Veterans' Affairs Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-916
AN ACT CONCERNING FEES FOR CERTIFIED COPIES OF VITAL RECORDS
SOUGHT IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOLDIERS, SAILORS AND MARINES
Title: FUND.
Vote Date: 3/18/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 2/23/2021
File No.: 288
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
REASONS FOR BILL:
The bill was introduced to waive the fee for certified copies of vital records for veterans.
Under current law, municipalities may charge a fee for individuals to obtain a copy of vital
records. Veterans apply to the Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines Fund when they are
experiencing financial hardship, but are required to submit vital records along with their
application. This bill will waive that fee so that acquiring needed documentation does not
create an additional financial burden.
***Proposed Substitute Language: In line 11, after "section 27-138" insert ", provided such
person presents a copy of the application for aid from said fund at the time of requesting such
waiver" because it provides evidence that the request for vital records is connected to a
corresponding application for assistance.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Deirdre Gifford, Acting Commissioner, Department of Public Health. : Commissioner Gifford
submitted written testimony in support of SB-916 with some concerns. She recommended
that the "language be included to determine the mechanism to be used by the DPH and the
town vital records registrar to verify the applicants status." In addition, she requested an
estimate of the number of fee waivers in order to determine possible revenue loss to the
General Fund.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Anna Posniak, Town Clerk of Windsor and President of the CT Town Clerks Association. :
Ms. Posniak submitted written testimony in support of SB-916. She stated the cost involved
to the offices of the town clerk are "negligible" and should not impede on the passage of this
bill. She added that showing the town clerk the application or a letter from the fund would be
an appropriate way to ascertain eligibility for the fee waiver.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None Expressed.
Reported by: Edward Jacome, Assistant Clerk Date: 03/24/21
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