Relates to pre-release briefings for incarcerated veterans regarding available federal and state benefits

• Democratic13
• Republican7

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Jessica Scarcella-Spanton says this is needed

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 not 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 identifies incarcerated veterans and maintains coordination with the U.S. Depart- ment of Veterans Affairs through an existing VA coordinator and veter- ans' reentry processes. As such, relevant data regarding inc arcerated 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 prerelease briefing conducted by the Department of Veterans' Services, in consultation with DOCCS. By lever- aging existing data, infrastructure and interagency 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.

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.