This bill amends the definition of "veteran" in New Hampshire law to include individuals who have received any discharge under honorable conditions, rather than limiting it to those with an honorable discharge. Specifically, it modifies RSA 21:50, I(a)(2)(A) to replace the phrase "An honorable discharge" with "Any discharge under honorable conditions." This change expands eligibility for various state benefits and programs that depend on veteran status, ensuring that individuals with a general discharge under honorable conditions are not excluded.

Additionally, the bill makes several amendments across various statutes to reflect this new definition of "veteran." For instance, it updates RSA 119:6 to state that a veteran, as defined by RSA 21:50, shall have preference for employment at the New Hampshire Veterans' Home. Similar updates are made in statutes related to public employment, property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, and reemployment rights for veterans. The bill aims to standardize the definition of "veteran" across different laws, ensuring consistent application of benefits and protections for all veterans discharged under honorable conditions. The bill is not expected to have any fiscal impact on state, county, or local revenues or expenditures.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21:50, 119:6, 283:4, 97:1, 110-D:3
As Amended by the Senate: 21:50, 119:6, 283:4, 97:1, 110-D:3
As Amended by the Senate (2nd): 21:50, 119:6, 283:4, 97:1, 110-D:3
SB448 text: 21:50, 119:6, 283:4, 97:1, 110-D:3