Connecticut House Bill HB05592

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/21
• Refer: 1/26/21
• Refer: 3/16/21
• Report Pass: 3/18/21
• Refer: 3/29/21
• Report Pass: 4/6/21
• Engrossed: 5/6/21
• Report Pass: 5/10/21
• Passed: 6/4/21
• Chaptered: 6/16/21
• Enrolled: 6/18/21
• Passed: 6/28/21

Caption

An Act Redefining “veteran” And Establishing A Qualifying Review Board.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will affect various sections of state law relating to veterans. It aims to enhance the access that veterans have to emergency medical technician certification by allowing those with military service to be exempt from certain examination requirements. Additionally, the bill mandates that veterans are prioritized for hospital admissions when necessary and clarifies provisions regarding state support for burial costs, ensuring that financial assistance is available for veterans without sufficient means at the time of need.

Summary

House Bill 5592, titled 'An Act Redefining “Veteran” And Establishing A Qualifying Review Board', primarily aims to clarify the definition of a veteran in state law and to ensure that veterans receive necessary state support. The bill expands the existing criteria under which veterans can obtain certain benefits such as medical care and burial assistance. By officially redefining 'veteran,' the legislation looks to close gaps that may have existed in the previous stipulations regarding eligibility for state aid and services.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around HB 5592 appears to be supportive among legislators and veteran advocacy groups. Proponents argue that this bill is an important step in honoring those who have served in the armed forces, as it simplifies the process for veterans to access services. However, there is some contention regarding how effectively this bill addresses the needs of all veterans, especially those who may still feel underserved. The critical examination focuses on whether the definitions provided by the bill encompass all scenarios faced by veterans.

Contention

Some contention has arisen surrounding the bill’s definitions and applicability. Critics have expressed concerns about the adequacy of the proposed benefits and the potential for the redefinition to inadvertently exclude certain service members who may not fit neatly into the updated criteria. The fear is that while improving clarity, the bill may also limit access for some veterans who do not fully meet the defined conditions for assistance.