NYC Council set to end property taxes for some disabled veterans

What happened

The New York City Council was expected to vote on Thursday, 11/12/2026, on a package of three veterans' bills announced on Wednesday, 11/11/2026, for Veterans Day. amNY reported that officials say the bills have enough support to pass. A Veterans Committee vote was scheduled for Thursday morning, ahead of the full Council's stated meeting that afternoon.

The main bill, sponsored by Staten Island Council Member Frank Morano, would eliminate property taxes on the primary homes of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled because of their military service and who meet other eligibility rules. The city already gives eligible veterans partial exemptions. This bill would remove the remaining tax for those who meet the state's standard for permanent and total service-connected disability. The state has already allowed localities to offer the full exemption, but the city must pass its own law first. The bill would also exempt qualifying homes from certain assessments and special district charges. Morano said about 4,500 veteran households would benefit, at a cost to the city of less than $5 million in lost tax revenue. The law would take effect immediately once enacted, but it is unclear when homeowners would see savings on their bills.

A second bill, from Brooklyn Council Member Inna Vernikov, would require HPD to publish yearly reports on how many veterans and surviving spouses apply for and receive apartments in city-supervised Mitchell-Lama developments, broken out by development, starting 09/01/2027. It would not create a new preference or set aside units. Vernikov cited a 2012 state comptroller review of 18 developments with open waiting lists. She said only 14 of 332 vacancies filled in that review went to veterans.

A third bill, from Minority Leader David Carr, would make a permanent LGBTQ+ veterans liaison a legal requirement at the Department of Veterans' Services. The liaison would do outreach, help with military discharge upgrades and connect veterans to programs. It would also expand annual reporting, including on complaints and barriers. The department currently has two staff in liaison roles. Officials said 38 LGBTQ+ veterans sought legal help through its discharge-upgrade program in fiscal year 2026, with about 20 cases still pending.