Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79
AN ACT REDEFINING “VETERAN” AND ESTABLISHING A
QUALIFYING REVIEW BOARD.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General
Assembly convened:
Section 1. Section 27-103 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2021):
(a) As used in the general statutes, except chapter 504, and except as
otherwise provided: (1) "Armed forces" means the United States Army,
Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force and any reserve
component thereof, including the Connecticut National Guard
performing duty as provided in Title 32 of the United States Code, as
amended from time to time; (2) "veteran" means any person honorably
discharged from, [or] released under honorable conditions from or
released with an other than honorable discharge based on a qualifying
condition from, active service in, the armed forces; (3) "service in time
of war" means service of ninety or more cumulative days during a
period of war unless separated from service earlier because of an injury
incurred or aggravated in the line of duty or a service-connected
disability rated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs,
except that if the period of war lasted less than ninety days, "service in
time of war" means service for the entire such period of war unless
separated because of any such injury or disability; (4) "period of war" Substitute House Bill No. 5592
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has the same meaning as provided in 38 USC 101, as amended from time
to time, except that the "Vietnam Era" means the period beginning on
February 28, 1961, and ending on July 1, 1975, in all cases; and "period
of war" shall include service while engaged in combat or a combat
support role in Lebanon, July 1, 1958, to November 1, 1958, or September
29, 1982, to March 30, 1984; Grenada, October 25, 1983, to December 15,
1983; Operation Earnest Will, involving the escort of Kuwaiti oil tankers
flying the United States flag in the Persian Gulf, July 24, 1987, to August
1, 1990; and Panama, December 20, 1989, to January 31, 1990, and shall
include service during such periods with the armed forces of any
government associated with the United States; and (5) "qualifying
condition" means (A) a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder or
traumatic brain injury made by [, or (B)] an individual licensed to
provide health care services at a United States Department of Veterans
Affairs facility, (B) an experience of military sexual trauma, as described
in 38 USC 1720D, as amended from time to time, disclosed to [,] an
individual licensed to provide health care services at a United States
Department of Veterans Affairs facility, or (C) a determination that
sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression was more likely
than not the primary reason for an other than honorable discharge, as
determined in accordance with subsections (c) and (d) of this section.
(b) As used in this part, "Veterans Residential Services facility" means
the Veterans Residential Services facility in Rocky Hill maintained by
the Department of Veterans Affairs that provides temporary and other
supported residential services for qualifying veterans; ["hospital" means
any incorporated hospital or tuberculosis sanatorium in the state and
any state chronic disease hospital, or hospital for persons with mental
illness] " long-term care facility" means a facility that has been federally
certified as a skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility;
"Healthcare Center" means the [hospital] long-term care facility in
Rocky Hill maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs; "veteran"
means any veteran, as defined in subsection (a) of this section, who is a Substitute House Bill No. 5592
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resident of this state; "eligible dependent" means any parent, wife or
husband, or child of a veteran who has no adequate means of support;
and "eligible family member" means any parent, brother or sister, wife
or husband, or child or children under eighteen years of age, of any
veteran whose cooperation in the program is integral to the treatment
of the veteran.
(c) Not later than October 1, 2021, the Commissioner of Veterans
Affairs shall establish a Qualifying Review Board, which shall review
applications of veterans submitted under subsection (d) of this section.
Said board shall be part of the Executive Department and shall consist
of five voting members who, by education or experience, shall be
knowledgeable of veterans benefits and programs and who shall have a
demonstrated interest in the concerns of veterans. A majority of the
members of the board shall be veterans.
(1) The membership of the board shall consist of the following
members:
(A) One member appointed by the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs
in consultation with the chairperson of the Department of Veterans
Affairs Board of Trustees, who shall be a member of said board;
(B) The manager of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of
Advocacy and Assistance, or the manager's designee; and
(C) Three members appointed by the Commissioner of Veterans
Affairs.
(2) All initial appointments to the board shall be made not later than
December 1, 2021, and shall terminate on November 31, 2023, or
November 31, 2024, as applicable, regardless of when the initial
appointment was made. Any member of the board may serve more than
one term. Substitute House Bill No. 5592
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(3) Members first appointed shall have the following terms: (A) The
member of the Department of Veterans Affairs Board of Trustees and
the manager of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Advocacy
and Assistance, or the manager's designee, shall initially serve a term of
three years, and (B) the three members appointed by the Commissioner
of Veterans Affairs shall initially serve a term of two years. Members
shall serve a term of four years thereafter. Members shall continue to
serve until their successors are appointed.
(4) Any vacancy shall be filled by the Commissioner of Veterans
Affairs. Any vacancy occurring other than by expiration of term shall be
filled for the balance of the unexpired term.
(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of section 4-9a,
the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs shall select the chairperson of the
board from among the members of the board. Such chairperson shall
schedule the first meeting of the board, which shall be held not later
than January 1, 2022.
(6) A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of any business.
(7) The members of the board shall serve without compensation.
(8) The board shall meet at least monthly or as often as deemed
necessary by the chairperson based on the number of applications
pending before the board.
(d) (1) Any veteran who receives an other than honorable discharge
and who believes such discharge characterization was based on such
veteran's sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, may
file an application for state-based veterans benefits. Such veteran may
include evidence supporting his or her claim that such discharge
characterization was based on such veteran's sexual orientation, gender
identity or gender expression. Substitute House Bill No. 5592
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(2) The commissioner shall promulgate a standardized application
form enumerating the required documentation necessary for filing an
application under this subsection and shall make such form available on
the Department of Veterans Affairs' Internet web site along with
instructions for filing the application.
(3) The commissioner shall promulgate a standardized request for
reconsideration form enumerating the required documentation
necessary for filing a request for reconsideration pursuant to
subdivision (5) of this subsection and shall make such form available on
the Department of Veterans Affairs' Internet web site along with
instructions for filing the request for reconsideration.
(4) The board shall review each application submitted and render a
recommendation to the commissioner as to whether the veteran's sexual
orientation, gender identity or gender expression was more likely than
not the primary reason for an other than honorable discharge. The board
shall review each application not later than thirty days after receipt and
render a written recommendation to the commissioner not later than
thirty days after such review. The commissioner shall issue a written
decision not later than ten days after receipt of the board's
recommendation, approving or denying the application. If the
commissioner approves the application, such veteran shall be eligible
for state-based veterans benefits.
(5) A veteran aggrieved by the commissioner's decision may file a
request for reconsideration with the commissioner not later than fifteen
days after receipt of the commissioner's decision. Such veteran may
include supplemental documentation in support of the request for
reconsideration. The commissioner shall provide due consideration to
the request for reconsideration and render a decision not later than ten
days after receipt of such request for reconsideration. The
commissioner's decision shall be a final decision by the Department of
Veterans Affairs and may be appealed to the Superior Court in Substitute House Bill No. 5592
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accordance with the provisions of section 4-183.
Sec. 2. Subsection (a) of section 4-61bb of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(a) For the purposes of this section, "licensing authority" means the
Department of Consumer Protection, the Department of Emergency
Services and Public Protection, the Labor Department, the Department
of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Public Health, the Board of
Regents for Higher Education, the Office of Higher Education, the Board
of Trustees of The University of Connecticut or the Police Officer
Standards and Training Council; "service member" means a member of
the armed forces or the National Guard or a veteran; "armed forces" has
the same meaning as set forth in section 27-103; and "veteran" [means
any person who was discharged or released under conditions other than
dishonorable from active service in the armed forces] has the same
meaning as provided in section 27-103, as amended by this act.
Sec. 3. Subsection (c) of section 4a-59 of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(c) All open market orders or contracts shall be awarded to (1) the
lowest responsible qualified bidder, the qualities of the articles to be
supplied, their conformity with the specifications, their suitability to the
requirements of the state government and the delivery terms being
taken into consideration and, at the discretion of the Commissioner of
Administrative Services, life-cycle costs and trade-in or resale value of
the articles may be considered where it appears to be in the best interest
of the state, (2) the highest scoring bidder in a multiple criteria bid, in
accordance with the criteria set forth in the bid solicitation for the
contract, or (3) the proposer whose proposal is deemed by the awarding
authority to be the most advantageous to the state, in accordance with Substitute House Bill No. 5592
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the criteria set forth in the request for proposals, including price and
evaluation factors. Notwithstanding any provision of the general
statutes to the contrary, each state agency awarding a contract through
competitive negotiation shall include price as an explicit factor in the
criteria in the request for proposals and for the contract award. In
considering past performance of a bidder for the purpose of
determining the "lowest responsible qualified bidder" or the "highest
scoring bidder in a multiple criteria bid", the commissioner shall
evaluate the skill, ability and integrity of the bidder in terms of the
bidder's fulfillment of past contract obligations and the bidder's
experience or lack of experience in delivering supplies, materials,
equipment or contractual services of the size or amount for which bids
have been solicited. In determining the lowest responsible qualified
bidder for the purposes of this section, the commissioner may give a
price preference of up to ten per cent for (A) the purchase of goods made
with recycled materials or the purchase of recyclable or remanufactured
products if the commissioner determines that such preference would
promote recycling or remanufacturing. As used in this subsection,
"recyclable" means able to be collected, separated or otherwise
recovered from the solid waste stream for reuse, or for use in the
manufacture or assembly of another package or product, by means of a
recycling program which is reasonably available to at least seventy-five
per cent of the state's population, "remanufactured" means restored to
its original function and thereby diverted from the solid waste stream
by retaining the bulk of components that have been used at least once
and by replacing consumable components and "remanufacturing"
means any process by which a product is remanufactured; (B) the
purchase of motor vehicles powered by a clean alternative fuel; (C) the
purchase of motor vehicles powered by fuel other than a clean
alternative fuel and conversion equipment to convert such motor
vehicles allowing the vehicles to be powered by either the exclusive use
of clean alternative fuel or dual use of a clean alternative fuel and a fuel
other than a clean alternative fuel. As used in this subsection, "clean Substitute House Bill No. 5592
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alternative fuel" means natural gas, electricity, hydrogen or propane
when used as a motor vehicle fuel; or (D) the purchase of goods or
services from a micro business, except that, in the case of a veteran-
owned micro business, the commissioner may give a price preference of
up to fifteen per cent. As used in this subsection, "micro business" means
a business with gross revenues not exceeding three million dollars in the
most recently completed fiscal year, "veteran-owned micro business"
means a micro business of which at least fifty-one per cent of the
ownership is held by one or more veterans and "veteran" [means any
person (i) honorably discharged from, or released under honorable
conditions from active service in, the armed forces, as defined in section
27-103, or (ii) with a qualifying condition, as defined in said section, who
has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from
active service in the armed forces] has the same meaning as provided in
section 27-103, as amended by this act. All other factors being equal,
preference shall be given to supplies, materials and equipment
produced, assembled or manufactured in the state and services
originating and provided in the state. Except with regard to contracts
that may be paid for with United States Department of Transportation
funds, if any such bidder refuses to accept, within ten days, a contract
awarded to such bidder, such contract may be awarded to the next
lowest responsible qualified bidder or the next highest scoring bidder in
a multiple criteria bid, whichever is applicable, and so on until such
contract is awarded and accepted. Except with regard to contracts that
may be paid for with United States Department of Transportation funds,
if any such proposer refuses to accept, within ten days, a contract
awarded to such proposer, such contract shall be awarded to the next
most advantageous proposer, and so on until the contract is awarded
and accepted. There shall be a written evaluation made of each bid. This
evaluation shall identify the vendors and their respective costs and
prices, document the reason why any vendor is deemed to be
nonresponsive and recommend a vendor for award. A contract valued
at one million dollars or more shall be awarded to a bidder other than Substitute House Bill No. 5592
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the lowest responsible qualified bidder or the highest scoring bidder in
a multiple criteria bid, whichever is applicable, only with written
approval signed by the Commissioner of Administrative Services and
by the Comptroller. The commissioner shall post on the department's
Internet web site all awards made pursuant to the provisions of this
section.
Sec. 4. Subdivision (28) of section 5-196 of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(28) "Veteran", when used in this chapter and in section 5-180, [means
any person (A) (i) honorably discharged from, or released under
honorable conditions from active service in, the armed forces of the
United States, or (ii) with a qualifying condition, as defined in section
27-103, who has received a discharge other than bad conduct or
dishonorable from active service in the armed forces of the United
States] has the same meaning as provided in section 27-103, as amended
by this act, and (B) who has performed such service in time of war, as
defined in said section, except that the final date for service in time of
war during World War II shall be December 31, 1947.
Sec. 5. Subsection (b) of section 7-294d of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(b) No person may be employed as a police officer by any law
enforcement unit for a period exceeding one year unless such person
has been certified under the provisions of subsection (a) of this section
or has been granted an extension by the council. No person may serve
as a police officer during any period when such person's certification
has been cancelled or revoked pursuant to the provisions of subsection
(c) of this section. In addition to the requirements of this subsection, the
council may establish other qualifications for the employment of police Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 10 of 53
officers and require evidence of fulfillment of these qualifications. The
certification of any police officer who is not employed by a law
enforcement unit for a period of time in excess of two years, unless such
officer is on leave of absence, shall be considered lapsed. Upon
reemployment as a police officer, such officer shall apply for
recertification in a manner provided by the council, provided such
recertification process requires the police officer to submit to a urinalysis
drug test that screens for controlled substances, including, but not
limited to, anabolic steroids, and receive a result indicating no presence
of any controlled substance not prescribed for the officer. The council
shall certify any applicant who presents evidence of satisfactory
completion of a program or course of instruction in another state or, if
the applicant is a veteran or a member of the armed forces or the
National Guard, as part of training during service in the armed forces,
that is equivalent in content and quality to that required in this state,
provided such applicant passes an examination or evaluation as
required by the council. For the purposes of this section, "veteran"
[means any person who was discharged or released under conditions
other than dishonorable from active service in the armed forces] and
"armed forces" [has] have the same [meaning] meanings as provided in
section 27-103, as amended by this act.
Sec. 6. Section 8-75 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2021):
As among applicants eligible for occupancy at the rent involved
whose needs for housing accommodations are substantially equal, as
determined by the developer, preference shall be given to veterans. As
used in this section, "veteran" [means any person (1) honorably
discharged from, or released under honorable conditions from active
service in, the armed forces, as defined in section 27-103, or (2) with a
qualifying condition, as defined in said section, who has received a
discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from active service in Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 11 of 53
the armed forces] has the same meaning as provided in section 27-103,
as amended by this act.
Sec. 7. Subsections (a) to (c), inclusive, of section 10-5 of the general
statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof
(Effective October 1, 2021):
(a) The Commissioner of Education shall, in accordance with this
section, issue a state high school diploma to any person (1) who
successfully completes an examination approved by the commissioner,
or (2) who (A) is seventeen years of age and has been officially
withdrawn from school in accordance with the provisions of section 10-
184 or is eighteen years of age or older, and (B) presents to the
commissioner evidence demonstrating educational qualifications which
the commissioner deems equivalent to those required for graduation
from a public high school. Application for such a diploma shall be made
in the manner and form prescribed by the commissioner provided, at
the time of application to take the examination described in subdivision
(1) of this subsection, the applicant is seventeen years of age or older,
has been officially withdrawn from school, in accordance with section
10-184, for at least six months and has been advised, in such manner as
may be prescribed by the commissioner, of the other options for high
school completion and other available educational programs. For good
cause shown, the commissioner may allow a person who is sixteen years
of age to apply to take the examination, provided the commissioner may
not issue a state high school diploma to such person until the person has
attained seventeen years of age.
(b) Application to take or retake the examination described in
subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section shall be accompanied by
a money order or certified check in the nonrefundable amount of
thirteen dollars. This amount shall include the fee for the state high
school diploma. Substitute House Bill No. 5592
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(c) No (1) veteran, as defined in section 27-103, as amended by this
act, (2) member of the armed forces, as defined in section 27-103, as
amended by this act, [(3) person with a qualifying condition, as defined
in said section, who has received a discharge other than bad conduct or
dishonorable from active service in the armed forces,] or [(4)] (3) person
under twenty-one years of age shall be required to pay the fees
described in subsection (b) of this section. The commissioner may waive
any fee described in subsection (b) of this section upon the submission
of evidence indicating an inability to pay.
Sec. 8. Subsection (i) of section 10-221a of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(i) (1) A local or regional board of education may award a diploma to
a veteran, as defined in subsection (a) of section 27-103, as amended by
this act, [or a person with a qualifying condition, as defined in said
section, who has received a discharge other than bad conduct or
dishonorable from active service in the armed forces,] which veteran or
person served during World War II or the Korean hostilities, as
described in section 51-49h, or during the Vietnam Era, as defined in
section 27-103, as amended by this act, withdrew from high school prior
to graduation in order to serve in the armed forces of the United States
and did not receive a diploma as a consequence of such service.
(2) A local or regional board of education may award a diploma to
any person who (A) withdrew from high school prior to graduation to
work in a job that assisted the war effort during World War II, December
7, 1941, to December 31, 1946, inclusive, (B) did not receive a diploma as
a consequence of such work, and (C) has been a resident of the state for
at least fifty consecutive years.
Sec. 9. Subsection (d) of section 10a-77 of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October Substitute House Bill No. 5592
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1, 2021):
(d) Said board of trustees shall waive the payment of tuition at any of
the regional community-technical colleges (1) for any dependent child
of a person whom the armed forces of the United States has declared to
be missing in action or to have been a prisoner of war while serving in
such armed forces after January 1, 1960, which child has been accepted
for admission to such institution and is a resident of the state at the time
such child is accepted for admission to such institution, (2) subject to the
provisions of subsection (e) of this section, for any [(A)] veteran, as
defined in section 27-103, as amended by this act, who performed
service in time of war, as defined in section 27-103, as amended by this
act, [or (B) person with a qualifying condition, as defined in said section,
who has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable
from active service in the armed forces and who performed service in
time of war,] except that for purposes of this subsection, "service in time
of war" shall not include time spent in attendance at a military service
academy, which veteran [or person] has been accepted for admission to
such institution and is domiciled in this state at the time such veteran
[or person] is accepted for admission to such institution, (3) for any
resident of the state sixty-two years of age or older, provided, at the end
of the regular registration period, there are enrolled in the course a
sufficient number of students other than those residents eligible for
waivers pursuant to this subdivision to offer the course in which such
resident intends to enroll and there is space available in such course
after accommodating all such students, (4) for any student attending the
Connecticut State Police Academy who is enrolled in a law enforcement
program at said academy offered in coordination with a regional
community-technical college which accredits courses taken in such
program, (5) for any active member of the Connecticut Army or Air
National Guard who (A) has been certified by the Adjutant General or
such Adjutant General's designee as a member in good standing of the
guard, and (B) is enrolled or accepted for admission to such institution Substitute House Bill No. 5592
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on a full-time or part-time basis in an undergraduate degree-granting
program, (6) for any dependent child of a (A) police officer, as defined
in section 7-294a, or supernumerary or auxiliary police officer, (B)
firefighter, as defined in section 7-323j, or member of a volunteer fire
company, (C) municipal employee, or (D) state employee, as defined in
section 5-154, killed in the line of duty, (7) for any resident of the state
who is a dependent child or surviving spouse of a specified terrorist
victim who was a resident of this state, (8) for any dependent child of a
resident of the state who was killed in a multivehicle crash at or near the
intersection of Routes 44 and 10 and Nod Road in Avon on July 29, 2005,
and (9) for any resident of the state who is a dependent child or
surviving spouse of a person who was killed in action while performing
active military duty with the armed forces of the United States on or
after September 11, 2001, and who was a resident of this state. If any
person who receives a tuition waiver in accordance with the provisions
of this subsection also receives educational reimbursement from an
employer, such waiver shall be reduced by the amount of such
educational reimbursement. Veterans [and persons described in
subdivision (2) of this subsection] and members of the National Guard
described in subdivision (5) of this subsection shall be given the same
status as students not receiving tuition waivers in registering for courses
at regional community-technical colleges. Notwithstanding the
provisions of section 10a-30, as used in this subsection, "domiciled in
this state" includes domicile for less than one year.
Sec. 10. Subsection (d) of section 10a-99 of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(d) Said board shall waive the payment of tuition fees at the
Connecticut State University System (1) for any dependent child of a
person whom the armed forces of the United States has declared to be
missing in action or to have been a prisoner of war while serving in such Substitute House Bill No. 5592
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armed forces after January 1, 1960, which child has been accepted for
admission to such institution and is a resident of the state at the time
such child is accepted for admission to such institution, (2) subject to the
provisions of subsection (e) of this section, for any [(A)] veteran, as
defined in section 27-103, as amended by this act, who performed
service in time of war, as defined in section 27-103, as amended by this
act, [or (B) person with a qualifying condition, as defined in said section,
who has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable
from active service in the armed forces and who performed service in
time of war,] except that for purposes of this subsection, "service in time
of war" shall not include time spent in attendance at a military service
academy, which veteran [or person] has been accepted for admission to
such institution and is domiciled in this state at the time such veteran
[or person] is accepted for admission to such institution, (3) for any
resident of the state sixty-two years of age or older who has been
accepted for admission to such institution, provided (A) such resident
is enrolled in a degree-granting program, or (B) at the end of the regular
registration period, there are enrolled in the course a sufficient number
of students other than those residents eligible for waivers pursuant to
this subdivision to offer the course in which such resident intends to
enroll and there is space available in such course after accommodating
all such students, (4) for any student attending the Connecticut Police
Academy who is enrolled in a law enforcement program at said
academy offered in coordination with the university which accredits
courses taken in such program, (5) for any active member of the
Connecticut Army or Air National Guard who (A) has been certified by
the Adjutant General or such Adjutant General's designee as a member
in good standing of the guard, and (B) is enrolled or accepted for
admission to such institution on a full-time or part-time basis in an
undergraduate or graduate degree-granting program, (6) for any
dependent child of a (A) police officer, as defined in section 7-294a, or
supernumerary or auxiliary police officer, (B) firefighter, as defined in
section 7-323j, or member of a volunteer fire company, (C) municipal Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 16 of 53
employee, or (D) state employee, as defined in section 5-154, killed in
the line of duty, (7) for any resident of this state who is a dependent
child or surviving spouse of a specified terrorist victim who was a
resident of the state, (8) for any dependent child of a resident of the state
who was killed in a multivehicle crash at or near the intersection of
Routes 44 and 10 and Nod Road in Avon on July 29, 2005, and (9) for
any resident of the state who is a dependent child or surviving spouse
of a person who was killed in action while performing active military
duty with the armed forces of the United States on or after September
11, 2001, and who was a resident of this state. If any person who receives
a tuition waiver in accordance with the provisions of this subsection also
receives educational reimbursement from an employer, such waiver
shall be reduced by the amount of such educational reimbursement.
Veterans [and persons described in subdivision (2) of this subsection]
and members of the National Guard described in subdivision (5) of this
subsection shall be given the same status as students not receiving
tuition waivers in registering for courses at Connecticut state
universities. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 10a-30, as used
in this subsection, "domiciled in this state" includes domicile for less
than one year.
Sec. 11. Subsection (e) of section 10a-105 of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(e) Said board of trustees shall waive the payment of tuition fees at
The University of Connecticut (1) for any dependent child of a person
whom the armed forces of the United States has declared to be missing
in action or to have been a prisoner of war while serving in such armed
forces after January 1, 1960, which child has been accepted for admission
to The University of Connecticut and is a resident of the state at the time
such child is accepted for admission to said institution, (2) subject to the
provisions of subsection (f) of this section, for any [(A)] veteran, as Substitute House Bill No. 5592
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defined in section 27-103, as amended by this act, who performed
service in time of war, as defined in section 27-103, as amended by this
act, [or (B) person with a qualifying condition, as defined in said section,
who has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable
from active service in the armed forces and who performed service in
time of war,] except that for purposes of this subsection, "service in time
of war" shall not include time spent in attendance at a military service
academy, which veteran [or person] has been accepted for admission to
said institution and is domiciled in this state at the time such veteran [or
person] is accepted for admission to said institution, (3) for any resident
of the state sixty-two years of age or older who has been accepted for
admission to said institution, provided (A) such resident is enrolled in
a degree-granting program, or (B) at the end of the regular registration
period, there are enrolled in the course a sufficient number of students
other than those residents eligible for waivers pursuant to this
subdivision to offer the course in which such resident intends to enroll
and there is space available in such course after accommodating all such
students, (4) for any active member of the Connecticut Army or Air
National Guard who (A) has been certified by the Adjutant General or
such Adjutant General's designee as a member in good standing of the
guard, and (B) is enrolled or accepted for admission to said institution
on a full-time or part-time basis in an undergraduate or graduate
degree-granting program, (5) for any dependent child of a (A) police
officer, as defined in section 7-294a, or supernumerary or auxiliary
police officer, (B) firefighter, as defined in section 7-323j, or member of
a volunteer fire company, (C) municipal employee, or (D) state
employee, as defined in section 5-154, killed in the line of duty, (6) for
any resident of the state who is the dependent child or surviving spouse
of a specified terrorist victim who was a resident of the state, (7) for any
dependent child of a resident of the state who was killed in a
multivehicle crash at or near the intersection of Routes 44 and 10 and
Nod Road in Avon on July 29, 2005, and (8) for any resident of the state
who is a dependent child or surviving spouse of a person who was Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 18 of 53
killed in action while performing active military duty with the armed
forces of the United States on or after September 11, 2001, and who was
a resident of this state. If any person who receives a tuition waiver in
accordance with the provisions of this subsection also receives
educational reimbursement from an employer, such waiver shall be
reduced by the amount of such educational reimbursement. Veterans
[and persons described in subdivision (2) of this subsection] and
members of the National Guard described in subdivision (4) of this
subsection shall be given the same status as students not receiving
tuition waivers in registering for courses at The University of
Connecticut. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 10a-30, as used
in this subsection, "domiciled in this state" includes domicile for less
than one year.
Sec. 12. Subsection (a) of section 10a-149d of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(a) An institution of higher education shall award college credit for
military occupational specialty training to a member of the armed forces
or the National Guard or a veteran who enrolls at such institution and
has experience in a military occupation recognized by such institution
as substituting for or meeting the requirements of a particular course of
study. For the purposes of this section, "veteran" [means any person
who was discharged or released under condi tions other than
dishonorable from active service in the armed forces] and "armed
forces" [has] have the same [meaning] meanings as provided in section
27-103, as amended by this act.
Sec. 13. Subsection (a) of section 10a-161d of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(a) As used in this section: Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 19 of 53
(1) "Eligible student without legal immigration status" means any
person who (A) is entitled to classification as an in-state student for
tuition purposes pursuant to subdivision (9) of section 10a-29, (B) was
thirty years of age or younger on June 15, 2012, (C) was sixteen years of
age or younger when he or she arrived in the United States and has
continuously resided in the United States since such arrival, and (D) has
not been convicted of a felony in this state or in another state;
(2) "Eligible veteran without legal immigration status" means any
[person who (A) is an honorably discharged veteran of the armed forces
of the United States] veteran, as defined in section 27-103, as amended
by this act, without legal immigration status, who [(B)] (A) was thirty
years of age or younger on June 15, 2012, [(C)] (B) was fifteen years of
age or younger when he or she arrived in the United States and has
continuously resided in the United States since such arrival, and [(D)]
(C) has not been convicted of a felony in this state or in another state;
(3) "Institutional financial aid" means funds set aside from the
anticipated tuition revenue of an institution of higher education for the
purposes of providing tuition waivers, tuition remissions, grants for
educational expenses and student employment for full-time or part-
time students who are enrolled in a degree-granting program or a
precollege remedial program and who demonstrate substantial
financial need; and
(4) "Public institution of higher education" means those institutions
of higher education identified in subdivisions (1) and (2) of section 10a-
1.
Sec. 14. Subdivision (19) of section 12-81 of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021, and applicable to assessment years commencing on or after October 1,
2021): Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 20 of 53
(19) Subject to the provisions of sections 12-89, 12-90 and 12-95,
property to the amount of one thousand dollars belonging to, or held in
trust for, (A) any resident of this state who is a veteran, as defined in
section 27-103, as amended by this act, who was a member of the armed
forces in service in time of war, (B) any resident of this state who was a
citizen of the United States at the time of his enlistment and who was in
the military or naval service of a government allied or associated with
that of the United States during the Second World War and received an
honorable discharge therefrom, (C) any resident of this state who served
during the Second World War as a member of any armed force of any
government signatory to the United Nations Declaration of January 1,
1942, and participated in armed conflict with an enemy of the United
States and who has been a citizen of the United States for at least ten
years and presents satisfactory evidence of such service, (D) any
resident of this state who served as a member of the crew of a merchant
vessel during the Second World War and is qualified with respect to
such service as a member of the group known as the "American
Merchant Marine in ocean-going service during the period of armed
conflict, December 7, 1941, to August 15, 1945", members of which are
deemed to be eligible for certain veterans benefits under a
determination in the United States Department of Defense, as recorded
in the Federal Register of February 1, 1988, provided such resident has
received an armed forces discharge certificate from the Department of
Defense on the basis of such service, (E) any member of the armed forces
who was in service in time of war and is still in the service and by reason
of continuous service has not as yet received a discharge, (F) any person
who is retired from the armed forces after thirty years of service because
he has reached the age limit prescribed by law or because he suffers
from mental or physical disability, [(G) any person with a qualifying
condition who has received a discharge other than bad conduct or
dishonorable from active service in the armed forces and who was in
service in time of war,] or [(H)] (G) any person who is serving in the
armed services in time of war; or lacking said amount of property in his Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 21 of 53
own name, so much of the property belonging to, or held in trust for, his
spouse, who is domiciled with him, as is necessary to equal said amount.
For the purposes of this subdivision, "veteran", "armed forces" [,] and
"service in time of war" [and "qualifying condition"] have the same
meanings as provided in section 27-103, as amended by this act;
Sec. 15. Subdivision (22) of section 12-81 of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021, and applicable to assessment years commencing on or after October 1,
2021):
(22) Subject to the provisions of sections 12-89, 12-90 and 12-95,
property to the amount of one thousand dollars belonging to, or held in
trust for, any surviving spouse while such person remains a widow or
widower, or a minor child or both, residing in this state, of [(A)] one
who has served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard or Air
Force of the United States, or any citizen of the United States who served
in the military or naval service of a government allied or associated with
the United States, as provided by subdivision (19) of this section, and
who has died either during his or her term of service or after [receiving
an honorable discharge therefrom] becoming a veteran, as defined in
section 27-103, as amended by this act, provided such amount shall be
three thousand dollars if death was due to service and occurred while
on active duty; [, or (B) one with a qualifying condition, as defined in
section 27-103, who has served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast
Guard or Air Force of the United States and who has died after receiving
a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable therefrom;]
Sec. 16. Subdivision (25) of section 12-81 of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021, and applicable to assessment years commencing on or after October 1,
2021):
(25) Subject to the provisions of sections 12-89, 12-90 and 12-95, Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 22 of 53
property to the amount of one thousand dollars belonging to, or held in
trust for, a sole surviving parent, while such parent remains a widow or
widower, resident of this state, of one [(A)] who has left no widow or
widower, or whose widow or widower has remarried or died, and who
has served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard or Air Force
of the United States as provided by subdivision (19) of this section and
has died during his or her term of service or after [receiving an
honorable discharge therefrom] becoming a veteran, as defined in
section 27-103, as amended by this act, provided property belonging to,
or held in trust for, such parent of more than one serviceman or
servicewoman who has left no widow or widower, or whose widow or
widower has remarried or died, and who has served in the Army, Navy,
Marine Corps, Coast Guard or Air Force of the United States as
provided in subdivision (19) of this section and has died during his or
her term of service shall be subject to an exemption of one thousand
dollars for each such serviceman or servicewoman; [, or (B) with a
qualifying condition, as defined in section 27-103, who has left no
widow or widower, or whose widow or widower has remarried or died,
and who has served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard or
Air Force of the United States and has died after receiving a discharge
other than bad conduct or dishonorable therefrom;]
Sec. 17. Subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of section 12-81jj of the
general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu
thereof (Effective October 1, 2021, and applicable to assessment years
commencing on or after October 1, 2021):
(2) Any such veteran submitting a claim for such exemption shall be
required to file an application, on a form prepared for such purpose by
the assessor, not later than the assessment date with respect to which
such exemption is claimed, which application shall include (A) a
certified copy of such veteran's military discharge document, as defined
in section 1-219, or (B) in the absence of such certified copy, at least two Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 23 of 53
affidavits of disinterested persons showing that the claimant [was
honorably discharged from, or released under honorable conditions
from active service in, the armed forces, as defined in section 27-103] is
a veteran as defined in section 27-103, as amended by this act, provided
the assessor may further require such claimant to be examined by such
assessor under oath concerning such facts. Each such application shall
include a copy of such veteran's federal income tax return, or in the
event such a return is not filed such evidence related to income as may
be required by the assessor, for the tax year of such veteran ending
immediately prior to the assessment date with respect to which such
exemption is claimed. Such town clerk shall record each such affidavit
in full and shall list the name of such veteran, and such service shall be
performed by such town clerk without remuneration. No assessor,
board of assessment appeals or other official shall allow any such claim
for exemption unless evidence as specified in this section has been filed
in the office of such town clerk. Any such veteran who has filed for such
exemption and received approval for the first time shall be required to
file for such exemption biennially thereafter, subject to the provisions of
subsection (c) of this section.
Sec. 18. Section 12-93 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2021, and
applicable to assessment years commencing on or after October 1, 2021):
Any person who claims an exemption from taxation under the
provisions of section 12-81, as amended by this act, or 12-82 by reason
of service in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard or Air Force
of the United States shall give notice to the town clerk of the town in
which he resides that he is entitled to such exemption. Any person who
has performed such service may establish his right to such exemption
by exhibiting to the town clerk an honorable discharge, or a certified
copy thereof, from such service or, in the absence of such discharge or
copy, by appearing before the assessors for an examination under oath, Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 24 of 53
supported by two affidavits of disinterested persons, showing that the
claimant [so served and received an honorable discharge] is a veteran,
as defined in section 27-103, as amended by this act, or is serving or, if
he is unable to appear by reason of such service, he may establish such
right, until such time as he appears personally and exhibits his discharge
or copy, by forwarding to the town clerk annually a written statement,
signed by the commanding officer of his unit, ship or station or by some
other appropriate officer, or where such claimant is currently serving in
an active theater of war or hostilities, by the presentation of a notarized
statement of a parent, guardian, spouse or legal representative of such
claimant, stating that he is personally serving and is unable to appear in
person by reason of such service, which statement shall be received
before the assessment day of the town wherein the exemption is
claimed. The assessors shall report to the town clerk all claims so
established. Any person claiming exemption by reason of the service of
a relative as a soldier, sailor, marine or member of the Coast Guard or
Air Force may establish his right thereto by at least two affidavits of
disinterested persons showing the service of such relative, his honorable
discharge or death in service, and the relationship of the claimant to
him; and the assessors may further require such person to be examined
by them under oath concerning such facts. The town clerk of the town
where the honorable discharge or certified copy thereof and each
affidavit is originally presented for record shall record such discharge
or certified copy or affidavits thereof in full and shall list the names of
such claimants and such service shall be performed by the town clerk
without remuneration therefor. Thereafter if any person entitled to such
exemption changes his legal residence, the town clerk in the town of
former residence and in which such honorable discharge or certified
copy thereof or any such affidavit in respect to such person was
originally presented for record shall, upon request and payment of a fee
by such person to said town of former residence in an amount
determined by the town treasurer as necessary to cover the cost of such
procedure, prepare and mail to the town in which such person resides, Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 25 of 53
a copy of the record of such discharge or certified copy thereof or
affidavits, or he may establish his right to such exemption in the town
in which he resides by exhibiting to the town clerk thereof the original
discharge or a certified copy thereof or such affidavits. Said clerk shall
take therefrom sufficient data to satisfy the exemption requirements of
the general statutes and shall record the same and shall note the town
where the original complete recording of discharge papers was made.
No board of assessors or board of assessment appeals or other official
shall allow any such claim for exemption unless evidence as herein
specified has been filed in the office of the town clerk, provided, if any
claim for exemption has been allowed by any board of assessors or
board of assessment appeals prior to July 1, 1923, the provisions of this
section shall not apply to such claim. Each claim granted prior to July 1,
1923, shall be recorded with those presented subsequent thereto, and a
list of such names, alphabetically arranged, shall be furnished the
assessors by the town clerk.
Sec. 19. Subsection (a) of section 12-217pp of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(a) As used in this section:
(1) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Economic and
Community Development;
(2) "Control", with respect to a corporation, means ownership,
directly or indirectly, of stock possessing fifty per cent or more of the
total combined voting power of all classes of the stock of such
corporation entitled to vote. "Control", with respect to a trust, means
ownership, directly or indirectly, of fifty per cent or more of the
beneficial interest in the principal or income of such trust. The
ownership of stock in a corporation, of a capital or profits interest in a
partnership, limited liability company or association or of a beneficial Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 26 of 53
interest in a trust shall be determined in accordance with the rules for
constructive ownership of stock provided in Section 267(c) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any subsequent corresponding
internal revenue code of the United States, as from time to time
amended, other than paragraph (3) of said Section 267(c);
(3) "Full-time job" means a job in which an employee is required to
work at least thirty-five hours per week for not less than forty-eight
weeks in a calendar year. "Full-time job" does not include a temporary
or seasonal job;
(4) "Income year" means, with respect to entities subject to the
insurance premiums tax under chapter 207, the corporation business tax
under this chapter, the utility companies tax under chapter 212 or the
income tax under chapter 229, the income year as determined under
each of said chapters, as the case may be;
(5) "New employee" means a person who resides in this state and is
hired by a taxpayer on or after January 1, 2012, and prior to January 1,
2014, to fill a new job. "New employee" does not include a person who
was employed in this state by a related person with respect to a taxpayer
during the prior twelve months;
(6) "New job" means a job that did not exist in this state prior to a
taxpayer's application to the commissioner for certification under this
section for a job expansion tax credit, is filled by a new, qualifying or
veteran employee, and (A) is a full-time job, or (B) in the case of a
qualifying employee under subparagraph (B) of subdivision (7) of this
subsection, is a job in which an employee is required to work at least
twenty hours per week for not less than forty-eight weeks in a calendar
year;
(7) "Qualifying employee" means a new employee who, at the time of
hiring by the taxpayer: Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 27 of 53
(A) (i) Is receiving unemployment compensation, or (ii) has
exhausted unemployment compensation benefits and has not had an
intervening full-time job; or
(B) Is (i) receiving vocational rehabilitation services from the
Department of Aging and Disability Services, (ii) receiving employment
services from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services,
or (iii) participating in employment opportunities and day services, as
defined in section 17a-226, operated or funded by the Department of
Developmental Services;
(8) "Related person" means (A) a corporation, limited liability
company, partnership, association or trust controlled by the taxpayer,
(B) an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership,
association or trust that is in control of the taxpayer, (C) a corporation,
limited liability company, partnership, association or trust controlled by
an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership,
association or trust that is in control of the taxpayer, or (D) a member of
the same controlled group as the taxpayer;
(9) "Taxpayer" means a person that (A) has been in business for at
least twelve consecutive months prior to the date of the taxpayer's
application to the commissioner for certification under this section for a
job expansion tax credit, and (B) is subject to tax under this chapter or
chapter 207, 212 or 229; and
(10) "Veteran employee" means a new employee who, at the time of
hiring by the taxpayer, is (A) a member of [, was honorably discharged
from or released under honorable conditions from active service in] the
armed forces, as defined in section 27-103, as amended by this act, or (B)
a veteran, as defined in section 27-103, as amended by this act.
Sec. 20. Subparagraph (D) of subdivision (63) of section 12-412 of the
general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 28 of 53
thereof (Effective October 1, 2021):
(D) The Department of Revenue Services may issue a farmer tax
exemption permit to a farmer, notwithstanding the fact that, in the
farmer's immediately preceding taxable year, such farmer's gross
income from agricultural production engaged in as a trade or business
may have been less than two thousand five hundred dollars, provided
(i) such farmer purchased, during such farmer's current or immediately
preceding taxable year, an agricultural trade or business from a seller
who was issued a farmer tax exemption permit by such department at
the time of such purchase and such agricultural production shall be
carried on as a trade or business by such purchaser during the period
commencing upon the purchase and ending two years after the date of
purchase. Such purchaser shall be liable for the tax otherwise imposed,
during the period commencing upon such purchase and ending two
years after the date of purchase, if such agricultural production is not
carried on as a trade or business by such purchaser during the period
commencing upon such purchase and ending two years after the date
of purchase; or (ii) such farmer is a veteran who has never owned or
leased property for the purpose of commercial agricultural production
or who has owned or leased property for the purpose of commercial
agricultural production for less than two years. Such veteran farmer
shall be liable for the tax otherwise imposed, during the period
commencing upon issuance of a farmer tax exemption permit pursuant
to this subparagraph and ending two years after the date of such
issuance, if such agricultural production is not carried on as a trade or
business by such veteran farmer during the period commencing upon
such issuance and ending two years after the date of such issuance. As
used in this subparagraph, "veteran" [means any person (1) honorably
discharged from, or released under honorable conditions from active
service in, the armed forces, as defined in section 27-103, or (2) with a
qualifying condition, as defined in said section, who has received a
discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from active service in Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 29 of 53
the armed forces] has the same meaning as provided in section 27-103,
as amended by this act.
Sec. 21. Subsection (a) of section 14-20b of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(a) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, at the request of any veteran
or member of the armed forces or the surviving spouse of such veteran
or member, shall register any motor vehicle owned or leased for a period
of at least one year by such person and shall issue a special certificate of
registration and a set of number plates for each such motor vehicle,
including a special certificate of registration and a set of number plates
for any motor vehicle used exclusively for farming purposes by any
veteran or member of the armed forces, or the surviving spouse of such
veteran or member, who is engaged in agricultural production as a trade
or business. The plates shall expire and be renewed as provided in
section 14-22. The commissioner shall charge a fee for such plates, which
fee shall cover the entire cost of making such plates and shall be in
addition to the fee for registration of such motor vehicle. As used in this
subsection, ["member of the armed forces" has the same meaning as
provided in section 27-103 and "veteran" means any person (1)
honorably discharged from, or released under honorable conditions
from active service in, the armed forces, or (2) with a qualifying
condition, as defined in section 27-103, who has received a discharge
other than bad conduct or dishonorable from active service in the armed
forces] "veteran" and "armed forces" have the same meanings as
provided in section 27-103, as amended by this act.
Sec. 22. Subdivision (3) of subsection (e) of section 14-36 of the general
statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof
(Effective October 1, 2021):
(3) Before granting a license to any applicant who has not previously Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 30 of 53
held a Connecticut motor vehicle operator's license, or who has not
operated a motor vehicle during the preceding two years, the
commissioner shall require the applicant to demonstrate personally to
the commissioner, a deputy or a motor vehicle inspector or an agent of
the commissioner, in such manner as the commissioner directs, that the
applicant is a proper person to operate motor vehicles of the class for
which such applicant has applied, has sufficient knowledge of the
mechanism of the motor vehicles to ensure their safe operation by him
or her and has satisfactory knowledge of the laws concerning motor
vehicles and the rules of the road. The knowledge test of an applicant
for a class D motor vehicle operator's license may be administered in
such form as the commissioner deems appropriate, including audio,
electronic or written testing. Such knowledge test shall be administered
in English, Spanish or any language spoken at home by at least one per
cent of the state's population, according to statistics prepared by the
United States Census Bureau, based on the most recent decennial
census. Each such knowledge test shall include a question concerning
highway work zone safety and the responsibilities of an operator of a
motor vehicle under section 14-212d. Each such knowledge test shall
include not less than one question concerning distracted driving, the use
of mobile telephones and electronic devices by motor vehicle operators
or the responsibilities of motor vehicle operators under section 14-296aa.
If any such applicant has held a license from a state, territory or
possession of the United States where a similar examination is required,
the commissioner may waive part or all of the examination. If any such
applicant is (A) a veteran who applies not later than two years after the
date of discharge from the military and who, prior to such discharge,
held a military operator's license for motor vehicles of the same class as
that for which such applicant has applied, or (B) a member of the armed
forces or the National Guard who currently holds a military operator's
license for motor vehicles of the same class as that for which such
applicant has applied, the commissioner shall waive all of the
examination, except in the case of commercial motor vehicle licenses, Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 31 of 53
the commissioner shall only waive the driving skills test for such
applicant who meets the conditions set forth in 49 CFR 383.77. For the
purposes of this subsection, "veteran" [means any person who was
discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable from
active service in the armed forces] and "armed forces" [has] have the
same [meaning] meanings as provided in section 27-103, as amended by
this act. When the commissioner is satisfied as to the ability and
competency of any applicant, the commissioner may issue to such
applicant a license, either unlimited or containing such limitations as the
commissioner deems advisable, and specifying the class of motor
vehicles which the licensee is eligible to operate.
Sec. 23. Subsections (e) and (f) of section 14-36h of the general statutes
are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective
October 1, 2021):
(e) Any person who is a veteran may submit a request to the
Department of Veterans Affairs to have his or her status as a veteran
contained on his or her motor vehicle operator's license or identity card.
Said department shall, not later than thirty days after receipt of such
request, verify whether such person is a veteran and, if so, notify the
Commissioner of Motor Vehicles of such request and verification. The
Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall indicate such person's status as a
veteran on any motor vehicle operator's license or identity card issued
to such person upon original issuance or renewal of a motor vehicle
operator's license or identity card or upon issuance of a duplicate motor
vehicle operator's license or identity card.
(f) As used in this section: (1) "Full legal name" means the most
complete version of the name that appears on a person's certificate of
birth, official passport or other document or documents accepted by the
Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to verify the person's identity, unless
the person presents a marriage license or certificate, a certificate of civil
union, a divorce decree or an order of a court of competent jurisdiction Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 32 of 53
pertaining to a permanent change of the person's name; and (2)
"veteran" [means (A) any person honorably discharged from, or
released under honorable conditions from active service in, the armed
forces, as defined] has the same meaning as provided in section 27-103,
as amended by this act, [(B)] or any former member of the armed forces
who is entitled to retirement pay under 10 USC Chapter 1223, as
amended from time to time, or, but for age, would be so entitled. [, or
(C) any person with a qualifying condition, as defined in section 27-103,
who has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable
from active service in the armed forces.]
Sec. 24. Subsection (c) of section 14-50 of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(c) The commissioner shall waive any operator's license or
registration fee, including any renewal fee, in the case of any person in
the active service of the armed forces of the United States who was a
legal resident of Connecticut at the time of his or her induction; and for
one licensing period to any person [(1) honorably separated from such
service, or (2) with a qualifying condition, as defined in section 27-103,
who has separated from such service other than with a bad conduct
characterization or dishonorably] who is a veteran, as defined in section
27-103, as amended by this act, which person applies for such operator's
license or registration within two years following the date of separation
and was a legal resident of Connecticut at the time of his or her
induction. The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance
with chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this subsection.
Sec. 25. Section 14-254 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2021):
"Disabled veteran", as used in this section, means (1) [(A)] any
veteran, as defined in section 27-103, as amended by this act, who Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 33 of 53
performed service in time of war, as defined in section 27-103, as
amended by this act, [or (B) any person with a qualifying condition, as
defined in said section, who has received a discharge other than bad
conduct or dishonorable from active service in the armed forces, as
defined in said section, and who performed service in time of war,] and
(2) (A) one or both of whose legs or arms or parts thereof have been
amputated or the use of which has been lost, (B) who is blind, paraplegic
or hemiplegic, or (C) who has traumatic brain injury, any such disability
described in subdivision (2) of this section being certified as service-
connected by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The
Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, upon application of any disabled
veteran accompanied by such certificate of United States Department of
Veterans Affairs, shall issue without charge a special number plate or
set of plates in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) of
section 14-21b to be attached to a passenger motor vehicle owned or
operated by such disabled veteran and an identification card to be used
in connection therewith. The card shall identify the disabled veteran and
the motor vehicle and shall state that such disabled veteran is qualified
to receive the card, that the card, plate or plates shall be returned to the
commissioner if the registration of the motor vehicle is cancelled or
transferred and that the card is for the exclusive use of the disabled
veteran to whom it is issued, is not transferable and will be revoked if
presented by any other person or if any privilege granted under this
section is abused. If not so revoked, the card shall be renewable every
four years at the time of registration of motor vehicles. No penalty shall
be imposed for the overtime parking of any motor vehicle bearing a
number plate issued under this section when it has been so parked by
the disabled veteran to whom the plate and an identification card were
issued or by any person operating such vehicle when accompanied by
such disabled veteran, provided the length of time for which such
vehicle may remain parked at any one location shall not exceed twenty-
four hours. The surviving spouse of a disabled veteran issued such
special registration may retain any such registration and number plates Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 34 of 53
without charge for his or her lifetime or until such time as he or she
remarries.
Sec. 26. Subsection (a) of section 17b-28i of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(a) To the extent permissible by federal law, the Commissioner of
Social Services shall disregard federal Aid and Attendance pension
benefits granted to a veteran or the surviving spouse of such veteran
when determining income eligibility for the state's Medicare savings,
medical assistance and energy assistance programs administered under
section 17b-2. As used in this subsection, "veteran" [means any person
(1) honorably discharged from, or released under honorable conditions
from active service in, the armed forces, as defined in section 27-103, or
(2) with a qualifying condition, as defined in said section, who has
received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from active
service in the armed forces] has the same meaning as provided in section
27-103, as amended by this act.
Sec. 27. Section 19a-179 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2021):
(a) The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with
chapter 54, concerning (1) the methods and conditions for licensure and
certification of the operations, facilities and equipment enumerated in
section 19a-177, (2) complaint procedures for the public and any
emergency medical service organization, and (3) exemption of members
of the armed forces or the National Guard or veterans with appropriate
military training, including, but not limited to, members of the armed
forces or the National Guard or veterans with a designation by the
National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and veterans or
members of the United States Navy and Coast Guard, from training and
testing requirements for emergency medical technician licensure and Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 35 of 53
certification. Such regulations shall be in conformity with the policies
and standards established by the commissioner. Such regulations shall
require that, as an express condition of the purchase of any business
holding a primary service area, the purchaser shall agree to abide by any
performance standards to which the purchased business was obligated
pursuant to its agreement with the municipality.
(b) For the purposes of this section, "veteran" [means any person who
was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable
from active service in the armed forces] and "armed forces" [has] have
the same [meaning] meanings as provided in section 27-103, as
amended by this act.
Sec. 28. Subsections (j) and (k) of section 20-206mm of the general
statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof
(Effective October 1, 2021):
(j) The Commissioner of Public Health shall issue an emergency
medical technician certification to an applicant who is a member of the
armed forces or the National Guard or a veteran and who (1) presents
evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that such applicant holds a
current certification as a person entitled to perform similar services
under a different designation by the National Registry of Emergency
Medical Technicians, or (2) satisfies the regulations promulgated
pursuant to subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of section 19a-179, as
amended by this act. Such applicant shall be exempt from any written
or practical examination requirement for certification.
(k) For the purposes of this section, "veteran" [means any person who
was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable
from active service in the armed forces] and "armed forces" [has] have
the same [meaning] meanings as provided in section 27-103, as
amended by this act. Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 36 of 53
Sec. 29. Subsection (a) of section 27-108 of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(a) Any veteran who meets active military, naval or air service
requirements, as described in 38 USC 101, as amended from time to
time, may apply for admission to the Veterans Residential Services
facility or Healthcare Center; and any such veteran who has no adequate
means of support, and who, from disease, wounds or accident, needs
medical or surgical care and treatment or who has become mentally ill,
may be admitted to any hospital and receive necessary food, clothing,
care and treatment therein, at the expense of the state, unless other funds
or means of payment are available. Whenever a person is admitted to a
hospital, such person shall be asked if he or she is a veteran. Before a
hospital submits a bill for services pursuant to this section, such hospital
shall take sufficient steps to determine that no other funds or means of
payment are available to cover the cost of services rendered to the
veteran. The Department of Veterans Affairs shall make available to
hospitals a list of payment options and benefits available to cover
hospital costs of veterans. As used in this section, "veteran" [means any
person (1) honorably discharged from, or released under honorable
conditions from active service in, the armed forces, as defined in section
27-103, or (2) with a qualifying condition, as defined in said section, who
has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from
active service in the armed forces] has the same meaning as provided in
section 27-103, as amended by this act.
Sec. 30. Section 27-109 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2021):
Any hospital, upon request of the commissioner, shall furnish any
veteran, determined by the commissioner to be entitled to admission
thereto, necessary food, clothing, care and treatment therein at the
expense of the state, unless other funds or means of payment are Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 37 of 53
available, and such veteran shall have preference for admission into
such hospital. As used in this section, "veteran" [means any person (1)
honorably discharged from, or released under honorable conditions
from active service in, the armed forces, as defined in section 27-103, or
(2) with a qualifying condition, as defined in said section, who has
received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from active
service in the armed forces] has the same meaning as provided in section
27-103, as amended by this act.
Sec. 31. Section 27-118 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2021):
When any veteran dies, not having sufficient estate to pay the
necessary expenses of the veteran's last sickness and burial, as
determined by the commissioner after consultation with the probate
court for the district in which the veteran resided, the state shall pay the
sum of one thousand eight hundred dollars toward such funeral
expenses, and the burial shall be in some cemetery or plot not used
exclusively for the burial of the pauper dead, and the same amount shall
be paid if the body is cremated, but no amount shall be paid for the
expenses for burial or cremation unless claim therefor is made within
one year from the date of death, except that in cases of death occurring
abroad, such claim may be made within one year after the remains of
such veteran have been interred in this country. No provision of this
section shall prevent the payment of the sum above named for the burial
of any person, otherwise entitled to the same, on account of such burial
being made outside the limits of this state. Upon satisfactory proof by
the person who has paid or provided for the funeral or burial expense
to the commissioner of the identity of the deceased, the time and place
of the deceased's death and burial and the approval thereof by the
commissioner, said sum of one thousand eight hundred dollars shall be
paid by the Comptroller to the person who has paid the funeral or burial
expense or, upon assignment by such person, to the funeral director Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 38 of 53
who has provided the funeral. Whenever the Comptroller has lawfully
paid any sum toward the expenses of the burial of any deceased veteran
and it afterwards appears that the deceased left any estate, the
Comptroller may present a claim on behalf of the state against the estate
of such deceased veteran for the sum so paid, and the claim shall be a
preferred claim against such estate and shall be paid to the Treasurer of
the state. The commissioner, upon the advice of the Attorney General,
may make application for administration upon the estate of any such
deceased veteran if no other person authorized by law makes such
application within sixty days after such payment has been made by the
Comptroller. As used in this section, "veteran" [means any person (1)
honorably discharged from, or released under honorable conditions
from active service in, the armed forces, as defined in section 27-103, or
(2) with a qualifying condition, as defined in said section, who has
received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from active
service in the armed forces] has the same meaning as provided in section
27-103, as amended by this act.
Sec. 32. Subsection (a) of section 27-122b of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(a) As used in this section, "veteran" means any person [(1) honorably
discharged from, or released under honorable conditions from, active
service in the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or
Coast Guard or any women's auxiliary branch thereof, organized
pursuant to an Act of Congress; (2)] who is a veteran, as defined in
section 27-103, as amended by this act, who (1) has completed at least
twenty years of qualifying service, as described in and computed under
10 USC Chapter 1223, as amended from time to time, in the Connecticut
National Guard; or [(3) who] (2) was killed in action, or who died as a
result of accident or illness sustained while performing active service, in
the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or Coast Guard Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 39 of 53
or any women's auxiliary branch thereof, organized pursuant to an Act
of Congress, or in the Connecticut National Guard.
Sec. 33. Section 27-125 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2021):
Any veteran who is a citizen of this state and who, through disability
or other causes incident to service in the armed forces in time of war, is
in need of temporary financial assistance may be provided for by the
commissioner by a method similar to that provided in section 27-82, the
amount and continuance of such assistance to be discretionary with the
commissioner. The widow, widower and each child, parent, brother or
sister of any member of the armed forces, who died while in such active
service, may be assisted by the commissioner if such person or persons
are without sufficient means of support by reason of the death of such
member of the armed forces. In carrying out his or her duties under the
provisions of this section, the commissioner is directed to cooperate
with such federal agencies as may aid in securing prompt and suitable
treatment, care and relief of any such member of the armed forces or his
or her dependents. The records of the agencies of the state shall be
placed at the disposal of the commissioner and such agencies are
directed to cooperate with and to assist the commissioner in carrying
out his or her duties. As used in this section, "veteran" [means any
person (1) honorably discharged from, or released under honorable
conditions from active service in, the armed forces, as defined in section
27-103, or (2) with a qualifying condition, as defined in said section, who
has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from
active service in the armed forces] has the same meaning as provided in
section 27-103, as amended by this act.
Sec. 34. Section 27-140 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2021):
All money so paid to and received by the American Legion shall be Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 40 of 53
expended by it in furnishing temporary income; subsistence items such
as food, wearing apparel, shelter and related expenses; medical or
surgical aid or care or relief (1) to, or in bearing the funeral expenses of,
soldiers, sailors or marines (A) (i) who performed service in time of war,
as defined in section 27-103, as amended by this act, in any branch of the
military service of the United States, including the Connecticut National
Guard, or (ii) who were engaged in any of the wars waged by the United
States during said periods in the forces of any government associated
with the United States, (B) [(i)] who [have been honorably discharged
therefrom or honorably released from active service therein, or (ii) with
a qualifying condition, as defined in section 27-103, who have received
discharges other than bad conduct or dishonorable from active service
therein] are or were veterans, as defined in section 27-103, as amended
by this act, and (C) who were citizens or resident aliens of the state at
the time of entering said armed forces of the United States, including the
Connecticut National Guard, or of any such government, (2) to their
spouses who are living with them, (3) to their widows or widowers who
were living with them at the time of death, or (4) to dependent children
under eighteen years of age, who may be in need of the same. All such
payments shall be made by the American Legion under authority of its
bylaws, which bylaws shall set forth the procedure for proof of
eligibility for such aid, provided payments made for the care and
treatment of any person entitled to the benefits provided for herein, at
any hospital receiving aid from the General Assembly unless special
care and treatment are required, shall be in accordance with the
provisions of section 17b-239, and provided the sum expended for the
care or treatment of such person at any other place than a state-aided
hospital shall in no case exceed the actual cost of supporting such person
at the Healthcare Center in Rocky Hill maintained by the Department of
Veterans Affairs, unless special care and treatment are required, when
such sum as may be determined by the treasurer of such organization
may be paid therefor. Upon the completion of the trust provided for in
section 27-138, the principal fund shall revert to the State Treasury. Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 41 of 53
Sec. 35. Subsection (b) of section 29-161q of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(b) No person hired or otherwise engaged to perform work as a
security officer, as defined in section 29-152u, shall perform the duties
of a security officer prior to being licensed as a security officer by the
Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection, except as
provided in subsection (h) of this section. Each applicant for a license
shall complete a minimum of eight hours training in the following areas:
Basic first aid, search and seizure laws and regulations, use of force,
basic criminal justice and public safety issues. The commissioner shall
waive such training for any person who, while serving in the armed
forces or the National Guard, or if such person is a veteran, within two
years of such person's discharge from the armed forces, presents proof
that such person has completed military training that is equivalent to
the training required by this subsection, and, if applicable, such person's
military discharge document or a certified copy thereof. For the
purposes of this subsection, "veteran" [means any person who was
discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable from
active service in the armed forces,] and "armed forces" [has] have the
same [meaning] meanings as provided in section 27-103, as amended by
this act, and "military discharge document" has the same meaning as
provided in section 1-219. The training shall be approved by the
commissioner in accordance with regulations adopted pursuant to
section 29-161x. The commissioner may not grant a license to any person
who has been decertified as a police officer or otherwise had his or her
certification canceled, revoked or refused renewal pursuant to
subsection (c) of section 7-294d.
(1) On and after October 1, 2008, no person or employee of an
association, corporation or partnership shall conduct such training
without the approval of the commissioner except as provided in Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 42 of 53
subdivision (2) of this subsection. Application for such approval shall
be submitted on forms prescribed by the commissioner and
accompanied by a fee of forty dollars. Such application shall be made
under oath and shall contain the applicant's name, address, date and
place of birth, employment for the previous five years, education or
training in the subjects required to be taught under this subsection, any
convictions for violations of the law and such other information as the
commissioner may require by regulation adopted pursuant to section
29-161x to properly investigate the character, competency and integrity
of the applicant. No person shall be approved as an instructor for such
training who has been convicted of a felony, a sexual offense or a crime
of moral turpitude or who has been denied approval as a security
service licensee, a security officer or instructor in the security industry
by any licensing authority, or whose approval has been revoked or
suspended. The term for such approval shall not exceed two years. Not
later than two business days after a change of address, any person
approved as an instructor in accordance with this section shall notify the
commissioner of such change and such notification shall include both
the old and new addresses.
(2) If a security officer training course described in this subsection is
approved by the commissioner on or before September 30, 2008, the
instructor of such course shall have until April 1, 2009, to apply for
approval as an instructor in accordance with subdivision (1) of this
subsection.
(3) Each person approved as an instructor in accordance with this
section may apply for the renewal of such approval on a form approved
by the commissioner, accompanied by a fee of forty dollars. Such form
may require the disclosure of any information necessary for the
commissioner to determine whether the instructor's suitability to serve
as an instructor has changed since the issuance of the prior approval.
The term of such renewed approval shall not exceed two years. Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 43 of 53
Sec. 36. Subsection (c) of section 31-3w of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(c) (1) When contacted by a veteran who is in need of employment or
work force development services, the department shall (A) determine
whether the veteran resides closer to a work force development board
facility with a veterans unit than to a department facility offering such
employment or work force development assistance and, if so, provide
the veteran with contact information for the work force development
board, and (B) provide a veteran who expresses an interest in advanced
manufacturing, as defined in section 31-11ss, as amended by this act,
with information on the Military to Machinists program operated
pursuant to section 31-11ss, as amended by this act, if such veteran may
be eligible for services from such program.
(2) For purposes of this subsection, "veteran" [means any person (A)
honorably discharged from, or released under honorable conditions
from active service in, the armed forces, as defined in section 27-103, or
(B) with a qualifying condition, as defined in section 27-103, who has
received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from active
service in the armed forces] has the same meaning as provided in section
27-103, as amended by this act.
Sec. 37. Section 31-3zz of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2021):
The Labor Commissioner shall establish a Special Operations
Resource Network to serve as a clearinghouse for veterans and
members of the armed forces and National Guard who have acquired,
as part of their military training, knowledge, experience or a set of skills
most compatible with certain professional opportunities. The Labor
Commissioner, in consultation with the Commissioner of Veterans
Affairs and the Adjutant General, shall develop a database in which Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 44 of 53
such veterans and members are categorized based on the types of
military training received and cross-referenced against certain
professional opportunities for purposes of pairing any such veteran or
member with any such professional opportunity. Any veteran or
member of the armed forces or National Guard may apply for inclusion
in such database by submitting (1) evidence of the military training
received by such veteran or member describing the particular
knowledge, experience or set of skills acquired, and (2) if such applicant
is a veteran, such veteran's military discharge document or a certified
copy thereof. The Labor Commissioner shall evaluate any such
application, include such veteran or member in such database, and so
categorize such veteran or member as described in this section. The
Labor Commissioner shall update such database weekly and shall
publish such database on the Labor Department's Internet web site. Any
person interested in hiring any such veteran or member included in
such database shall contact the department through a dedicated
telephone number and the department shall facilitate contact between
such person and such veteran or member. For the purposes of this
section, [(A)] "veteran" [means any person who was discharged or
released under conditions other than dishonorable from active service
in the armed forces, (B)] and "armed forces" [has] have the same
[meaning] meanings as provided in section 27-103, as amended by this
act, and [(C)] "military discharge document" has the same meaning as
provided in section 1-219.
Sec. 38. Subsection (a) of section 31-11ss of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(a) As used in this section:
(1) "Advanced manufacturing" means a manufacturing process that
makes extensive use of computer, high-precision or information
technologies integrated with a high-performance work force in a Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 45 of 53
production system capable of furnishing a heterogeneous mix of
products in small or large volumes with either the efficiency of mass
production or the flexibility of custom manufacturing in order to
respond quickly to customer demands. "Advanced manufacturing"
includes newly developed methods to manufacture existing products
and the manufacture of new products emerging from new advanced
technologies;
(2) "Eligible business" means a business that (A) has operations in
Connecticut, (B) has been registered to conduct business for not less than
twelve months, and (C) is in good standing with respect to the payment
of all state and local taxes. "Eligible business" does not include the state
or any political subdivision thereof;
(3) "Private occupational school" has the same meaning as provided
in section 10a-22a;
(4) "Public institution of higher education" means any of the
institutions of higher education identified in subdivision (2) of section
10a-1;
(5) "Qualifying advanced manufacturing certificate program" means
a for-credit or noncredit sub-baccalaureate advanced manufacturing
certificate program offered by a public institution of higher education
or a private occupational school in which at least seventy-five per cent
of the graduates of such certificate program are employed in a field
related to or requiring such certificate in the year following graduation;
and
(6) "Veteran" [means any person (A) honorably discharged from, or
released under honorable conditions from active service in, the armed
forces, as defined in section 27-103, or (B) with a qualifying condition,
as defined in section 27-103, who has received a discharge other than
bad conduct or dishonorable from active service in the armed forces] Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 46 of 53
has the same meaning as provided in section 27-103, as amended by this
act.
Sec. 39. Subsection (a) of section 31-11tt of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(a) Not later than October 1, 2019, the work force development board
for the southwest work force development region of the state shall
develop and operate a pilot program to be known as the Veterans
Platform to Employment Program. The program shall provide training
and subsidized employment for veterans who have experienced long-
term unemployment in a similar manner to the Platform to Employment
Program currently operated by such board. The pilot program shall
provide veterans in a region served by the program with (1) a
preparatory program that includes services such as skills assessments,
career readiness workshops, employee assistance programs and
coaching, and (2) employment assistance that includes identifying
positions at local employers and providing subsidies to employers that
hire veterans for trial work experiences that may lead to continued
employment. The pilot program may offer additional services to assist
veterans, including personal and family support services and financial
counseling. As used in this section, "veteran" [means any person (A)
honorably discharged from, or released under honorable conditions
from active service in, the armed forces, as defined in section 27-103, or
(B) with a qualifying condition, as defined in section 27-103, who has
received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from active
service in the armed forces] has the same meaning as provided in section
27-103, as amended by this act.
Sec. 40. Section 31-22u of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2021):
Any member of the armed forces or National Guard or any veteran, Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 47 of 53
within two years of such veteran's discharge from the armed forces, may
submit an application for military training evaluation to the Labor
Department program of apprentice training set forth in section 31-22q.
Such application shall include (1) evidence of satisfactory completion of
a program or course of instruction as part of military training that is
equivalent in content and quality to that required for a specific trade in
this state, and (2) if such applicant is a veteran, such veteran's military
discharge document or a certified copy thereof. The Labor
Commissioner shall evaluate any such application and determine
whether the applicant's military training may be substituted for all or
part of the term of an apprenticeship program registered with the Labor
Department for a specific trade. If the commissioner determines that the
applicant's military training is equivalent to the training required for
completion of such apprenticeship program, the commissioner shall
issue such applicant a recommendation for review by the appropriate
examining board established under section 20-331. Presentation of such
recommendation, pursuant to section 20-333, shall allow such applicant
to sit for any licensure examination without participation in an
apprenticeship program. If the commissioner determines that the
applicant's military training is equivalent to part of the training required
for completion of an apprenticeship program, such applicant's hours of
qualified military training, as determined by the commissioner, shall be
deducted from the hours of apprenticeship training required for the
specific trade provided (A) such applicant completes the minimum
number of hours of apprenticeship training required under federal law,
and (B) prior to implementation of this provision, the Labor Department
obtains concurrence with such provision from the federal office of
apprenticeship pursuant to 29 CFR 29.13(b)(9). For the purposes of this
section, [(i)] "veteran" [means any person who was discharged or
released under conditions other than dishonorable from active service
in the armed forces, (ii)] and "armed forces" [has] have the same
[meaning] meanings as provided in section 27-103, as amended by this
act, and [(iii)] "military discharge document" has the same meaning as Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 48 of 53
provided in section 1-219.
Sec. 41. Section 51-49h of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2021):
(a) Any judge of the Superior Court, the Appellate Court or the
Supreme Court who first commenced service as a judge prior to January
1, 1981, may elect to receive the retirement salary provided under
subsection (b) of section 51-50. The surviving spouse of a deceased judge
who has made an election under this section shall receive the allowances
provided under subsection (b) of section 51-51.
(b) Any such judge, any family support magistrate or any
compensation commissioner who is a veteran may receive credit for
retirement purposes for military service, if such judge, family support
magistrate or compensation commissioner makes retirement
contributions for each month of military service equal to one-twelfth of
five per cent of his first year's salary as a judge, family support
magistrate or compensation commissioner multiplied by the total
number of months of such military service, except that (1) no retirement
contribution shall be made for service as a prisoner of war, and (2) no
credit shall be allowed for military service to any such judge, family
support magistrate or compensation commissioner who has served less
than ten years as a judge, family support magistrate or compensation
commissioner, nor for more than fifty per cent of such military service
or three years, whichever is less. Service credit for military service for
retirement purposes other than service as a prisoner of war shall not be
granted until payment of contributions is completed. Any application
for military service credit under this section for service as a prisoner of
war shall be accompanied by sufficient proof from the United States
Department of Veterans Affairs that such judge, family support
magistrate or compensation commissioner is a former prisoner of war.
(c) For purposes of this section: (1) "Armed forces" means the United Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 49 of 53
States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force; (2)
"veteran" [means any person honorably discharged from, or released
under honorable conditions from active service in, the armed forces] has
the same meaning as provided in section 27-103, as amended by this act;
(3) "military service" shall be service during World War II, December 7,
1941, to December 31, 1946; the Korean hostilities, June 27, 1950, to
October 27, 1953; and the Vietnam era, January 1, 1964, to July 1, 1975,
and shall include service as a prisoner of war.
Sec. 42. Subsections (a) and (b) of section 54-56e of the general statutes
are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective
October 1, 2021):
(a) There shall be a pretrial program for accelerated rehabilitation of
persons accused of a crime or crimes or a motor vehicle violation or
violations for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment may be
imposed, which crimes or violations are not of a serious nature. Upon
application by any such person for participation in the program, the
court shall, but only as to the public, order the court file sealed.
(b) The court may, in its discretion, invoke such program on motion
of the defendant or on motion of a state's attorney or prosecuting
attorney with respect to a defendant (1) who, the court believes, will
probably not offend in the future, (2) who has no previous record of
conviction of a crime or of a violation of section 14-196, subsection (c) of
section 14-215, section 14-222a, subsection (a) or subdivision (1) of
subsection (b) of section 14-224, section 14-227a or 14-227m or
subdivision (1) or (2) of subsection (a) of section 14-227n, and (3) who
states under oath, in open court or before any person designated by the
clerk and duly authorized to administer oaths, under the penalties of
perjury, (A) that the defendant has never had such program invoked on
the defendant's behalf or that the defendant was charged with a
misdemeanor or a motor vehicle violation for which a term of
imprisonment of one year or less may be imposed and ten or more years Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 50 of 53
have passed since the date that any charge or charges for which the
program was invoked on the defendant's behalf were dismissed by the
court, or (B) with respect to a defendant who is a veteran, that the
defendant has not had such program invoked in the defendant's behalf
more than once previously, provided the defendant shall agree thereto
and provided notice has been given by the defendant, on a form
prescribed by the Office of the Chief Court Administrator, to the victim
or victims of such crime or motor vehicle violation, if any, by registered
or certified mail and such victim or victims have an opportunity to be
heard thereon. Any defendant who makes application for participation
in such program shall pay to the court an application fee of thirty-five
dollars. No defendant shall be allowed to participate in the pretrial
program for accelerated rehabilitation more than two times. For the
purposes of this section, "veteran" [means any person who was
discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable from
active service in the armed forces as defined in section 27-103] has the
same meaning as provided in section 27-103, as amended by this act.
Sec. 43. Subsections (a) to (c), inclusive, of section 54-56i of the general
statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof
(Effective October 1, 2021):
(a) There is established a pretrial drug education and community
service program for persons charged with a violation of section 21a-267,
21a-279 or 21a-279a. The pretrial drug education and community service
program shall include a fifteen-session drug education program and a
substance abuse treatment program of not less than fifteen sessions, and
the performance of community service.
(b) Upon application by any such person for participation in such
program, the court shall, but only as to the public, order the court file
sealed, and such person shall pay to the court of an application fee of
one hundred dollars and a nonrefundable evaluation fee of one hundred
fifty dollars. A person shall be ineligible for participation in such pretrial Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 51 of 53
drug education and community service program if such person has
twice previously participated in (1) the pretrial drug education program
established under the provisions of this section in effect prior to October
1, 2013, (2) the community service labor program established under
section 53a-39c, (3) the pretrial drug education and community service
program established under this section, or (4) any of such programs,
except that the court may allow a person who has twice previously
participated in such programs to participate in the pretrial drug
education and community service program one additional time, for
good cause shown. The evaluation and application fee imposed under
this subsection shall be credited to the pretrial account established
under section 54-56k.
(c) The court, after consideration of the recommendation of the state's
attorney, assistant state's attorney or deputy assistant state's attorney in
charge of the case, may, in its discretion, grant such application. If the
court grants such application, the court shall refer such person (1) to the
Court Support Services Division for confirmation of the eligibility of the
applicant, (2) to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction
Services for evaluation and determination of an appropriate drug
education or substance abuse treatment program for the first or second
time such application is granted, and (3) to a state-licensed substance
abuse treatment program for evaluation and determination of an
appropriate substance abuse treatment program for the third time such
application is granted, except that, if such person is a veteran, the court
may refer such person to the Department of Veterans Affairs or the
United States Department of Veterans Affairs, as applicable, for any
such evaluation and determination. For the purposes of this subsection
and subsection (d) of this section, "veteran" [means any person who was
discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable from
active service in the armed forces as defined in section 27-103] has the
same meaning as provided in section 27-103, as amended by this act. Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 52 of 53
Sec. 44. Subsection (a) of section 54-56l of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(a) There shall be a supervised diversionary program for persons
with psychiatric disabilities, or persons who are veterans, who are
accused of a crime or crimes or a motor vehicle violation or violations
for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment may be imposed, which
crimes or violations are not of a serious nature. For the purposes of this
section, (1) "psychiatric disability" means a mental or emotional
condition, other than solely substance abuse, that (A) has substantial
adverse effects on the defendant's ability to function, and (B) requires
care and treatment, and (2) "veteran" means a [person] veteran, as
defined in section 27-103, as amended by this act, who is found,
pursuant to subsection (d) of this section, to have a mental health
condition that is amenable to treatment. [, and who was discharged or
released under conditions other than dishonorable from active service
in the armed forces as defined in section 27-103.]
Sec. 45. Section 54-56n of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2021):
(a) The Judicial Branch shall collect data on the number of members
of the armed forces, veterans and nonveterans who, on and after
January 1, 2016, apply for and are granted admission or are denied entry
into (1) the pretrial program for accelerated rehabilitation established
pursuant to section 54-56e, (2) the supervised diversionary program
established pursuant to section 54-56l, or (3) the pretrial drug education
and community service program established pursuant to section 54-56i.
Data compiled pursuant to this section shall be based on information
provided by applicants at the time of application to any such program.
For the purposes of this section, "veteran" [means any person who was
discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable from
active service in the armed forces] and "armed forces" [has] have the Substitute House Bill No. 5592
Public Act No. 21-79 53 of 53
same [meaning] meanings as provided in section 27-103, as amended by
this act.
(b) Not later than January 15, 2017, and annually thereafter, the
Judicial Branch shall submit a report detailing the data compiled for the
previous calendar year pursuant to subsection (a) of this section to the
joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance
of matters relating to veterans' and military affairs and the judiciary, in
accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a.