SB21-026 - Restoration of Honor Act

• Creates the legal definition of "discharged LGBT veteran" for individuals discharged from the armed forces due to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or related statements and conduct that were prohibited at the time of discharge.

• Establishes a process through the Board of Veterans Affairs and Division of Veterans Affairs to determine and verify discharged LGBT veteran status using DD214 forms, personal affidavits, and relevant discharge records.

• Extends existing state veteran benefits to discharged LGBT veterans, including in-state tuition at state institutions of higher education, veteran license plates, diplomas for those who did not complete high school, teaching profession scholarships, and cemetery burial rights.

• Allows discharged LGBT veterans to qualify for county veterans service officer positions, purchase service credit in the public employee retirement system, and obtain hunter education certificates without attending courses.

• Takes effect November 11, 2021, subject to potential voter approval in November 2022 if a referendum petition is filed within 90 days of legislative adjournment.