Committee Bill No. 376 seeks to amend existing laws concerning veterans' benefits in Connecticut by broadening eligibility criteria for tuition waivers and other forms of assistance. The bill eliminates the requirement of "service in time of war" for veterans seeking tuition waivers at regional community-technical colleges, the Connecticut State University System, and The University of Connecticut. The new legal language specifies that any veteran, as defined in section 27-103, who is domiciled in the state at the time of admission, is eligible for these waivers. Additionally, the bill maintains other eligibility criteria for tuition waivers, such as for dependent children of public service personnel killed in the line of duty and residents aged sixty-two or older. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Moreover, the bill modifies the criteria for civil service examination ratings for veterans by removing the wartime service requirement and focusing instead on eligibility for disability compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It also expands temporary financial assistance to any veteran in need, regardless of wartime service, and allows support for dependents of service members who died on active duty. The bill updates definitions and eligibility criteria for various benefits, including those related to the American Legion and disabled veterans, and introduces gender-neutral language throughout. The overall aim of the bill is to enhance support for veterans and their families in Connecticut, with most provisions taking effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 5-224, 7-415, 27-125, 27-140, 14-254, 27-76
VA Joint Favorable: 5-224, 7-415, 27-125, 27-140, 14-254, 27-76
File No. 36: 5-224, 7-415, 27-125, 27-140, 14-254, 27-76
APP Joint Favorable: 5-224, 7-415, 27-125, 27-140, 14-254, 27-76
FIN Joint Favorable: 5-224, 7-415, 27-125, 27-140, 14-254, 27-76