ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — Governor Kathy Hochul signed bipartisan legislation to officially designate New York as a Purple Heart State as of January 2026, formally recognizing service members wounded or killed in military action. With over 700,000 veterans living in New York, the law enshrines gratitude for the sacrifices of those wounded in service and recommits New York to supporting the military community.

After years of advocacy, S1889/A29 passed the State Senate and Assembly with Democratic and Republican support in June. The bill was delivered to Hochul’s desk on November 3 and signed two days later.

State Senator Jake Ashby and Assemblymembers Scott Bendett, Marianne Buttenschon, John McDonald, and Angelo Santabarbara were among the legislators who championed the bill. McDonald—a D

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