CT HB06438

Appropriates $169,000 to the Military Department for FY 2025-2026 to support the joint enlistment enhancement program, effective July 1, 2025

Expands income disregards for veterans and surviving spouses by excluding VA-administered non-service-connected pension benefits, Aid and Attendance benefits, and Housebound benefits when determining eligibility for Medicare savings, HUSKY A, HUSKY D, energy assistance, and other state assistance programs

Extends tuition and extension fee waivers at Connecticut public colleges and universities to wartime veterans and National Guard members, including summer/winter sessions and intersessions, and adds Charter Oak State College to institutions offering veteran tuition waivers

Increases minimum staffing for the Office of Advocacy and Assistance from 10 to 19 employees, including at least 14 veterans' service officers (up from 8), and excludes VA service-connected disability benefits from income calculations for public defender eligibility

Requires studies by UConn's School of Public Policy on property tax exemptions for veterans (report due January 1, 2027) and on the impact of unaccredited commercial entities providing veterans benefits assistance (report due February 1, 2026), with up to $75,000 allocated for research