New Veterans Bills

Become Effective October 1

HARTFORD — The Connecticut General Assembly has over the years enacted numerous laws to help improve the quality of life for those who have served our country with benefits such as local tax exemptions and tuition breaks at Connecticut’s public colleges and universities. This year’s session of the General Assembly has again produced a range of legislation aimed at assisting and honoring the men and women who have served or are still serving the United States Armed Forces

Beginning October 1, veterans in nursing homes will be able to use the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) prescription drug program as their pharmacy. The new law (PA 10-39) requires nursing facilities to dispense and administer prescription drugs obtained under the VA program to patients who request them.

This initiative will save money for both veterans and taxpayers. It is important to note that drugs obtained from other sources can be used when a patient needs them before they can be obtained from the VA program. 

Another new law (PA 10-105) effective October 1 allows veterans to use their military service experience and training toward academic credit for certain technical certificates and licenses. It also prohibits agencies from requiring veteran applicants to repeat any substantively similar training or schooling required for licensure or certification.

Also starting October 1, a new law (PA 10-16) extends the expiration date of a driver’s license held by an Armed Forces member who was out of state because of his or her active duty service. The extension is for 30 days after the service member returns to Connecticut or is honorably discharged.

Finally, to properly honor those veterans who served during the Vietnam era, a new law (PA 10-40) proclaims March 30 annually as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day as commemoration of our Vietnam veterans’ return home. A ceremony will be held in the State Capitol and elsewhere as the governor designates.

“We must all support of our soldiers and veterans if we are to continue to enjoy the freedoms we have,” said State Representative Christopher Lyddy (D-Newtown). “We must never forget that it is the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces that are the ultimate public servants.”