Senate Bill No. 1243 aims to enhance public transportation services for veterans and high school students in Connecticut by introducing two main programs. The bill exempts veterans from paying fares on state-owned or controlled buses, provided they present valid identification that indicates their veteran status. This exemption is designed to support approximately 15,000 veterans in the state. Additionally, the bill mandates the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a program by August 1, 2025, allowing public high school students in grades nine to twelve to use state bus services at no cost or a reduced fare. Local boards of education can apply for bus passes, and the DOT will negotiate terms to ensure that the program does not increase costs for the department.

Furthermore, the bill includes new provisions for contracts between the DOT and participating school boards, ensuring that compensation or reimbursement does not elevate the department's public transportation expenditures, including administrative costs. Contracts can last up to two years, but the initial contract for a school board is limited to one year, with a requirement for reevaluation before renewal based on prior utilization and expenditure increases. The bill also emphasizes support for veterans, particularly those with other than honorable discharges under specific conditions. While there are no deletions specified in the text, the bill highlights the importance of related legislation that waives fees for veterans' driver's licenses and exempts them from bus fares on Veterans’ Day. The Transportation Committee has reported the bill favorably, with a vote of 30 in favor and 4 against.