Enacts the "Technical Sergeant Joseph G. Lemm tuition benefit act"

Latest action Apr 24, 2026

Enacts the "Technical Sergeant Joseph G. Lemm tuition benefit act" to allow members of the New York state organized militia to receive tuition benefits for certain post-secondary degree programs.

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Where it stands

Out of committee and scheduled for a vote by the full chamber.

Introduced
In committee
Up for a vote
Passed one chamber
Passed
Enacted

New York State Senate

Same as A11079, the matching bill in the Assembly.

Amends the Education Law.

Committee

Higher Education · New York State Assembly

Also referred to Higher Education · New York State Senate, Veterans, Homeland Security And Military Affairs · New York State Senate.

Purpose, from the sponsor's memo

This bill extends the recruitment incentive program to active military members for the attainment of a master's degree as well as a baccalau- reate degree.

Filed with the bill. Read it on nysenate.gov (opens in a new tab)

Recorded votes

Vote: Committee vote · Veterans, Homeland Security And Military Affairs
Senate Veterans, Homeland Security And Military AffairsMay 28, 2025Result: passed
(9) (0) (0) (0)

The sponsor's argument

Why Luis R. Sepúlveda says this is needed

Expanding the recruitment incentive program to include tuition assist- ance for active military personnel seeking to pursue their master's degree is a strategic investment in both national security and individ- ual career advancement. By facilitating higher education opportunities for service members, we not only enhance their professional skills and knowledge but also foster a more capable and adaptable military force. A master's degree equips military personnel with specialized expertise and leadership capabilities crucial for addressing complex challenges in today's rapidly evolving global landscape. Moreover, offering tuition assistance demonstrates a commitment to the personal development and well-being of those who selflessly serve their country, ultimately bolstering morale and retention rates within the armed forces'. This expansion not only benefits the individual service members but also strengthens the overall readiness and effectiveness of our military forces.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.

Full history

Apr 24, 2026
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
NY Assembly
Jan 7, 2026
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO VETERANS, HOMELAND SECURITY AND MILITARY AFFAIRS
NY Senate
May 28, 2025
Reported out of committee
REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO FINANCE
NY Senate
Mar 4, 2025
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO VETERANS, HOMELAND SECURITY AND MILITARY AFFAIRS
NY Senate

About this record

Summary: The summary comes from NY Open Legislation, the New York State Senate's public record. For more, see How we handle summaries.
Source: From NY Open Legislation, the NY Senate and Assembly, and official rosters. This record was last updated Nov 2, 2026. About our data

Read the record

Read on NY Senate (opens in a new tab) The official record on nysenate.gov.

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