Res 0633-2026

Res. No. 633 Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign S.4529/A.164, to establish a statewide Military Pro Bono Program that would provide critical legal assistance to Military families By Council Member Morano Whereas, Servicemembers and their families face unique legal challenges related to deployment, relocation, housing instability, employment protections, and family separation, making access to comprehensive legal services essential to their well-being and readiness; and Whereas, New York State (NYS) Senate Bill S.4529 and NYS Assembly Bill A.164, sponsored by Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and Assemblymember Catalina Cruz, would amend the Military Law by adding a new section 15-a to establish a statewide Military Pro Bono Program within the New York Interest on Lawyer Account (IOLA) Fund to provide no-cost legal assistance to active-duty Servicemembers, deployed Military personnel, and their family members domiciled or stationed in NYS; and Whereas, The legislation directs the NYS Attorney General, in consultation with the Adjutant General and the IOLA Fund, to create an advisory committee to oversee the Military Pro Bono Program design, implementation, and coordination across legal and Military stakeholders, and authorizes the Attorney General and the Adjutant General to apply for and receive gifts, donations, bequests, and other contributions to financially support the program; and Whereas, The Military Pro Bono Program would provide aid across a broad range of legal practice areas, including civil law, family law, estate planning, employment law, immigration law, debtor-creditor law, and military administrative law, addressing the complex and varied legal needs of Military families; and Whereas, Existing federal programs provide only limited civil legal assistance to Servicemembers and their families, including the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), which offers temporary protections such as capping certain interest rates, delaying civil court proceedings, and protecting against foreclosure and eviction under certain circumstances, but does not assist Servicemembers in resolving the underlying issues related to housing disputes, family law matters, consumer fraud, debt collection, or immigration proceeding; and Whereas, Federally regulated Military legal assistance offices generally provide legal information, advice, and document review, but do not consistently offer full legal representation in complex civil matters, leaving many servicemembers and their families to navigate significant legal and financial challenges on their own; and Whereas, As of June 2026, Military OneSource estimates that New York is home to approximately 28,596 active-duty Servicemembers, 9,596 active-duty spouses, and 14,086 active-duty children who could benefit from expanded pro bono legal services; and Whereas, Establishing a dedicated pro bono legal services program would strengthen support systems for Military families, reduce legal and financial burdens, and demonstrate New York’s commitment to those who serve; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign S.4529/A.164, to establish a statewide Military Pro Bono Program that would provide critical legal assistance to Military families. LS #23936 8/18/2026 1:09 PM M.B.