Substitute Bill No. 5406 is designed to enhance support and protection for veterans and members of the armed forces in Connecticut. Effective July 1, 2026, the bill requires the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs to post a plain-language warning on the Department of Veterans Affairs website about unauthorized agents acting on behalf of veterans. It also mandates the inclusion of links to online tools for reporting such agents and searching for recognized entities. The bill revises existing statutes related to veterans' charitable organizations, allowing them to apply for inclusion by submitting their IRS Form 990 and proof of tax-exempt status, while repealing previous requirements for fixed listing periods and specific formats. Additionally, it establishes a minimum staffing requirement for the Office of Advocacy and Assistance, focusing on training for women veterans and resource development.

The legislation also introduces the Veterans Dental Care Access Program, which connects eligible veterans with dental services, covering up to $3,500 in dental care per year. It creates a task force to explore incentives for nursing homes to become federally contracted veterans nursing homes and includes provisions for fee exemptions for active-duty service members and veterans. The bill modifies the structure of the Governor's military staff and updates language for inclusivity. Key deletions from current law include specific location references for military facilities and the General Fund designation for the Hispanic-American Veterans account. The bill aims to streamline processes for veterans and improve access to benefits and services, particularly in dental care and support for military families.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 27-73e
VA Joint Favorable Substitute: 27-128, 27-102a, 1-1h, 27-15, 27-39a, 27-2, 27-73e
File No. 167: 27-128, 27-102a, 1-1h, 27-15, 27-39a, 27-2, 27-73e
File No. 611: 27-140, 27-102a, 1-1h, 27-15, 27-39a, 27-2, 27-73e
FIN Joint Favorable: 27-128, 27-102a, 1-1h, 27-15, 27-39a, 27-2, 27-73e