Senator Honig Passes Comprehensive Veterans’ Package
HARTFORD — Senator Paul Honig (D-Harwinton), Senate Chair of the Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee, today celebrated final passage of HB 5406, a wide-ranging package of veterans’ and military affairs measures that expands dental care access, strengthens veteran protections, and removes administrative barriers for those who served.
“Connecticut veterans have earned their benefits through service and sacrifice, and too many of them are still hitting obstacles when they try to access them,” Senator Honig said. “This bill removes a real one: veterans who fall between the cracks on dental care, who don’t qualify for VA coverage but can’t afford what they need on their own, now have a clear path to treatment. It also cuts red tape on DMV fees and renewals, strengthens protections against predatory claims agents, and takes steps to improve long-term care access. That’s what the Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee has been working toward, and I’m proud to see it pass.”
The legislation includes the following provisions:
- Veterans Dental Care Program: Creates a new program providing up to $3,000 per year in covered dental services, including exams, fillings, root canals, crowns, and oral surgery, for eligible veterans with a service-connected disability rating of less than 100% who do not already receive dental care through the VA and whose household income falls at or below 400% of the federal poverty level. The program is capped at $1 million annually and administered through the Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines Fund.
- DMV Fee Waivers and Grace Period Extension: Waives fees for original driver’s licenses and identity cards for DVA-verified veterans, and extends the grace period for motor vehicle renewals and emissions testing from 60 to 90 days for service members returning from active duty.
- Income Tax Exemptions: Establishes state income tax deductions for compensation earned serving on an honor guard detail at a veteran’s funeral, and for pay National Guard members receive when ordered out for state active duty.
- Veteran Protections Against Predatory Claims Agents: Requires the state DVA to post plain-language warnings on its website about unaccredited claims agents and the risks of sharing VA account credentials, along with links to federal reporting tools.
- Veterans’ Service Officer Training Expansion: Expands required training for veterans’ service officers and municipal veterans’ representatives to include resources for all veterans, with a dedicated section on issues unique to women veterans.
- Nursing Home Access Task Force: Establishes a task force to study ways to encourage Medicaid-certified nursing homes to contract with the VA and provide care to eligible veterans, including potential financial incentives and tax credits.
- Military Emergency Response Account: Creates a dedicated account for the adjutant general to cover state costs during emergencies when federal reimbursement is not immediately available, seeded with a $500,000 transfer for FY27.
- Birth-to-Three Program Transitions: Requires the state’s early intervention system to provide minimally disruptive transitions for military-connected children relocating due to new orders, including record transfers and a family service plan meeting within 45 days.
- National Guard Readiness Center Naming: Names the Connecticut National Guard Readiness Center in Putnam the John Dempsey Putnam Army National Guard Readiness Center.
The Senate passed the bill unanimously late Monday, following a bipartisan vote in the House. The bill now heads to Gov. Ned Lamont’s desk for his signature.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Hugh McQuaid | hugh.mcquaid@cga.ct.gov |