OLR Bill Analysis

sHB 5664

AN ACT CONCERNING THE AWARD OF RIBBONS AND MEDALS TO VETERANS FOR SERVICE IN TIME OF WAR.

SUMMARY:

This bill specifically allows certain war service medals to be awarded posthumously, regardless of when the person died.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage

AWARDS

The law requires the veterans' affairs commissioner, in conjunction with the adjutant general, to award a ribbon and medal to any wartime veteran who lived in Connecticut when called to active duty or is living in Connecticut at the time of the award. On or after July 1, 2005, current law allows posthumous awards. But it is unclear whether this means (1) posthumous awards may be made for people who died on or after July 1, 2005 or (2) posthumous awards may be made on or after this date, irrespective of the date a veteran died. The bill eliminates the 2005 dates, thereby specifically allowing posthumous awards without limitation.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Select Committee on Veterans' Affairs

Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference

Public Safety and Security Committee

Joint Favorable