House Bill No. 7121 seeks to amend the eligibility criteria for public defender services by excluding veterans' federal service-connected disability benefits from the financial assessment used to determine indigency. The proposed amendment to Section 51-297 of the general statutes specifies that income calculations will not include these disability benefits administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This change aims to prevent veterans from being disqualified from accessing public defender services due to their disability income, thereby ensuring they receive the legal assistance they may need.

The bill is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, and is projected to have a fiscal impact on the Division of Public Defender Services, with estimated costs of approximately $361,800 in FY 26 and $356,800 in FY 27. This includes funding for two new positions and associated expenses, as well as potential increases in case loads due to the inclusion of veterans seeking legal representation. The legislation reflects a commitment to supporting veterans by ensuring their disability benefits do not impede their access to necessary legal services.