CT SB00371

Motor vehicle operator's licenses and identity cards issued after January 1, 2013 shall include an optional indicator of the holder's veteran status if requested through the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

The Department of Veterans' Affairs must verify veteran status within 30 days of a request and notify the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, who will then display the veteran designation on licenses and cards upon original issuance, renewal, or duplicate issuance.

"Veteran" is defined using the same meaning as provided in section 27-103 of the general statutes.

Disabled veterans, as defined in section 14-254 or under federal law, are now eligible to receive free lifetime passes for state parks, forests, and recreational facilities, matching the existing benefit for residents aged 65 and older.

The free veteran passes are nontransferable and do not apply to facilities wholly managed by private concessionaires or special events requiring fees.