Bill Summary: SB 918 - Definition of Veteran

• Expands Connecticut's definition of "veteran" to include individuals with qualifying conditions (post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma) who received discharges other than bad conduct or dishonorable, not just those with honorable discharges.

• Adds alternative pathway for veteran status through administrative decision from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs stating service is honorable or honorable for that department's purposes.

• Defines "qualifying condition" as diagnosis made by or disclosed to a healthcare provider at a VA facility, broadening access to veteran benefits for individuals who may not have traditional honorable discharge paperwork.

• Updates 40 sections of Connecticut general statutes to apply the new veteran definition consistently across education, employment, housing, business contracting, motor vehicle registration, and criminal justice programs.

• Effective October 1, 2021, making these expanded benefits and protections available to a broader population of military service members.