Raised Bill No. 348 proposes significant changes to the eligibility criteria for state and municipal veterans' benefits in Connecticut, particularly concerning tuition waivers. The bill removes the requirement that veterans must have served "in time of war" to qualify for tuition waivers at regional community-technical colleges, the Connecticut State University System, and The University of Connecticut. This change allows more veterans to access educational benefits. The bill also maintains eligibility for other groups, such as dependents of missing in action or prisoners of war, residents aged 62 or older, Connecticut National Guard members, dependents of certain public service employees killed in the line of duty, and dependents or surviving spouses of specified terrorist victims or those killed in action after September 11, 2001. The effective date for these changes is October 1, 2024.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 5-224 of the general statutes, eliminating the "in time of war" service requirement for veterans to receive additional points on civil service examinations. It updates the language to be more inclusive and extends the benefit to members of the armed forces in their final year of enlistment. The bill also revises the statutes concerning the American Legion's authority to provide aid to veterans and their families, clarifies the eligibility criteria for receiving aid, modifies the definition of "disabled veteran" for special motor vehicle registration, and adjusts property tax exemptions for veterans. Additionally, the bill changes the rules for honor guard details at veterans' funerals and addresses vending and hawking regulations, exempting certain veterans from permit fees. These amendments are set to take effect on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 5-224, 7-415, 27-125, 27-140, 14-254, 27-76
VA Joint Favorable Change of Reference: 5-224, 7-415, 27-125, 27-140, 14-254, 27-76