CT SB00314

State agencies must include a question on new forms and publications asking if recipients are members of the armed forces or veterans who want information about veterans' benefits, effective October 1, 2010.

The Department of Veterans' Affairs shall maintain a contact list of service members and veterans using information from the Military Department, town assessors, direct submissions, and state agencies that receive benefits inquiries.

Members of the armed forces may designate a person to direct disposition of their body or remains using Department of Defense forms (DOD Instruction 1300.18 and P.L. 109-163 Section 564), with the same legal effect as state-issued designations if death occurs while serving.

State employees called to active military service continue receiving health insurance coverage for themselves and dependents at the same cost as before, and receive paid leave plus part-pay if military compensation is less than their state salary.

The Department of Veterans' Affairs Commissioner must establish and annually update a website listing all benefits and services offered to veterans by state agencies and political subdivisions, effective October 1, 2010.