AN ACT CONCERNING TRAINING FOR VETERANS' SERVICE OFFICERS AND MUNICIPAL PROVIDERS OF VETERANS' ASSISTANCE.

HB 5408 requires annual training for veterans' service officers and municipal veterans representatives on assisting veterans with benefits, with specific focus on women veterans' unique needs and community resources. It mandates that at least two officers have Spanish-English bilingual proficiency and that one officer address women veterans' concerns. The training covers state/federal benefits, community programs, and municipal compliance requirements, while staff must track outreach efforts and provide quarterly reports to the Veterans Affairs Board. This bill directly affects state office staff, veterans' service officers, and municipal veterans representatives across Connecticut.