The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 281, aims to establish a task force dedicated to exploring methods to encourage nursing homes in Connecticut to contract with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The task force will investigate various financial incentives, such as reimbursement assistance and tax credits, to promote the availability of nursing home care for veterans who are eligible and in need of such services. The bill defines "nursing home" and "federally contracted veterans nursing home" in accordance with existing statutes.
The task force will consist of seven members, including appointees from both the House and Senate leadership, as well as the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs or their designee. Initial appointments must be completed by August 1, 2026, and the task force is required to hold its first meeting by September 1, 2026. The administrative staff for the task force will be provided by the joint standing committee on veterans' and military affairs, and a report detailing the task force's findings and recommendations must be submitted by January 1, 2027. The task force will dissolve upon submission of this report or on January 1, 2027, whichever occurs later. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2026.