HB 5592 Summary

• Redefines "veteran" in Connecticut law to include persons with other than honorable discharges if based on qualifying conditions: post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, or sexual orientation/gender identity discrimination.

• Establishes a Qualifying Review Board consisting of five voting members (majority veterans) to review applications from individuals with other than honorable discharges and determine if sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression was the primary reason for discharge.

• Creates an application and appeals process requiring the board to review applications within 30 days and make recommendations to the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs within 30 days, with the commissioner issuing a final decision within 10 days; applicants may request reconsideration within 15 days.

• Applies the expanded veteran definition across Connecticut statutes relating to benefits, education, employment, business tax credits, licensing, housing, veterans services, funeral assistance, and other state programs.

• Effective date: October 1, 2021; board must be established by October 1, 2021, with initial appointments completed by December 1, 2021.