House Bill No. 6438, also known as Public Act No. 25-95, seeks to enhance support for military service members and veterans in Connecticut through various amendments to existing laws. The bill allocates $169,000 to the Military Department for a joint enlistment enhancement program and modifies income eligibility criteria for state assistance programs. Specifically, it allows the Commissioner of Social Services to disregard certain United States Department of Veterans Affairs-administered pension benefits, such as Aid and Attendance and Housebound pension benefits, when determining eligibility for Medicare savings, medical assistance, and energy assistance programs. The bill also eliminates the asset test for the Medicare Savings Program, ensuring that veterans and their surviving spouses are not penalized based on their pension benefits.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions to waive tuition and extension fees for veterans and National Guard members at state universities and community colleges, while also establishing a framework for financial assistance based on demonstrated need. It mandates the Board of Regents for Higher Education to waive tuition fees exceeding the veteran tuition benefit for veterans attending Charter Oak State College and modifies the definition of "indigent defendant" to exclude service-connected disability benefits from income calculations for public defender services. The bill also emphasizes the need for increased staffing and training within the Office of Advocacy and Assistance for veterans, and it establishes a Small Business Express program to support disabled veteran-owned businesses. Overall, House Bill No. 6438 aims to provide greater financial support, educational access, and resources for veterans and their families in Connecticut.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 27-138b
VA Joint Favorable: 27-138b
File No. 54: 27-138b
APP Joint Favorable: 27-138b
Public Act No. 25-95: 32-7g