerated often lack access to accurate
information, required documentation and individualized assistance needed
to successfully apply for benefits prior to reentry. As a result, many
veterans leave state correctional facilities without connection to the
very benefits designed to stabilize housing, income, healthcare, and
employment. This increases the risk of homelessness, poor health
outcomes and recidivism.
The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision already identi-
fies incarcerated veterans and maintains coordination with the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs through an existing VA coordinator and
veterans reentry processes. As such, relevant data regarding incarcerat-
ed veterans is already being collected and shared, and this legislation
does not require the creation of a new identification system. However,
there is currently no statutory requirement that ensures incarcerated
veterans receive a standardized, comprehensive briefing from the New
York State Department of Veterans' Services on the benefits available to
them and how to apply prior to release.
This legislation addresses that gap by requiring a mandatory pre-release
briefing conducted by the Department of Veterans' Services, in consulta-
tion with DOCCS. By leveraging existing data, infrastructure and intera-
gency coordination, the bill ensures that veterans are informed of and
connected to federal and state benefits they have earned through service
at a critical transition point.
Providing timely benefits education prior to release will improve
reentry outcomes, maximize utilization of existing veterans' programs,
and strengthen New York State's commitment to supporting veterans;
particularly those navigating the challenges of reentry into civilian
life after incarceration.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect of the sixtieth day after
