CT HB05285

Expands veteran specialty license plates to include eligible former reservists (honorably discharged from Army Reserve, Army National Guard, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, Air Force Reserve, or Air National Guard) and Hmong Laotian special guerrilla units members who served during the Vietnam War, effective October 1, 2024.

Requires Department of Veterans Affairs to verify eligibility within 30 days and notify the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles; eligible former reservists must provide official documentation of service while Hmong Laotian veterans must submit affidavits with corroborating evidence.

Members of armed forces who are dishonorably discharged must return specialty plates within 30 days and the Commissioner shall not renew such plates.

Allows veterans, eligible former reservists, and Hmong Laotian special guerrilla units members to request veteran status be displayed on their motor vehicle operator's licenses or identity cards, verified by the Department of Veterans Affairs within 30 days.

Clarifies that veteran status on license plates or driver's licenses does not constitute eligibility proof for any other veteran benefits.