House Bill No. 6438, concerning veterans' affairs in Connecticut, proposes several technical amendments to existing legislation. Specifically, it repeals Section 27-138b and substitutes it with new language that clarifies the process for applicants denied aid under Section 27-140. Key changes include the requirement for the administrator of the Soldiers, Sailors and Marines Fund to provide written notice of denial by registered mail, and the stipulation that applicants must request a hearing not later than fifteen days after the notice is mailed. Additionally, the timeline for the administrator to notify the applicant of the hearing details has been adjusted to not later than five days after receiving the request, and the hearing must occur not earlier than thirty days after the notice is sent.

The bill also introduces provisions for the applicant to be represented by counsel during the hearing and mandates that a transcript or audiovisual recording of the hearing be made. If a hearing officer conducts the hearing, they are required to provide findings and recommendations to the administrator, who will then issue a written decision regarding the application. An applicant dissatisfied with the decision retains the right to appeal as outlined in Section 27-138c. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the procedural clarity and fairness for veterans seeking aid, while the fiscal impact is noted as negligible for both state and municipal levels.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 27-138b
VA Joint Favorable: 27-138b
File No. 54: 27-138b