Veterans' Affairs Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-6316
AN ACT CONCERNING THE EVALUATION OF MILITARY TRAINING
Title: EVALUATION APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE LABOR DEPARTMENT.
Vote Date: 3/18/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 2/18/2021
File No.: 225
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Veterans' Affairs Committee
Rep. Mary Welander, 114th Dist.
REASONS FOR BILL:
This bill adds the Commissioner of the Consumer Protection and the Commissioner of
Veterans Affairs (or their designees) to determine jointly with the Labor Commissioner if a
veterans' military training is equivalent to all or part of an apprenticeship program for a
specific trade. This bill will allow for a more comprehensive evaluation of the veterans'
application to include military expertise and protect worker safety.
***Proposed Substitute Language: In line 4, bracket "two" and after the closing bracket insert
five" because this incorporates the intent of HB-6314 to recognize that veterans may need
additional time to apply to this program due to the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Commissioner Thomas Saadi, Department of Veterans Affairs: Commissioner Saadi offered
written and spoken testimony on HB-6316, as well as other bills that related to licensure of
veterans. In addressing all bills, he noted that PA 14-131 dealt with some of these issues and
recommended that the Committee request that the Office of Legislative Research conduct a
review of existing comparative certification programs and identify those areas of licensure
where enabling legislation is needed in order for a licensing agency to recognize military
training. The Commissioner did not provide comment on the time extension included in HB-
6314.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Support for HB-6316
Kimberly Glassman, Director, Foundation for Fair Contracting of CT: Ms. Glassman provided
written and spoken testimony. She noted that military experience is already being taken in
consideration when reviewing applications, and therefore this legislation may not be
necessary. She urged the committee to promote the programs that are already in statute and
already in practice.
Cameron Champlin, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 777: Mr. Champlin provided
written and spoken testimony in agreement with the intent of the bill, but that PA 14-131
makes this bill unnecessary.
Steve Jones: Mr. Jones provided written testimony in support of HB-6316 and HB-6314
Support for HB-6314
Rep. Jane Garibay, 60th Dist: Rep. Garibay provided written and spoken testimony in support
of this bill. She noted that military training evaluations are necessary for apprenticeship
programs and veterans currently only have two years to apply for this evaluation. She shared
that "according to a 2018 Forbes article entitled, Overcoming Barriers of Veteran
Employment, one of the biggest barriers to a smooth employment transition for veterans is an
inability to match certain skills learned in service with those that are in need by our local
employers" and that "providing our heroes with more time to receive training evaluation
waivers will improve outcome in employment and self-sufficiency."
Kevin Moriarty HARP Home Services LLC: Mr. Harp provided written testimony from his
perspective as the owner of an HVAC company. He noted that employees with military
experience are "easily our best source of workers," but that many times, they need extra time
to adjust to civilian life and that is why extending the grace period to five years is important.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None expressed
Reported by: Erica Byrne Date: March 25, 2021
Page 2 of 2 HB-6316


Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 31-22u
VA Joint Favorable Substitute: 31-22u
File No. 225: 31-22u