House Bill No. 6442, also known as Public Act No. 25-15, is designed to honor and support veterans and members of the armed forces in Connecticut through various initiatives. The bill establishes November as Veterans' Month, with the Governor tasked with proclaiming this annually and facilitating observances. It modifies the vehicle registration process for veterans, service members, and their surviving spouses, allowing them to obtain special registration certificates and number plates that recognize their military service. The bill also introduces new provisions for vehicle registration for specific groups, including members of the Hmong Laotian special guerilla units and eligible former reservists, while repealing outdated language in section 14-20b. Additionally, starting January 1, 2026, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles will issue commemorative number plates for the Puerto Rican members of the Sixty-Fifth Infantry Regiment, known as "The Borinqueneers," with a fee structure that supports veteran services.

The bill further enhances support for veterans by mandating the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs to evaluate dental services for veterans and report on improvements by February 1, 2026. It amends Section 19a-533 of the general statutes, introducing new definitions related to veterans' nursing homes and outlining responsibilities for admissions, including non-discrimination based on payment source. The bill also streamlines the admissions process for nursing homes, allowing exemptions for certain facilities and clarifying the criteria for admitting service-connected veterans. Overall, House Bill No. 6442 aims to improve recognition, support, and services for veterans while ensuring that nursing homes can effectively manage their resources and comply with new regulations.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 27-78
VA Joint Favorable: 27-78
File No. 55: 27-78
File No. 820: 14-20b, 14-19a, 14-11k, 27-20, 10-76d
Public Act No. 25-15: 14-20b, 14-19a, 14-11k, 27-20, 10-76d