VETERAN BENEFITS

Newsom signed bills expanding property tax relief, CalVet coordination, Guard/Reserve paid leave, and college priority enrollment for CA veterans.

A new New York law makes the full property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans mandatory statewide starting October 1, 2026, ending years of patchwork local opt-in rules.

The U.S. Virgin Islands has created a Women Veterans Coordinator role to connect women who served with health, housing, and benefits resources.

Indiana replaced its veteran property tax deduction with new stackable credits, but veterans must re-register with their county auditor by Dec. 30, 2026, or risk losing the benefit.

Arizona's new law gives 100% disabled veterans a full property tax exemption on their primary home starting in 2026, with scaled relief for partial ratings.

New York now requires every municipality to grant a full property tax exemption to veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled by the VA.

Kansas now exempts 100% disabled veterans from state sales tax on up to $24,000 in purchases a year, effective July 1, 2026.

Virginia's DVS opened its sixth round of SOS grants, $4M for community groups fighting veteran suicide and opioid addiction, applications due Sept. 30.

Minnesota is the first state to formally recognize Hmong and Lao Secret War veterans, unlocking burial honors, ID designations, and more as of Aug. 1.

Three bipartisan Minnesota veteran laws take effect Aug. 1: honorary diplomas for Korean and Vietnam vets, a National Guard pay raise, and wider burial eligibility.

Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Act 38, requiring Pennsylvania's County Veteran Assistance Directors to complete new training in trauma-informed care, PTSD, TBI, and military sexual trauma support.

A new Pennsylvania law requires funeral homes to notify counties and give veterans' families contact info for burial benefits within 96 hours, closing a gap that leaves earned VA benefits unclaimed.

New Louisiana laws create a state stolen-valor crime and waive medical-record fees for veterans filing disability claims, both effective August 1.

A new Indiana law creates fresh property tax credits for disabled veterans, but they must register with their county auditor before year-end deadlines.

New Mexico's $10,000 standard exemption and a new disability-rating-based property tax break both take effect for the 2026 tax year.

New York''s Chapter 77 makes full property tax exemptions mandatory for 100% disabled veterans starting October 2026.

Arizona''s SB1749 removes income and value caps, widening full property tax exemptions for 100% disabled veterans starting in 2026.