HARTFORD – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today welcomed passage of a bill which expands the eligibility for veterans’ specialty license plates and driver’s licenses to include former members of the National Guard and former reservists who otherwise do not qualify for federal veterans’ benefits.
“This is an appropriate thing to do for these soldiers, especially since 9/11 we have increased our military use of reservists and National Guardsmen almost to the point where they are practically members of the regular army or navy,” said Sen. Osten, who is an Army veteran and a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “This is the right thing to do for our veterans.”
Senate Bill 1131 authorizes any eligible former reservist, former member of the National Guard or a surviving spouse to get a veteran license plate and registration certificate. The bill also authorizes an eligible former reservist or former member of the National Guard to receive a veteran designation on their driver’s license or identification card.
Under the bill, these benefits are available to any person who was part of the United States Army Reserve, Army National Guard, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, Air Force Reserve, or Air National Guard that was discharged honorably, under honorable conditions, or with an “other than honorable” discharge based on a qualifying condition.
The bill also establishes that receiving these benefits does not establish proof of eligibility for any other veterans’ benefits.