Veterans (National Guard & Reserve)

HB 5293 transfers specific land parcels in Middletown to the Veterans' Home and Hospital Commission for use as a Connecticut Veterans Cemetery, replacing an older land transfer provision. It requires the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs to designate additional state-owned land for a new veterans' cemetery by July 1, 2027, in addition to the existing cemetery. The bill expands burial eligibility to include Connecticut National Guard veterans with 20+ years of service, those killed in action (including Hmong Laotian veterans who served in the Vietnam War), and veterans entitled to retirement pay under federal law. Requests for burial in these cemeteries, submitted by veterans or their next of kin, must be granted. This law directly affects Connecticut veterans and their families seeking burial options.

SB 283 extends the grace period for military members to renew motor vehicle licenses and registrations from 60 to 90 days after returning from active duty. It waives fees for both new driver's licenses and identity cards for veterans verified by Connecticut's Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill directly affects Connecticut residents on active military duty and veterans, providing financial relief during license renewals and identity verification. Key provisions include the 90-day extension for license/registration renewals (Section 1) and fee waivers for veterans (Sections 2 and 3), effective October 1, 2026.

HB 5296 creates a new personal income tax deduction for Connecticut National Guard members who serve on active duty. The bill modifies Connecticut's tax code to allow these service members to subtract their active duty pay from their taxable income, reducing their state tax burden. This deduction applies to taxable years beginning January 1, 2026, and affects National Guard members whose active duty pay would otherwise be subject to state income tax. The policy change directly benefits Connecticut's National Guard personnel by providing tax relief for their active duty compensation.

HB 5406 establishes a new ribbon and medal to honor Connecticut veterans and reserve members who served during wartime while residing in the state or being domiciled there at the time of the award. It creates eligibility for veterans called to active duty in wartime or reserve members serving during wartime, with awards potentially given posthumously to those who died after November 12, 1918. The Commissioner of Veterans Affairs and Adjutant General will administer the award process, including designing the ribbon/medal and distributing it using existing military funds. This bill amends Connecticut General Statute §27-73e to implement the honorific award, with no financial or benefit changes beyond the ceremonial recognition.

SB 377 creates a personal income tax deduction in Connecticut for military personnel who receive compensation for serving on funeral honor guard details. It directly affects active-duty and reserve military members who are paid for this duty, allowing them to deduct that specific compensation from their taxable income. The deduction applies to amounts already counted as federal taxable income, reducing Connecticut tax liability for this income. The change takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2027.