CHAPTER 504

MILITIA

Table of Contents


Note: Readers should refer to the 2024 Supplement, revised to January 1, 2024, for updated versions of statutes amended, repealed or added during the 2023 legislative sessions.


Sec. 27-1. Persons subject to military duty.

Sec. 27-2. Classes of militia.

Sec. 27-2a. Militia and National Guard deemed law enforcement agencies for certain purposes.

Sec. 27-3. National Guard; naval militia. Equipment. Location.

Sec. 27-4. Inactive National Guard.

Sec. 27-5. Naval militia.

Sec. 27-6. Organization of first and second companies of Governor's Foot Guards.

Sec. 27-6a. Organization of first and second companies of Governor's Foot Guards.

Sec. 27-7. Organization of first and second companies of Governor's Horse Guards.

Sec. 27-8. Governor's Guards to be organized militia.

Sec. 27-9. Connecticut State Guard.

Sec. 27-10. Active service of the Connecticut State Guard: Officers.

Sec. 27-11. Inactive service. Discharge.

Sec. 27-12. Strength of military forces.

Sec. 27-13. Recognition and regulation of units of unorganized militia.

Sec. 27-14. Governor to be commander-in-chief.

Sec. 27-15. Governor's military staff.

Sec. 27-16. Authority of Governor. Service outside state.

Sec. 27-17. Armed forces may be called in case of riot.

Sec. 27-18. Calling out troops without Governor's order.

Sec. 27-19. Military Department. Adjutant General. Appointment and qualifications.

Sec. 27-19a. Military Department to be within Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection for administrative purposes only.

Sec. 27-19b. Military Department state morale, welfare and recreation account. Annual Report to Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management.

Sec. 27-19c. Chargeable transient quarters and billeting account.

Sec. 27-19d. Governor's Guards account.

Sec. 27-19e. Governor's Guards horse account.

Sec. 27-20. Duties of Adjutant General.

Sec. 27-21. Supply of arms and equipment.

Sec. 27-22. Coordination of military and naval services.

Sec. 27-23. Exercise of powers relating to naval militia.

Sec. 27-24. Assistant adjutants general for Connecticut Army National Guard and Air National Guard. Designation of administrative assistant and deputy to Adjutant General and deputy chief of staff to Governor.

Sec. 27-25. Property and procurement officer.

Sec. 27-26. Commander of naval militia.

Sec. 27-27. Commander's staff.

Sec. 27-28. Surgeon General.

Sec. 27-29. Post surgeons.

Sec. 27-30. United States property and disbursing officer.

Sec. 27-31. Employees.

Sec. 27-32. Audit of office and accounts.

Sec. 27-33. Leave from employment to attend drills, parades and encampments.

Sec. 27-33a. Leave from employment to perform military duty.

Sec. 27-34. National Guard. Contingency provisions in event of federal withdrawal.

Sec. 27-34a. National Guard. Federal protections. Right to terminate certain contracts if ordered into active state service.

Sec. 27-35. Use of rifle ranges on Sunday.

Sec. 27-36. Use of rifle ranges by civilian organizations.

Sec. 27-37. Interstate compacts for mutual military aid.

Sec. 27-38. Form of compact.

Secs. 27-38a to 27-38e. Reserved

Sec. 27-38f. New England Disaster Training Center activity account.

Sec. 27-39. Use, maintenance, security and leasing of military facilities and other military property. Military facilities account. Report.

Sec. 27-39a. Camp Nett at Niantic and Camp Hartell named.

Sec. 27-40. Space in armories for use of naval militia.

Sec. 27-41. Accountability for military property.

Sec. 27-42. Loss and misuse of military property.

Sec. 27-43. Injury and destruction of military property.

Sec. 27-44. Improper receipt of military property.

Sec. 27-45. Purchase and construction of armories.

Sec. 27-46. Federal grants for armories and military facilities.

Sec. 27-46a. Use of proceeds from sale of armories.

Sec. 27-46b. Transfer of proceeds from sale of armories.

Sec. 27-47. Allowance for uniforms and equipment.

Sec. 27-48. Payment for uniforms of National Guard and naval militia officers inducted into United States services.

Sec. 27-49. Appointment of commissioned officers.

Sec. 27-50. Rank of members of naval militia.

Sec. 27-51. Staff officers: Military training required; term of service.

Sec. 27-52. Discharge of commissioned officers.

Sec. 27-53. Retirement of members. Retirement promotions.

Sec. 27-54. Status of retired members.

Sec. 27-55. Period of enlistment and qualifications.

Sec. 27-56. Enlistment in the Governor's Guards.

Sec. 27-57. Discharge of enlisted persons.

Sec. 27-58. Dismissal of members of Governor's Guards.

Sec. 27-59. Discrimination prohibited.

Sec. 27-60. Limited liability and immunity from arrest.

Sec. 27-61. Definitions. Pay and allowances.

Sec. 27-61a. Additional pay for active service on or after September 11, 2001.

Sec. 27-62. Allowance to officers of military units for office and clerical expenses.

Sec. 27-63. Allowance to officers of organized militia for custody of property.

Sec. 27-64. Armories.

Sec. 27-65. Aid or compensation for military or naval organizations.

Sec. 27-66. Appropriations for special services of the militia.

Sec. 27-67. Compensation under Workers' Compensation Act.

Sec. 27-67a. Disability incident to state service prior to June 6, 1977.

Sec. 27-68. Payments for injuries.

Secs. 27-69 and 27-69a. Death benefits. Death benefits for deaths between September 11, 2001, and June 30, 2006.

Sec. 27-70. Reimbursement for damages caused by armed forces personnel.

Sec. 27-71. Long service medals.

Sec. 27-72. Medal of valor.

Sec. 27-73. Medal of merit.

Sec. 27-73a. Emergency service awards.

Sec. 27-73b. Outstanding unit awards.

Sec. 27-73c. Selected reserve force awards.

Sec. 27-73d. Service ribbons for military operations after September 11, 2001.

Sec. 27-73e. Ribbons and medals for veterans who served in time of war and honorably discharged armed forces reservists who served during period of war. Regulations.

Sec. 27-73f. Achievement ribbons.

Sec. 27-73g. Medal of achievement.

Sec. 27-73h. Military recruitment ribbon.

Sec. 27-73i. Civilian medal of merit.

Sec. 27-73j. Ribbons and medals for members of the Hmong Laotian special guerilla units.

Sec. 27-73k. Military funeral honors ribbon.

Sec. 27-74. Service emblem of State Guard.

Sec. 27-75. Memorials to veterans and military service.

Sec. 27-76. Honor guard detail at funeral of veteran of United States armed forces or National Guard.

Sec. 27-77. Disposition of battle flags.

Sec. 27-78. Standards of State Guard.

Sec. 27-79. organizational structure and composition. Regulations, bylaws, circulars and orders.

Sec. 27-80. “Dependent” and “separation allowance” defined.

Sec. 27-81. Separation allowance provided.

Sec. 27-82. Commissioner of Veterans Affairs to administer separation allowances.

Sec. 27-83. Amount of separation allowances.

Sec. 27-84. List of dependents to be filed.

Sec. 27-85. When allowances are not to be paid.

Sec. 27-86. Funds to pay allowances; State Treasurer authorized to borrow.

Secs. 27-87 to 27-100. Discipline.

Sec. 27-100a. Military Relief Fund. Regulations. Annual report.

Sec. 27-100b. Volunteer service program. Report.

Sec. 27-100c. Contact list for service members and veterans.

Sec. 27-100d. Toll-free telephone number for referrals for benefits and services.

Sec. 27-100e. Therapy support groups.

Sec. 27-100f. Internet informational page listing benefits, services or programs. Internet publication of content dedicated to matters of concern for women veterans. List of qualified veterans' charitable organizations.

Sec. 27-100g. Connecticut women veterans' program.


PART I

COMPONENTS

Sec. 27-1. Persons subject to military duty. All male citizens and all male residents of the state who have declared their intention to become citizens of the United States, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years, not exempt by law, shall be subject to military duty and designated as the militia. All female citizens and all female residents of the state who have declared their intention to become citizens of the United States, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years, may enlist voluntarily in any women's unit of the armed forces of the state.

(1949 Rev., S. 1224; 1951, S. 847d; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 1.)

Sec. 27-2. Classes of militia. The militia shall be divided into four classes as follows: The unorganized militia, the organized militia, the National Guard and the naval militia. The National Guard for the purposes of this chapter shall consist of the National Guard and the Air National Guard. The unorganized militia shall consist of all male citizens and all male residents of the state who have declared their intention to become citizens of the United States, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years, not exempt from military duty by federal or state laws or by such reasons of physical or mental disabilities as shall be prescribed in general orders or regulations published by the Adjutant General and approved by the Governor and who are not members of the organized militia or of the National Guard or of the naval militia, and all female citizens and all female residents of the state who have declared their intention to become citizens of the United States, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years, who may voluntarily offer their services to the state. The organized militia shall consist of the Governor's Guards, the State Guard and such other military forces as may be designated by the Governor as commander-in-chief, which may hereafter be organized under the provisions of the laws of this state. The National Guard shall consist of such forces as may be organized and maintained by this state pursuant to the laws and regulations of the United States relating to the National Guard. The naval militia shall consist of such persons as may enlist or be appointed or commissioned therein as a special force for coast protection and as a naval reserve and shall be organized and maintained by this state pursuant to the laws and regulations of the United States relating to the naval militia and may include a marine corps branch of the naval militia subordinate thereto in all matters pertaining to command, discipline or administration. The organized militia, the National Guard, the naval militia and marine corps branch of the naval militia, whenever organized, shall be, for all purposes under the general statutes, the armed forces of the state.

(1949 Rev., S. 1225; 1951, S. 848d; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 2.)

State guard is part of the militia of the state and the provisions of chapter apply to it. 12 CS 21.

Sec. 27-2a. Militia and National Guard deemed law enforcement agencies for certain purposes. The organized militia or National Guard is deemed to be a law enforcement agency solely for the purpose of participation in any federal asset forfeiture or military surplus programs.

(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 00-1, S. 37, 46.)

History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 00-1 effective July 1, 2000.

Sec. 27-3. National Guard; naval militia. Equipment. Location. In time of peace, the number of enlisted personnel and the number of officers in the National Guard shall be not less than the minimum required by the laws of the United States. The National Guard and naval militia shall be organized, uniformed, armed, equipped, trained and disciplined as required by the laws and regulations of the United States relating to the National Guard and naval militia. The various organizations and units of the National Guard and naval militia shall be located throughout the state with reference to the military wants thereof, means of concentration and other military requirements. The Governor may, in case of war, invasion, insurrection, riot or imminent danger thereof, increase said force and organize the same according to the laws of the United States.

(1949 Rev., S. 1243; P.A. 74-321, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 74-321 substituted “personnel” for “men”.

A company formed by voluntary enlistment may be sued and held liable as a voluntary association. 36 C. 376.

Sec. 27-4. Inactive National Guard. The inactive National Guard shall be organized and maintained as provided by the laws of the United States relating to the inactive National Guard.

(1949 Rev., S. 1245.)

Sec. 27-5. Naval militia. (a) The Governor may organize a naval militia as a special force for coast protection and such other military and naval service as the Governor may direct, the members of which shall be members of the reserve of the United States Navy or the United States Coast Guard or retired members of the regular United States Navy or United States Coast Guard; and, when in his judgment the efficiency of the naval militia will be thereby increased, he may create organizations and alter, divide, consolidate, annex, disband or reorganize any or all of the organizations therein. The Governor may, by executive order, make applicable to the naval militia any provisions of the militia law of the state which are necessary and proper for the regulation of the naval militia and which are not in conflict with the regulations of the United States Navy.

(b) The twenty-four gun frigate H.M.S. Rose shall be commissioned as a vessel of the naval militia. The H.M.S. Rose Foundation, Inc., shall be responsible for the cost of maintaining the H.M.S. Rose and no state funds shall be appropriated or expended for such purpose.

(1949 Rev., S. 1246; P.A. 91-31.)

History: P.A. 91-31 divided the Sec. into two Subsecs. and added new Subsec. (b), requiring the H.M.S. Rose to be commissioned as a vessel of the naval militia.

Sec. 27-6. Organization of first and second companies of Governor's Foot Guards. Section 27-6 is repealed.

(1949 Rev., S. 1323; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 3; 1963, P.A. 443, S. 2.)

Sec. 27-6a. Organization of first and second companies of Governor's Foot Guards. The first and second companies of the Governor's Foot Guards may each consist of one major commandant, grade O-4; one warrant officer, grade W-4, to be bandmaster; one sergeant major, grade E-9; and such other personnel as is consistent with orders issued or regulations prescribed under section 27-14 and with the provisions of section 27-79.

(1963, P.A. 443, S. 1; P.A. 74-321, S. 2; P.A. 22-62, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 74-321 substituted “persons” for “men” following “ninety-six enlisted” and substituted “such orderly sergeant” for “him”; P.A. 22-62 changed “major, grade O-4” to “major commandant, grade O-4”, deleted provisions re captain, first lieutenants, second lieutenant, ensign with rank of second lieutenant, quartermaster with rank of captain, first sergeants, sergeant first class, staff sergeants, sergeants, corporals, privates first class and privates, deleted provisions re band musicians and persons for field music, deleted provision re appointment and displacement of orderly sergeant and added provision re personnel consistent with orders or regulations under Sec. 27-14 and with Sec. 27-79, effective July 1, 2022.

Sec. 27-7. Organization of first and second companies of Governor's Horse Guards. The first and second companies of the Governor's Horse Guards may each consist of one major commandant, grade O-4; one sergeant major, grade E-9; and such other personnel as is consistent with orders issued or regulations prescribed under section 27-14 and with the provisions of section 27-79.

(1949 Rev., S. 1327; 1951, S. 879d; P.A. 22-62, S. 2.)

History: P.A. 22-62 changed “major” to “major commandant, grade O-4”, deleted provisions re captain, first lieutenants, second lieutenants, cornet with rank of second lieutenant, master sergeant, first sergeant, staff sergeants, sergeants, corporals, privates first class and privates, added “one sergeant major, grade E-9” and added provision re personnel consistent with orders or regulations under Sec. 27-14 and with Sec. 27-79, effective July 1, 2022.

Sec. 27-8. Governor's Guards to be organized militia. The Governor's Guards shall be organized militia, with the immunities and privileges provided by law, and may be ordered to state military duty by the Governor.

(1949 Rev., S. 1326; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 4; P.A. 22-62, S. 3.)

History: P.A. 22-62 deleted provision re organization, training and discipline under charters or general statutes and deleted provision re war, invasion, rebellion or riot or reasonable apprehension thereof, effective July 1, 2022.

Sec. 27-9. Connecticut State Guard. The Governor may raise, organize, maintain and govern a body of volunteer troops for state military duty. Such body of troops shall be known as “the Connecticut State Guard” and shall be a part of the organized militia.

(September, 1950, 1953, S. 870d; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-2, S. 282.)

History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-2 substantially revised section re Governor's authority re Connecticut State Guard.

Sec. 27-10. Active service of the Connecticut State Guard: Officers. The Governor shall order the Connecticut State Guard into active service whenever he deems it necessary for the interests of the state and shall prescribe the number of officers and enlisted personnel required for that service, from time to time, as the necessity of the public interest requires. He shall organize the Connecticut State Guard in such a manner as will best accomplish its mission. He shall appoint and commission qualified persons as officers of the Connecticut State Guard.

(September, 1950, 1953, S. 871d; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 5; P.A. 74-321, S. 3.)

History: P.A. 74-321 substituted “enlisted personnel” for “men”.

Sec. 27-11. Inactive service. Discharge. Whenever it appears to the Governor that the public interest no longer requires the active service of the Connecticut State Guard or any portion thereof, he shall forthwith order so many of said troops as he believes may safely be dispensed with into inactive service as members of the Connecticut State Guard reserve or may disband and discharge them, or any portion of them, as he may see fit.

(September, 1950, S. 873d.)

Sec. 27-12. Strength of military forces. A minimum strength of enlisted personnel in the National Guard, naval militia and organized militia combined to the number of two thousand five hundred shall be maintained.

(1949 Rev., S. 1244; P.A. 74-321, S. 4.)

History: P.A. 74-321 substituted “personnel” for “men”.

Sec. 27-13. Recognition and regulation of units of unorganized militia. To the extent permitted by the Constitution of the United States, the Governor may, at any time, order, authorize or recognize such organizations of the unorganized militia, or of designated classes thereof, or of volunteers therefrom, as he deems to be for the public interest, and may prescribe therefor such parts of the regulations governing the organized militia as may be applicable thereto or establish such regulations therefor, as he may deem proper. The Governor may, at any time, provide for a separate organization, or authorize the enlistment in organizations of the unorganized militia, of all persons volunteering for such service, not otherwise subject to military duty under section 27-1.

(1953, S. 876d.)

PART II

COMMAND AND MILITARY DEPARTMENT

Sec. 27-14. Governor to be commander-in-chief. The Governor shall be the Captain-General and, as such, commander-in-chief of the militia, and of the National Guard and the naval militia, not in the service of the United States, and may employ it, or any part of it, for the defense or relief of the state or any part of its inhabitants or territory; and shall have all the powers necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this chapter. He shall issue all orders and prescribe all regulations for the organization and government of the organized militia, the National Guard and the naval militia. Such orders and regulations shall not be in conflict with the laws and regulations of the United States. He shall issue all orders and regulations necessary to cause the National Guard and naval militia to conform at all times to the laws and regulations of the United States relating thereto.

(1949 Rev., S. 1233.)

See Sec. 27-73a re emergency service awards.

Sec. 27-15. Governor's military staff. The Governor shall appoint the military staff that shall consist of the Adjutant General, who shall be chief of staff with the rank of lieutenant general; the assistant adjutant generals, one of whom shall serve as deputy chief of staff as provided under subsection (c) of section 27-24; the chief of staff for the Connecticut Air National Guard; an air aide-de-camp with the rank of colonel, who shall be the senior aviation officer of the Connecticut National Guard; a Surgeon General, who shall be the senior medical officer of the National Guard; one aide-de-camp with the rank of colonel from the United States Air Force Reserve; one aide-de-camp with the rank of captain from the United States Naval Reserve; one aide-de-camp with the rank of colonel from the United States Marine Corps Reserve; one aide-de-camp with the rank of colonel from the United States Army Reserve; one aide-de-camp with the rank of lieutenant commander from the United States Coast Guard Reserve; five aides-de-camp, two with the rank of colonel, two with the rank of lieutenant colonel and one with the rank of major, all of whom shall be from the National Guard; and two enlisted aides-de-camp with the rank of sergeant major from the National Guard. Members appointed from the armed forces of the state shall retain their federal or state grades and shall remain subject to duty therein and, if appointed to such staff in a rank lower than the highest grade attained in federal or state service, shall serve on the staff in their highest recognized grade. Any requirement of this section that any member of the Governor's military staff shall be a member of, or hold any rank in, the National Guard shall be inapplicable whenever the National Guard is in active service with the Army, Navy or Air Force of the United States and at such time the military staff of the Governor may be appointed by the Governor from the organized or unorganized militia, ex-members of the United States Army or Navy or the Connecticut National Guard, or from civil life; and in addition to the active military staff the Governor may, at said Governor's discretion, appoint honorary staff members from the former National Guard or naval militia then on active military duty. The Governor, at any other time, may appoint honorary staff members to the Connecticut National Guard without regard to affiliation who shall serve without the pay, honors, privileges and benefits afforded the active staff members, including, but not limited to, allowances and tuition waivers. The majors commandant of the first and second companies Governor's Foot Guards and the Governor's Horse Guards shall be ex-officio members of the Governor's military staff. The Governor shall also appoint the immediate predecessors of such majors commandant to serve as additional ex-officio members. In addition to the above-named officers, the Governor shall appoint three additional staff members, one of whom shall be a colonel or of equivalent naval rank and two of whom shall be majors or of equivalent naval rank.

(1949 Rev., S. 1234; 1949, 1955, S. 850d; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 6; P.A. 87-162; P.A. 92-142, S. 3, 4; P.A. 99-139, S. 1; P.A. 01-123, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 87-162 authorized the governor to appoint honorary staff members to the Connecticut National Guard; P.A. 92-142 substituted “military staff” for “staff”, provided for both assistant adjutants general and the chief of staff for the Connecticut Air National Guard to serve on such staff and provided for one of the assistant adjutants general to serve as deputy chief of staff; P.A. 99-139 specified the rank and branch of the military for each aide-de-camp and included the immediate predecessors of the majors commandant of the Foot and Horse Guards as additional ex-officio members; P.A. 01-123 changed rank of Adjutant General from major general to lieutenant general and made a technical change.

Sec. 27-16. Authority of Governor. Service outside state. In time of war, invasion, rebellion, riot or disaster, or reasonable apprehension thereof, or upon requisition by the President of the United States, the Governor shall order out for active service such portion of the militia as he deems necessary. Whenever it is necessary in case of invasion, disaster, insurrection, riot or breach of the peace, or imminent danger thereof, the Governor may direct the members of the unorganized militia or such of them as may be necessary to be drafted, under such regulations as he may prescribe, into the active service of the state, to serve as directed by him. The Governor may order the organized militia or any part thereof to serve outside the borders of this state in order to perform military duty of every description and to participate in parades, reviews, cruises, conferences, encampments, maneuvers or other training and to participate in small arms and other military competitions and to attend service schools.

(1949 Rev., S. 1226; 1953, S. 849d; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 7.)

Sec. 27-17. Armed forces may be called in case of riot. In case of riot or civil commotion in any place in this state, any official whose duty it is to enforce the civil authority at such place may, if he considers that the force at his disposal is not sufficient, inform the Governor, who may order out such portion of the armed forces of the state as he thinks advisable and may direct the commanding officer of the force selected to communicate with the person making application to assist such person in preserving the peace and to use such portion of his force as may be necessary therefor.

(1949 Rev., S. 1260; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 9; 1971, P.A. 871, S. 107.)

History: 1971 act deleted provision for preliminary warning before use of force.

Cited. 133 C. 520.

Sec. 27-18. Calling out troops without Governor's order. Whenever any civil officer whose duty it is to enforce the civil authority in any place in this state finds it impossible to communicate immediately with the Governor and deems the danger too imminent to admit of delay, he may make written requisition for assistance, containing a statement that he is unable to communicate with the Governor, upon the senior officer of any part of the organized militia or National Guard located in his town, city or county; and such commanding officer is authorized thereupon to exercise, with respect to calling out the troops under his command, the powers conferred by law upon the Governor, until he receives instructions or orders from the Governor.

(1949 Rev., S. 1261.)

Sec. 27-19. Military Department. Adjutant General. Appointment and qualifications. The Military Department shall be comprised of (1) the armed forces of the state, as defined in section 27-2, which shall be under the military command and control of the Adjutant General, and (2) the department's civilian employees. The Military Department shall be under the command and control of the Adjutant General. On or before July 1, 1980, the Governor shall appoint an Adjutant General with the rank of major general to serve for a term of two years from July 1, 1980. Quadrennially thereafter, the Governor shall appoint an Adjutant General with the rank of lieutenant general to serve for a term of four years, from such first day of July and until a successor is appointed and qualified. The Adjutant General shall have had at least fifteen years' commissioned service in the armed forces of the United States, at least ten years of which shall have been served in the National Guard, and shall have obtained the minimum officer grade of O-5. No person shall be appointed or continue to serve as Adjutant General after reaching the age of sixty-four years. The Adjutant General may be suspended or removed by the Governor in accordance with the provisions of sections 4-11, 4-12 and 4-13.

(1949 Rev., S. 1235; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 10; 1959, P.A. 496; P.A. 75-333, S. 3; P.A. 01-123, S. 2; P.A. 03-19, S. 67; P.A. 11-41, S. 1; P.A. 16-111, S. 1.)

History: 1959 act changed appointment date from July 1, 1963, to July 1, 1964, and changed experience requirement to at least 10 years in the armed forces of the United States; P.A. 75-333 provided for appointment of adjutant general for a 2-year term from July 1, 1980, and quadrennially thereafter, to serve a term of 4 rather than 8 years; P.A. 01-123 replaced “in charge” with “under the charge”, changed rank of Adjutant General from major general to lieutenant general and made technical changes for purposes of gender neutrality; P.A. 03-19 made technical changes, effective May 12, 2003; P.A. 11-41 added Subdivs. (1) and (2) re composition of Military Department, changed years of required commissioned service from ten to fifteen and added provision requiring Adjutant General to have obtained the rank of lieutenant colonel or commander or higher, effective June 3, 2011; P.A. 16-111 replaced reference to Sec. 27-31 re appointment of civilian employees with “the department's civilian employees” in Subdiv. (2), replaced “charge” with “command and control” re Military Department and Adjutant General, added provision re at least ten years of commissioned service to be served in National Guard and replaced provision re titles of rank for each respective branch of U.S. armed forces with “minimum officer grade of O-5”, effective June 3, 2016.

Sec. 27-19a. Military Department to be within Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection for administrative purposes only. Section 27-19a is repealed, effective October 1, 2013.

(P.A. 77-614, S. 501, 610; P.A. 11-51, S. 134; P.A. 13-25, S. 7.)

Sec. 27-19b. Military Department state morale, welfare and recreation account. Annual Report to Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management. There is established an account to be known as the “Military Department state morale, welfare and recreation account” which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account within the General Fund. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account, which shall include, but not be limited to, proceeds of state military morale, welfare and recreation programs and gifts, grants and donations from public or private sources. Moneys in the account shall be expended by the Adjutant General for the purposes of operating state military morale, welfare and recreation programs. Not later than August 1, 2022, and annually thereafter, the Adjutant General shall submit a report to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management concerning deposits into and expenditures from the account for the previous fiscal year.

(P.A. 12-200, S. 1; P.A. 22-62, S. 4.)

History: P.A. 12-200 effective July 1, 2012; P.A. 22-62 changed “Army National Guard” to “Military Department”, added “and gifts, grants and donations from public or private sources” and added provision re annual report to Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, effective July 1, 2022.

Sec. 27-19c. Chargeable transient quarters and billeting account. There is established an account to be known as the “chargeable transient quarters and billeting account” which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account within the General Fund. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account, which shall include, but not be limited to, proceeds of room service charges at Camp Nett at Niantic. Moneys in the account shall be expended by the Adjutant General for the purposes of billeting members of the armed forces at Camp Nett at Niantic.

(June 12 Sp. Sess. P.A. 12-1, S. 107; P.A. 18-21, S. 2.)

History: June 12 Sp. Sess. P.A. 12-1 effective July 1, 2012; P.A. 18-21 replaced “Camp Niantic” with “Camp Nett at Niantic”, effective March 25, 2019.

Sec. 27-19d. Governor's Guards account. There is established an account to be known as the “Governor's Guards account” which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account within the General Fund. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account, which shall include, but not be limited to, the proceeds of Governor's Guards programs. Moneys in the account shall be expended by the Adjutant General for the purposes of facilitating the operations of the Governor's Guards.

(June 12 Sp. Sess. P.A. 12-1, S. 108.)

History: June 12 Sp. Sess. P.A. 12-1 effective July 1, 2012.

Sec. 27-19e. Governor's Guards horse account. There is established an account to be known as the “Governor's Guards horse account” which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account within the General Fund. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account, which shall include, but not be limited to, donations for the specific purpose of offsetting the costs of maintaining Governor's Guards' horses. Moneys in the account shall be expended by the Adjutant General for the purposes of facilitating the operations of the Governor's Guards.

(June 12 Sp. Sess. P.A. 12-1, S. 109.)

History: June 12 Sp. Sess. P.A. 12-1 effective July 1, 2012.

Sec. 27-20. Duties of Adjutant General. (a) The Adjutant General shall make such returns and reports to such officers as may be prescribed by the United States Department of Defense in regulations pertaining to the National Guard, at such times and in such form as prescribed. The Adjutant General shall (1) keep the service records of all officers and enlisted personnel, (2) issue authorized service medals, ribbons and documents, (3) (A) generate and maintain all records and documents required by state law or regulations thereunder, and (B) process requests for such records pursuant to the state Freedom of Information Act, as defined in section 1-200, and (4) (A) generate and maintain all records and documents required by federal law or regulations thereunder, and (B) process requests for such records pursuant to the federal Freedom of Information Act of 1976, 5 USC 552, as amended from time to time.

(b) The Adjutant General is charged, in all matters pertaining to the command, discipline, employment and administration of the armed forces of the state, with the duty of: (1) Recording, authenticating and communicating to members of the armed forces of the state all orders, instructions and regulations issued by order of (A) the Governor or the Adjutant General as the designee of the Governor, for the armed forces of the state, and (B) the Secretary of Defense for the National Guard; (2) preparing and distributing commissions; (3) compiling and issuing the registers of the armed forces of the state; (4) conducting internal audits and investigations; (5) organizing and coordinating the participation of the armed forces of the state in military and civic ceremonies; (6) organizing and coordinating inaugurals; and (7) managing the recruiting for the armed forces of the state.

(c) In event of emergency use of the armed forces of the state and with the approval of the Governor, the Adjutant General may serve as the disbursing officer of all funds appropriated by the General Assembly for the expense of the office of the Adjutant General.

(d) The Adjutant General may adopt regulations pertaining to the preparation and rendering of reports and returns, the care and preservation of military property and the administration of military personnel as in the Adjutant General's opinion the conditions demand, such regulations to be operative and in force when promulgated in the form of general orders, circulars or circular letters.

(e) The Adjutant General shall have charge and care of all state military property and all United States military property issued to the state, and shall keep an accurate and careful account of all receipts and issues of the same. The Adjutant General shall keep a record of all public property in the state in the possession of the armed forces of the state and shall guard such property against injury and loss to the greatest extent possible. The Adjutant General shall conduct annual inspections of all public property and keep a complete inventory of such property and the places where it is deposited. The Adjutant General shall require each accountable and responsible officer of the armed forces of the state to account for any deficiency in public property in such officer's possession upon discovery of such deficiency. The Adjutant General shall require each unit of the armed forces of the state to be inspected at least once each calendar year. The Adjutant General shall, annually, as provided in section 4-60, make a report to the Governor of the strength, condition and equipment of the armed forces of the state and of the expenditures of the office since the last annual report.

(f) The Adjutant General may adopt a seal for use in the office of the Adjutant General. The Adjutant General may delegate duties to an Assistant Adjutant General or to Military Department officials as the Adjutant General deems necessary for the efficient operation of said department.

(g) The Adjutant General may enter into contracts or agreements with any person or agency, public or private, for goods, services or property necessary for execution of the duties of the Adjutant General's office and the operation of the Military Department, including the performance of federal construction contracting on state property, subject to the approval of the Attorney General.

(1949 Rev., S. 1236; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 11; September, 1957, P.A. 11, S. 13; P.A. 74-321, S. 5; P.A. 75-333, S. 1; P.A. 77-614, S. 19, 610; P.A. 88-1, S. 9, 13; P.A. 99-190, S. 4, 9; P.A. 01-123, S. 3; P.A. 04-219, S. 11; P.A. 10-130, S. 1; P.A. 18-104, S. 1; P.A. 22-34, S. 22.)

History: P.A. 74-321 substituted “personnel” for “men”; P.A. 75-333 provided for necessary contracting authority subject to approval of commissioner of finance and control and the attorney general; P.A. 77-614 substituted “secretary of the office of policy and management” for “commissioner of finance and control”; P.A. 88-1 eliminated involvement of secretary of the office of policy and management in approval of contracts for services entered into by the adjutant general; P.A. 99-190 added responsibility for the Office of Emergency Management to the duties of the Adjutant General, effective July 1, 1999; P.A. 01-123 added duties re internal audits and investigations, civic ceremonies and inaugurals, and made technical changes for purposes of gender neutrality; P.A. 04-219 eliminated provision requiring Adjutant General to have charge of the Office of Emergency Management, effective January 1, 2005; P.A. 10-130 divided existing provisions into Subsecs. (a) to (g), amended Subsec. (a) by deleting “naval militia”, designating existing provisions re records as Subdivs. (1) and (3), adding Subdiv. (2) re issuance of service medals, ribbons and documents, and making conforming changes, amended Subsec. (b) by adding “employment and”, replacing language re “military” and “militia” with “armed forces of the state”, designating existing provisions re duty of Adjutant General as Subdivs. (1) to (7) and making conforming changes, amended Subsec. (c) by replacing “militia” with “armed forces of the state” and replacing “be” with “serve as the”, amended Subsec. (d) by replacing “make such” with “adopt”, deleting “and to”, replacing “public” with “military” and adding “and the administration of military personnel”, amended Subsec. (e) by deleting “of Connecticut”, replacing “cause to be kept” with “keep”, rewording provision re public property in possession of armed forces, repositioning provision re accounting of deficiency in public military property, rewording provision re annual inspections and inventory of public property, repositioning provision re annual inspection of each unit of armed forces, and repositioning provision re annual report to Governor re strength, condition and equipment of armed forces and expenditures of office, amended Subsec. (f) by adding provision re delegation of duties to Assistant Adjutant General or Military Department officials, and amended Subsec. (g) by rewording provision re contracts or agreements for goods, services or property for Adjutant General's office or Military Department; P.A. 18-104 amended Subsec. (a) to replace “a record” with “the service records” in Subdiv. (1), designate existing provision re records and documents as Subpara. (A) and amend same to add “generate and” and “state” and add Subpara. (B) re processing requests pursuant to state Freedom of Information Act in Subdiv. (3), and add Subdiv. (4) re records and documents required by federal law and processing requests pursuant to federal Freedom of Information Act, effective July 1, 2018; P.A. 22-34 made a technical change in Subsec. (a).

Sec. 27-21. Supply of arms and equipment. The Adjutant General is directed to issue to the organized militia such arms, equipment, ammunition and uniforms as the commanding officer of each company may make requisition for, provided such requisition shall be approved by the Governor; and the cost of such supplies shall be paid by the Comptroller.

(1949 Rev., S. 1321; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 12.)

Sec. 27-22. Coordination of military and naval services. The Adjutant General, with the assistance of the commander of the naval militia, shall, when not inconsistent with the laws and regulations governing the United States Army or the United States Navy, coordinate the respective services in all respects including communications, intelligence and logistics to maintain efficiency and economy in the military and naval establishments of the state. The commander of the naval militia shall appoint an officer of the naval militia who shall devote full time to active duty with the naval militia and who, under the direction of the commander of the naval militia, shall serve with the office of the Adjutant General in the administration of naval affairs.

(1949 Rev., S. 1252; 1951, S. 858d.)

Sec. 27-23. Exercise of powers relating to naval militia. All powers vested in the Adjutant General concerning the naval militia, and all orders issued by him pursuant thereto, shall be exercised and transmitted through the commander of the naval militia.

(1949 Rev., S. 1248.)

Sec. 27-24. Assistant adjutants general for Connecticut Army National Guard and Air National Guard. Designation of administrative assistant and deputy to Adjutant General and deputy chief of staff to Governor. (a) The Adjutant General shall appoint an assistant adjutant general for the Connecticut Army National Guard, who shall hold office at the pleasure of the Adjutant General. He shall hold the rank of brigadier general and shall be a member of the Governor's military staff during his incumbency of the office, and shall have had at least five years of commissioned service in the Connecticut Army National Guard or the armies of the United States or a total of five years in both services.

(b) The Adjutant General shall appoint an assistant adjutant general for the Connecticut Air National Guard, who shall hold office at the pleasure of the Adjutant General. He shall hold the rank of brigadier general and shall be a member of the Governor's military staff during his incumbency of the office. He shall have had at least five years of commissioned service in the Connecticut Air National Guard or the air forces of the United States or a total of at least five years in both services.

(c) The Adjutant General shall designate either the assistant adjutant general for the Connecticut Army National Guard or the assistant adjutant general for the Connecticut Air National Guard to serve as administrative assistant and deputy to the Adjutant General and as deputy chief of staff to the Governor. Such assistant adjutant general (1) shall perform all of the duties of the Adjutant General in his absence, during his inability or by his direction and (2) shall devote all of his time, during the office hours of the Military Department, to the duties of his office. The assistant adjutant general not so designated shall perform such duties, consistent with his grade and position, as the Adjutant General shall direct.

(d) No person shall be appointed to the office of, or continue to serve as, assistant adjutant general upon attaining the age of sixty-four years.

(1949 Rev., S. 1237; 1951, S. 851d; P.A. 92-142, S. 2, 4; P.A. 22-34, S. 15.)

History: P.A. 92-142 designated existing section as Subsec. (a), amended Subsec. (a) to require that appointment of assistant adjutant general be “for the Connecticut Army National Guard” and to delete provisions incorporated in new language elsewhere in the section, added Subsec. (b) re appointment of assistant adjutant general for the Connecticut Air National Guard, added Subsec. (c) requiring adjutant general to designate either such assistant to serve as assistant and deputy to adjutant general and deputy chief of staff to governor, and added Subsec. (d) applying age restriction to both assistant adjutants general; P.A. 22-34 made a technical change in Subsec. (c)(2).

Sec. 27-25. Property and procurement officer. The Adjutant General shall appoint a property and procurement officer who shall be the assistant of the Adjutant General in the care of all military property and who shall hold office at the pleasure of the Adjutant General. He shall devote all of his time, during the office hours of the Military Department, to the duties of his office.

(1949 Rev., S. 1239; 1949, S. 853d; P.A. 22-34, S. 16.)

History: P.A. 22-34 made a technical change.

Sec. 27-26. Commander of naval militia. The Governor, as commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the state, shall appoint as commander of the naval militia a qualified resident of the state, who holds a commission as a reserve or retired officer of the United States Navy or of the United States Coast Guard of at least the rank of lieutenant commander and who has served on active duty with the United States Navy or the United States Coast Guard and who has during such active duty served for not less than one year aboard a ship at sea. He shall hold office, subject to the pleasure of the Governor, provided he is under sixty-two years of age.

(1949 Rev., S. 1247; 1951, S. 856d; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 13.)

Sec. 27-27. Commander's staff. The commander of the naval militia shall appoint the members of his staff, which shall be organized as required by the laws and regulations of the United States relating to the naval militia.

(1949 Rev., S. 1249; 1951, S. 857d; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 14.)

Sec. 27-28. Surgeon General. The senior medical officer of the National Guard shall be the Surgeon General. He shall advise the Adjutant General in all matters pertaining to the health of the members of the armed forces of the state. He shall recommend for appointment post surgeons to serve the armed forces of the state. He shall review physical examinations of officers and enlisted personnel when any question exists as to their physical qualifications and render his recommendations to the Adjutant General. His compensation for such services shall be five hundred dollars per year.

(1957, P.A. 365, S. 15.)

Sec. 27-29. Post surgeons. The Adjutant General shall appoint post surgeons, removable at pleasure, to determine exemptions from military duty for physical and mental disabilities as prescribed in general orders; and officers of the medical department of the National Guard and organized militia shall be appointed for such duty in their respective towns.

(1949 Rev., S. 1240.)

Sec. 27-30. United States property and disbursing officer. Section 27-30 is repealed.

(1949 Rev., S. 3592; 1959, P.A. 267.)

Sec. 27-31. Employees. The Adjutant General shall appoint such number of employees, subject to the provisions of chapter 67 and section 4-40, as may be required to perform adequately the duties required of the Military Department. Employees in the department, not in the classified service, shall serve at the pleasure of the Adjutant General and shall perform such duties as may be assigned to them.

(1949 Rev., S. 1241; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 16; P.A. 22-34, S. 17.)

History: P.A. 22-34 made technical changes.

Sec. 27-32. Audit of office and accounts. The office and accounts of the Adjutant General pertaining to this state shall be audited in the same manner as the office and accounts of other state agencies.

(June, 1955, S. 854d.)

PART III

OPERATIONS AND TRAINING

Sec. 27-33. Leave from employment to attend drills, parades and encampments. The armed forces of the state may assemble for drill, escort duty or any special service as ordered by the Governor and shall participate in encampments, maneuvers or other exercises, including outdoor target practice, as may be required by the laws and regulations of the United States relating to the National Guard or naval militia or as may be ordered by the Governor. Each officer and employee of the state who is a member of the armed forces of the state or of any reserve component of the armed forces of the United States shall be entitled to absent himself from his duties or service while engaged in the performance of regularly ordered military or naval duty. No such officer or employee shall be subjected by any person, directly or indirectly, by reason of such absence, to any loss or reduction of vacation or holiday privileges or be prejudiced by reason of such absence with reference to promotion or continuance in office or employment or to reappointment to office or to reemployment. While engaged in the performance of regularly ordered military or naval service, each officer or employee who is a bona fide member of the National Guard, naval militia, reserve corps or organized militia shall receive his salary or compensation as such officer or employee, provided the period of absence in any calendar year shall not exceed thirty days.

(1949 Rev., S. 1262; 1951, S. 860d; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 17.)

See Sec. 5-259d re leave of absence for state employees called to active service in the armed forces for a military operation, war or national emergency.

Sec. 27-33a. Leave from employment to perform military duty. (a) For purposes of this section, “armed forces of the United States” has the same meaning as “armed forces” in section 27-103; and “armed forces of the state” means the organized militia, the National Guard, and the naval militia and marine corps branch of the naval militia, as described in section 27-2.

(b) The employer of any employee who, as a part of such employee's service in the armed forces of the state, any reserve component of the armed forces of the United States or the National Guard of any other state, is ordered to perform military duty, including meetings or drills, during regular working hours shall allow such employee leave of absence for such purpose. No such employee shall be subjected by any person, directly or indirectly, to any loss or reduction of vacation or holiday privileges by reason of such absence, or be prejudiced by reason of such absence with reference to promotion or continuance in office or employment, or to reappointment to office or reemployment.

(1961, P.A. 583; P.A. 99-139, S. 2; P.A. 13-49, S. 1; P.A. 17-127, S. 14.)

History: P.A. 99-139 prohibited any impact on vacation privileges or on promotion or continuance in employment by reason of absences due to military service; P.A. 13-49 added Subsec. (a) re definitions, designated existing provisions as Subsec. (b) and amended same to conform to definitions in Subsec. (a) and to replace provision re required military reserve or National Guard attendance with provision re performance of military duty; P.A. 17-127 amended Subsec. (b) to add “or the National Guard of any other state”.

Sec. 27-34. National Guard. Contingency provisions in event of federal withdrawal. Unless otherwise expressly provided, the National Guard in this state shall be governed by the laws, rules and regulations of the United States for governing the National Guard, provided the National Guard in this state shall receive aid and support from the United States and, if such aid or support is withdrawn or if the Congress of the United States repeals all legislation relating to the National Guard, leaving to this state the duty to provide for and maintain, without federal aid or control, its own military forces, then the National Guard of this state shall be organized, trained, disciplined and governed, its officers appointed, commissioned and promoted and its enlisted personnel enlisted and discharged in such manner as may be prescribed by the Adjutant General in regulations and general orders approved by the Governor, until the General Assembly makes provision therefor.

(1949 Rev., S. 1263; P.A. 74-321, S. 6.)

History: P.A. 74-321 substituted “personnel” for “men”.

Sec. 27-34a. National Guard. Federal protections. Right to terminate certain contracts if ordered into active state service. (a) Any member of the Connecticut National Guard whom the Governor orders into active state service shall have all of the protections afforded to service members on federal active service by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, 38 USC Sections 4301 to 4333, inclusive, and by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, except for the provisions of 50 USC App, Sections 536 and 541 to 549, inclusive, pertaining to life insurance, as amended.

(b) In addition to the protections described in the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and afforded under this section, any such member ordered into active state service may terminate any contract for telecommunication services, Internet services, television services, satellite radio services or membership at an athletic club or gym, at any time after the date such member receives military orders directing such member to a location, for a period of ninety days or more, that does not support any such contract. Any such member terminating such contract shall do so by submitting to a provider of any such service or membership written or electronic notice of such termination and a copy of such member's military orders.

(P.A. 06-62, S. 1; P.A. 17-197, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 17-197 designated existing provisions re member of Connecticut National Guard ordered into active state service as Subsec. (a) and added Subsec. (b) re termination of contract by member ordered into active state service.

Sec. 27-35. Use of rifle ranges on Sunday. The rifle ranges under control of the Military Department of the state and those of rifle or gun clubs or of members of rifle or gun clubs who are affiliated with the National Rifle Association of America, which are conducted under rules prescribed by the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice, may be used on Sunday for the purpose of practicing rifle and shot gun shooting, and the members of such clubs and the organized military forces of the state may carry rifles, rifled firearms and shot guns, with ammunition, to and from such ranges on said day.

(1949 Rev., S. 1307; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 18.)

Sec. 27-36. Use of rifle ranges by civilian organizations. Civilian rifle clubs affiliated with the National Rifle Association of the United States may be permitted to use the outdoor and indoor rifle ranges belonging to, or under the control of, the state for practice with small arms in accordance with such regulations as the Adjutant General may prescribe, provided such use of any rifle range shall at no time interfere with the instruction or practice of members of the armed forces of the state.

(1949 Rev., S. 1308; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 19.)

Sec. 27-37. Interstate compacts for mutual military aid. (a)(1) With the prior or subsequent consent of the Congress of the United States, the Governor is authorized to enter into, amend, supplement and implement agreements or compacts with the executive authorities of other states providing for mutual military aid, and matters incidental thereto, in case of invasion or other hostile action, disaster, insurrection or imminent danger thereof. (2) Such agreements or compacts may include but shall not be limited to provisions for joint military action against a common enemy; for the protection of bridges, tunnels, ferries, pipelines, communication facilities and other vital installations, plants and facilities; for the military support of civil defense agencies; for the fresh pursuit, by the organized militia or military forces or any part thereof of a signatory, into the jurisdiction of any other signatory, of persons acting or appearing to act in the interest of an enemy government or seeking or appearing to seek to overthrow the government of the United States or of any signatory; for the powers, duties, rights, privileges and immunities of the members of the organized militia or military forces of any signatory while so engaged outside their own jurisdiction; for such other matters as are of a military nature, or incidental thereto, and which the Governor deems necessary or proper to promote the health, safety and welfare of the people of this state; for the allocation of all costs and expenses arising from the planning and operation of such agreements or compacts.

(b) Nothing contained in this section shall be construed or interpreted as expressing a limitation, directly or indirectly, of the power of the governor to enter into, and to amend or supplement, such compacts, with legal force and effect and without the legislative authorization expressed herein.

(1953, S. 877d.)

Sec. 27-38. Form of compact. The form of such compact shall be as follows:

AN INTERSTATE COMPACT FOR MUTUAL
MILITARY AID IN AN EMERGENCY

ARTICLE I

1. The purposes of this compact are:

a. To provide for mutual military aid and assistance in an emergency by the military forces of a signatory state to the military forces of the other signatory states, or of the United States, including among other military missions, the protection of interstate bridges, tunnels, ferries, pipelines, communications facilities and other vital installations, plants and facilities; and the military support of civil defense agencies;

b. To provide for the fresh pursuit in case of an emergency, by the military forces or any part or member thereof of a signatory state into another state, of insurrectionists, saboteurs, enemies or enemy forces or persons seeking or appearing to seek to overthrow the government of the United States or of a signatory state;

c. To make provisions for the powers, duties, rights, privileges and immunities of the members of the military forces of a signatory state while so engaged outside of their own state.

2. a. “Emergency” as used in this compact shall mean and include invasion or other hostile action, disaster, insurrection or imminent danger thereof.

b. “State” as used in this compact shall include any signatory state.

c. “Military forces” as used in this compact shall include the organized militia, or any force thereof, of a signatory state.

ARTICLE II

This compact shall become effective as to the signatory states when the legislatures thereof have approved it and when the Congress has given its consent either before or after the date hereof. Any state not a party to this compact at the date hereof may become a party hereto.

ARTICLE III

The Governor of each signatory state or his designated military representative shall constitute the Committee for Mutual Military Aid for the signatory states. It shall be the duty of the Committee for Mutual Military Aid to make joint plans for the employment of the military forces of the signatory states for mutual military aid and assistance in case of emergency.

ARTICLE IV

1. It shall be the duty of each signatory state to integrate its plan for the employment of its military forces in case of emergency with the joint plans recommended by the Committee for Mutual Military Aid and with the emergency plans of the armed forces of the United States.

2. In case of emergency, upon the request of the Governor of a signatory state, the Governor of each signatory state, to the extent consistent with the needs of his own state, shall order its military forces or such part thereof as he, in his discretion, may find necessary, to assist the military forces of the requesting state in order to carry out the purposes set forth in this compact. In such case, it shall be the duty of the Governor of each signatory state receiving such a request to issue the necessary orders for such use of the military forces of his state without the borders of his state and to direct the commander of such forces to place them under the operational control of the commander of the forces of the requesting state or of the United States which may be engaged in meeting the emergency.

3. The Governor of any signatory state, in his discretion, may recall the military forces of his state serving without its borders or any part or any member of such forces.

ARTICLE V

In case of an emergency, any unit or member of the military forces of a signatory state which has been ordered into active service by the Governor may upon order of the officer in immediate command thereof continue beyond the borders of his own state into another signatory state in fresh pursuit of insurrectionists, saboteurs, enemies or enemy forces or persons seeking or appearing to seek to overthrow the government of the United States or of any one of the signatory states, until they are apprehended by such unit or member. Any such person who shall be apprehended or captured in a signatory state by a unit or member of the military forces of another signatory state shall without unnecessary delay be surrendered to the military or police forces of the state in which he is taken or to the forces of the United States. Such surrender shall not constitute a waiver by the state of the military forces making the capture, of its right to extradite or prosecute such persons for any crime committed in that state.

ARTICLE VI

1. Whenever the military forces or any part thereof of any signatory state are engaged outside of their own state in carrying out the purposes of this compact, the individual members of such military forces so engaged shall not be liable, civilly or criminally, for any act or acts done by them in the performance of their duty.

2. The individual members of such forces shall have the same powers, duties, rights, privileges and immunities as the members of the military forces of the state in which they are engaged, but in any event,

3. Each signatory state shall save harmless any member of its military forces wherever serving and any member of the military forces of any other signatory state serving within its borders for any act or acts done by them in the performance of their duty while engaged in carrying out the purposes of this compact.

ARTICLE VII

1. Each signatory state shall provide, in the same amounts and manner as if they were on duty within their own state, for the pay and allowances of the personnel of its military forces, and for the medical and hospital expenses, disability and death benefits, pensions and funeral expenses of wounded, injured or sick personnel and of dependents or representatives of deceased personnel of its military forces, in case such personnel shall suffer wounds, injuries, disease, disability or death while engaged without the state pursuant to this compact and while going to and returning from such other signatory state. Each signatory state shall provide in the same amounts and manner as if they were on duty within their own state for the logistical support and for other costs and expenses of its military forces while engaged without the state pursuant to this compact and while going to and returning from such other signatory state.

2. Any signatory state rendering outside aid in case of insurrection or disaster not the result of invasion or hostile action, shall, if it so elects, be reimbursed by the signatory state receiving such aid for the pay and allowances of its personnel, logistical support and all other costs and expenses referred to in Section 1 of this Article and incurred in connection with the request for aid. Such election shall be exercised by the Governor of the aiding state presenting to the Governor of the requesting state.

ARTICLE VIII

Nothing in this compact shall be construed to limit or restrict the power of any signatory state in case of an emergency affecting that state only, to provide for the internal defense of any part of the territory of said state or for the protection and control of any bridge, tunnel, ferry, installation, plant or facility or any part thereof within the borders of such state or to prohibit the enforcement of any laws, rules and regulations or the execution of any plan with regard thereto.

ARTICLE IX

This compact shall continue in force and remain binding on each signatory state until the legislature or the Governor of such state gives notice of withdrawal therefrom. Such notice of withdrawal shall not be effective until six months after said notice has been given to the Governor of each of the other signatory states.

(1953, S. 878d; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 98-1, S. 53, 121.)

History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 98-1 amended paragraph 3 of Article VI by inserting “signatory state serving within its borders for any act or acts done by them in”, effective June 24, 1998.

Secs. 27-38a to 27-38e. Reserved for future use.

Sec. 27-38f. New England Disaster Training Center activity account. There is established an account to be known as the “New England Disaster Training Center activity account” which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account within the General Fund. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account and any moneys obtained from the proceeds of operational activities of the New England Disaster Training Center. Moneys in the account shall be expended by the Adjutant General for the purpose of operating the New England Disaster Training Center. The Adjutant General may apply for and accept gifts, grants and donations from public or private sources for the purposes of said account and any such gifts, grants or donations shall be deposited in said account.

(P.A. 13-113, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 13-113 effective July 1, 2013.

PART IV

PROPERTY, UNIFORMS, EQUIPMENT

Sec. 27-39. Use, maintenance, security and leasing of military facilities and other military property. Military facilities account. Report. (a) As used in this section “military facility” means any military building, structure, parcel of land or training site owned, leased or controlled by the state.

(b) The Adjutant General is charged with the responsibility for the use, maintenance, security and leasing of all military facilities and other military property under the provisions for such use imposed by the statutes. Each military facility shall be under the charge of a commissioned officer, designated by the Adjutant General. Each application for the lease or use of such facility shall be made to the Adjutant General, who shall approve or disapprove such application and so advise the applicant. Prior to any such approval, each applicant for lease or use of such facility shall furnish a certificate of insurance or self-insurance indemnifying the state and federal governments against any bodily injury to persons or damage to property. Any cost of such certificate shall be in addition to any other cost incurred as a result of such lease or use. Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, the Adjutant General shall limit the lease or use of military facilities to (1) military organizations, including youth military organizations, (2) nonprofit organizations, (3) organizations receiving state aid, (4) governmental agencies, and (5) members of the armed forces of the state. Proceeds from the lease of military facilities shall be paid to the Adjutant General, who shall promptly transmit such proceeds, except proceeds received from the lease of certain military facilities pursuant to subsection (e) of this section, to the State Treasurer for deposit in the military facilities account established under subsection (f) of this section. The Adjutant General shall, in military facilities where space is available, assign space to veterans' service organizations for their joint uses, subject to the regulations concerning military facilities. Units of the armed forces of the state and veterans' organizations jointly utilizing military facilities shall be allowed the use of the drill shed and such other common areas of the facility.

(c) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as allowing the lease or use of, or assignment of space in, any military facility (1) on the drill night of any active military organization stationed in the facility or in a manner that conflicts with the military usage of the facility, (2) at a reduced rate, except as provided in subdivision (2) of subsection (d) of this section, or (3) in a manner that conflicts with federal military regulations or the use of the facility for military purposes. In no case shall any lease approved by the Adjutant General pursuant to subsection (b) of this section permit subleasing.

(d) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, the Adjutant General may allow lease or use of any military facility, at a cost not exceeding the actual operating cost of such facility during the period of such lease or use, to (A) any public or private nonprofit elementary or secondary school or any public institution of higher education for purposes of athletic events with respect to which no admission is charged, (B) the American Red Cross for purposes of blood supply programs, (C) any local, state or federal governmental agency, (D) any agricultural or other association that receives state aid, (E) any charitable military organization, or (F) any member of the armed forces of the state for the limited purpose of holding a ceremony to recognize such member's significant military career event, including promotion, receipt of an award, enlistment, commission as an officer, marriage or retirement.

(2) The Adjutant General may allow use of any military facility, at no cost, to any youth military organization.

(e) The Adjutant General may lease the military facilities associated with the first and second companies of the Governor's Horse Guards in the towns of Avon and Newtown to any person, provided the terms of such lease do not conflict with the use of such facilities for military purposes. Proceeds from the lease of such military facilities in Avon and Newtown shall be paid to the Adjutant General, who shall promptly transmit such proceeds to the State Treasurer for deposit in the Governor's Guards horse account established under section 27-19e.

(f) There is established an account to be known as the “military facilities account” which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account within the General Fund. The account shall contain (1) any amounts appropriated or otherwise made available by the state for the purposes of the account, (2) any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account, and (3) gifts, grants, donations or bequests made for the purposes of the account. Moneys in the account shall be expended by the Military Department for the maintenance and renovation of military facilities.

(g) Not later than August first, annually, the Adjutant General shall submit a report of the amount of proceeds received from leasing each military facility and the expenses of each such facility, for the twelve-month period ending on June thirtieth of the same year, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to veterans' affairs, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a.

(1949 Rev., S. 1265; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 38; P.A. 81-270; P.A. 87-185; P.A. 89-260, S. 37, 41; P.A. 92-126, S. 30, 48; P.A. 06-46, S. 1; P.A. 11-48, S. 16; June 12 Sp. Sess. P.A. 12-1, S. 120; P.A. 14-122, S. 42; P.A. 16-52, S. 1; P.A. 18-143, S. 1; P.A. 19-46, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 81-270 divided the section into subsections and added provision allowing the use of state armories without rental for school or community college athletic events and Red Cross blood programs; P.A. 87-185 amended Subsec. (b), requiring the furnishing of a certificate of insurance, in lieu of a surety bond, in cases when admission is charged; P.A. 89-260 in Subsec. (b) deleted reference to state system of community colleges; P.A. 92-126 amended Subsec. (b) to change the reference to community college to community-technical college; P.A. 06-46 substituted “military facility” for “armory” and substituted “lease” for “rental” throughout, defined “military facility” in new Subsec. (a) and redesignated existing Subsecs. (a) and (b) as Subsecs. (b) and (c), respectively, in newly designated Subsec. (b) deleted references to “quarters”, limited leasing to certain organizations, made technical changes and added requirement that lease not conflict with military usage, in newly designated Subsec. (c) added “military organizations”, substituted “public institution of higher education” for “regional community technical college” and added Subdiv. (3) re governmental agency, and added Subsec. (d) re annual report; P.A. 11-48 amended Subsec. (c) by adding provision re use of facilities for fundraising by nonprofit organizations supporting the Governor's Horse Guards, effective July 1, 2011; June 12 Sp. Sess. P.A. 12-1 amended Subsec. (a) by redefining “military facility”, amended Subsec. (b) by revising provisions re Adjutant General's responsibilities for use, maintenance and leasing of military facilities and requiring transmission of lease proceeds to military facilities account, redesignated provisions of Subsec. (b) re restrictions on leasing as new Subsec. (c) and amended same by adding “or assignment of space in” and adding new Subdiv. (3) re conflicts with federal military regulations, redesignated existing Subsec. (c) as Subsec. (d) and amended same by eliminating requirement that applications for use of facilities be made through the officer in charge of the facility, replacing “when admission is charged” with “of lease or use of a facility by a nongovernmental entity” re requirement for a certificate of insurance and, in Subdiv. (3), adding provision re conflict with federal military regulations, added Subsec. (e) re military facilities account, redesignated existing Subsec. (d) as Subsec. (f) and amended same by eliminating requirement that report be submitted to Military Department and public safety committee, and made technical changes, effective June 15, 2012; P.A. 14-122 made a technical change in Subsec. (f); P.A. 16-52 amended Subsec. (a) by redefining “military facility”, amended Subsec. (b) by adding, “security”, replacing “armories, rifle ranges, military facilities, reservations” with “military facilities”, replacing “lease” with “lease or use”, adding provisions re certificate of insurance or self-insurance, adding exceptions re Subsec. (e), replacing “portions” with “common areas” and deleting provisions re lease conditions and terms, amended Subsec. (c) by replacing “lease” with “lease or use”, deleting provision re use by veterans organization for athletic contest or other entertainment in Subdiv. (2), adding provision re use for military purposes in Subdiv. (3) and replacing provision re subleasing not to be allowed re use by veteran's organization with provision re subleasing not to be permitted re any lease approved by Adjutant General, amended Subsec. (d) by deleting provisions re use at cost not exceeding actual maintenance cost and re certificate of insurance, replacing “use” with “lease or use”, replacing provision re use of military facility without charge with provision re use of military facility at cost not exceeding actual operating cost, deleting provision re use not to conflict with use for military purposes or with federal military regulations in Subdiv. (3), adding Subdiv. (4) re agricultural or other association and adding Subdiv. (5) re military organization, redesignated existing provisions in Subsec. (d) re use of military facilities associated with Governor's Horse Guards as Subsec. (e) and amended same by replacing “shall allow the use of” with “may lease”, replacing provision re use by nonprofit organizations with provision re lease to any person and adding provision re proceeds from lease, redesignated existing Subsecs. (e) and (f) as Subsecs. (f) and (g), and made conforming changes, effective May 25, 2016; P.A. 18-143 amended Subsec. (b) to add Subdiv. Designators (1) to (4) re limiting lease or use of military facilities, and add reference to youth military organizations in Subdiv. (1), amended Subsec. (c)(2) to add exception re Subsec. (d)(2), amended Subsec. (d) to redesignate existing Subdivs. (1) to (5) as Subparas. (A) to (E), designate existing provisions re lease or use of military facility as new Subdiv. (1), add exception re Subdiv. (2) in redesignated Subpara. (E), and add new Subdiv. (2) re Adjutant General allowing use at no cost to youth military organization, effective July 1, 2018; P.A. 19-46 amended Subsec. (b) by adding Subdiv. (5) re members of the armed forces, amended Subsec. (d)(1) by adding provision re exception in Subdiv. (2), adding “charitable” and deleting provision re exception in Subdiv. (2) in Subpara. (E), and adding Subpara. (F) re member of armed forces for purpose of holding ceremony, and made technical changes, effective July 1, 2019.

Sec. 27-39a. Camp Nett at Niantic and Camp Hartell named. (a) The state military training facility in Niantic shall be named Camp Nett at Niantic in honor of Connecticut Army National Guard Colonel Robert B. Nett, recipient of the congressional medal of honor for his actions on December 14, 1944, during the Second World War.

(b) The state military training facility in Windsor Locks shall be named Camp Hartell in honor of Connecticut Army National Guard First Lieutenant Lee R. Hartell, recipient of the congressional medal of honor for his actions on August 27, 1951, during the Korean hostilities.

(P.A. 10-69, S. 1; P.A. 18-21, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 10-69 effective January 6, 2011; P.A. 18-21 designated existing provision re state military training facility in Niantic as Subsec. (a), and amended same to replace “Camp Niantic” with “Camp Nett at Niantic” and add provision re Colonel Robert B. Nett, and added Subsec. (b) re Camp Hartell and Lee R. Hartell, effective March 25, 2019.

Sec. 27-40. Space in armories for use of naval militia. The Adjutant General shall, at the request of the commander of the naval militia, designate suitable space in any armory of the state in which space is requested for the use and shore training of units of the naval militia.

(1949 Rev., S. 1251.)

Sec. 27-41. Accountability for military property. The commanding officer of each organization of the organized militia or National Guard or naval militia to whom ordnance, quartermaster and other stores are issued shall be accountable or responsible therefor and such property shall remain in the armory of that organization except when in use in discharge of military duty or when otherwise ordered by the Governor. A suitable armory shall be selected for the deposit of such property, and no property shall be issued until the bonds required have been executed and approved as provided by law.

(1949 Rev., S. 1266.)

Sec. 27-42. Loss and misuse of military property. Section 27-42 is repealed.

(1949 Rev., S. 1267; 1967, P.A. 717, S. 136.)

Sec. 27-43. Injury and destruction of military property. Any person who wilfully or wantonly injures or destroys any uniform, arm, equipment or other military property of the state or the United States and refuses to make good such injury or loss, or who sells or disposes of the same or secretes or retains or removes the same, with intent to sell or dispose of it, shall be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than six months or both.

(1949 Rev., S. 1268.)

Sec. 27-44. Improper receipt of military property. Any person who knowingly purchases or receives in pawn or pledge any arm, equipment or article of military clothing or any commissary, quartermaster or ordnance stores, the property of the state of Connecticut or of the United States, shall be fined not more than three hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than one year or both.

(1949 Rev., S. 1269.)

Sec. 27-45. Purchase and construction of armories. In towns in which one or more military companies are located, suitable armories for the use of such companies may be built or purchased by the state in accordance with the military needs and as recommended by the Adjutant General from time to time. The Adjutant General shall prepare and submit to the General Assembly an armory construction or purchase program which shall be considered the policy of the state and shall be the basis for establishing priority in the appropriation of state money for new construction or the purchase of armories, buildings or land for military purposes, and a copy of such report shall be furnished to the Commissioner of Administrative Services and the State Properties Review Board. The armory construction program shall be submitted to the Governor on or before the first day of January in the odd-numbered years. A copy of such report shall be submitted to the appropriate committees of the General Assembly for their information. All contracts for buildings or purchasing shall be made by the Commissioner of Administrative Services, who shall have power to purchase land and build armories subject to the provisions of section 4b-23. The Comptroller shall draw his order on the Treasurer for such sums as are necessary to pay bills contracted by said commissioner for the purposes aforesaid, within the limits of the appropriations made; and the state is authorized to take any land said commissioner deems necessary for the purpose of locating permanent armories, as provided in section 48-12.

(1949 Rev., S. 1309; March, 1950, S. 874d; P.A. 75-425, S. 42, 57; P.A. 77-614, S. 73, 610; P.A. 87-496, S. 96, 110; P.A. 11-51, S. 90; P.A. 13-247, S. 200.)

History: P.A. 75-425 added provision for copy of report to be furnished to the state properties review board and added reference to Sec. 4-26b; P.A. 77-614 replaced public works commissioner with commissioner of administrative services; P.A. 87-496 substituted “public works” for “administrative services” commissioner; pursuant to P.A. 11-51, “Commissioner of Public Works” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Commissioner of Construction Services”, effective July 1, 2011; pursuant to P.A. 13-247, “Commissioner of Construction Services” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Commissioner of Administrative Services”, effective July 1, 2013.

Cited. 124 C. 32.

Sec. 27-46. Federal grants for armories and military facilities. The Governor is authorized (a) to apply for and receive grants or any other benefits from the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof for the purpose of construction, repair or alteration of armories or military facilities; (b) to instruct the Treasurer and Adjutant General, on behalf of the state, to enter into a lease with the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof covering such real or personal property of the state and for such period of years as said United States of America or such agency or instrumentality thereof may require as a condition precedent to the giving of such grants and benefits; (c) to do and to authorize to be done every act and thing necessary to meet the requirements of and to obtain any and all grants, grants-in-aid and other benefits made available by the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof.

(1949 Rev., S. 1310; September, 1957, P.A. 7, S. 1.)

Sec. 27-46a. Use of proceeds from sale of armories. Section 27-46a is repealed and any balance remaining in the fund created under said section on July 1, 1975 shall be transferred to the General Fund.

(1967, P.A. 658; P.A. 75-475, S. 1, 3.)

Sec. 27-46b. Transfer of proceeds from sale of armories. The proceeds derived from the sale of armories constructed under section 27-45 or 27-46 shall be credited to the General Fund.

(P.A. 75-475, S. 2, 3.)

Sec. 27-47. Allowance for uniforms and equipment. Each commissioned and warrant officer of the organized militia of the state shall provide himself with a complete uniform and equipment as provided by regulation. When so equipped, such officer shall receive an initial allowance of one hundred dollars in payment for such uniform and equipment. Each active commissioned or warrant officer of the organized militia of the state, so uniformed and equipped, who has received one such initial allowance shall receive each second fiscal year thereafter an allowance of fifty dollars.

(1949 Rev., S. 1270, 1278; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 39; 1959, P.A. 443; February, 1965, P.A. 333, S. 1.)

History: 1959 act made periodic allowance payable biennially instead of annually; 1965 act substituted “organized militia” for “armed forces” where appearing.

Sec. 27-48. Payment for uniforms of National Guard and naval militia officers inducted into United States services. Section 27-48 is repealed.

(1949 Rev., S. 1272; February, 1965, P.A. 371, S. 1.)

PART V

PERSONNEL AND PRIVILEGES

Sec. 27-49. Appointment of commissioned officers. Officers of the National Guard and naval militia shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to the procedure prescribed in regulations of the United States Department of Defense relating to the National Guard and naval militia. The rule of seniority shall be followed when practicable. Only such officers shall be commissioned in the National Guard and naval militia as have successfully passed the tests and examinations as to physical, moral and professional fitness prescribed by the laws and regulations of the United States relating to the qualifications of National Guard or naval militia officers. Officers of the organized militia, as provided for in section 27-2, shall be appointed in accordance with regulations approved by the Governor.

(1949 Rev., S. 1254; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 20; P.A. 22-34, S. 23.)

History: P.A. 22-34 made a technical change.

Governor need not style himself as such in signing commission but may sign in his military capacity. 17 C. 570. Commission accepted by the General Assembly is proof of official character. Id.; 91 C. 440.

Sec. 27-50. Rank of members of naval militia. No member of the naval militia shall hold a higher rank or rating in the naval militia than the highest rank or rating held by him in the United States Navy or United States Coast Guard, whether regular, retired or reserve.

(1949 Rev., S. 1250.)

Sec. 27-51. Staff officers: Military training required; term of service. No staff officer of the armed forces of the state, including any officer of the pay, inspection, subsistence and medical departments, shall be appointed unless such officer has had previous military experience, and any such staff officer other than a medical officer of the State Guard shall hold office until he has reached the age of sixty-four years, unless retired prior to that time by reason of resignation or disability or for cause to be determined by a court-martial legally convened for that purpose or, for officers of the National Guard or naval militia, for any other reason specified by laws or regulations of the United States pertaining thereto. Medical officers of the State Guard may be appointed and may serve after reaching sixty-four years of age.

(1949 Rev., S. 1258; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 21; P.A. 80-101.)

History: P.A. 80-101 excepted medical officers from age limitations.

Sec. 27-52. Discharge of commissioned officers. At any time the moral character, or capacity or general fitness for service, of any officer of the armed forces of the state may be determined by an efficiency board, consisting of three commissioned officers, senior in rank to the officer whose fitness for service is under investigation, and, if the findings of such board are unfavorable to such officer and are approved by the Governor, he shall be discharged. Commissions of officers may be vacated upon resignation, upon absence without leave for three months, upon the recommendation of an efficiency board or pursuant to sentence of a court-martial or, for officers of the National Guard and naval militia, for any other reason specified by laws or regulations of the United States pertaining thereto.

(1949 Rev., S. 1255; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 22.)

Sec. 27-53. Retirement of members. Retirement promotions. (a) When a member of the armed forces of the state or the Governor's military staff, whose service has been honorable, has served ten years, he or she may, if he or she makes a timely application to the Adjutant General through the chain of command prior to such member's retirement date, be retired from active service and placed upon the retired list. Such retirement shall be in the highest grade in which he or she has served. When such service equals or exceeds twenty years, he or she may, upon his or her application to the Adjutant General, through the chain of command prior to such member's retirement date, be commissioned at or promoted to the next higher grade than the highest grade at which he or she may have held at any time, either in the armed forces of the state or the Governor's military staff or the armed forces of the United States, which higher grade shall not be above the grade of a brigadier general or sergeant major, and shall thereafter be placed upon the retired list with such grade. Members may only receive the retirement promotion provided under this section one time. In determining such term of service of twenty years, there may be added to any term of not less than ten years' service in the armed forces of the state or the Governor's military staff the term of service with the armed forces of the United States, either active, inactive or reserve. Retirement shall be obligatory for all members reaching the age of sixty-four years or as required for members of the National Guard and naval militia by laws and regulations pertaining thereto.

(b) A retired member of the armed forces of the state or the Governor's military staff, whose service was honorable, who served thirty or more years and who did not apply for a retirement promotion prior to retirement, may apply directly to the Adjutant General to be commissioned at or promoted to the next higher grade than the highest grade at which he or she may have held at any time, either in the armed forces of the state or the Governor's military staff or the armed forces of the United States, which higher grade shall not be above the grade of a brigadier general or sergeant major.

(1949 Rev., S. 1256; 1949, S. 859d; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 23; P.A. 74-321, S. 7; P.A. 09-4, S. 1; P.A. 10-15, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 74-321 substituted “person” for “man” and added “or she” wherever “he” appears; P.A. 09-4 expanded persons eligible to be placed on retired list to include members, allowed for a member to be commissioned at or promoted to next higher grade at retirement after 20 years' service, limited retirement grade promotion to not above brigadier general or sergeant major and to one time only, and made conforming and technical changes, effective May 4, 2009; P.A. 10-15 designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a) and replaced “military or naval” with “armed” therein and added Subsec. (b) re applications for promotion after retirement.

To whom provisions may apply. 12 CS 21.

Sec. 27-54. Status of retired members. Members on the retired list shall serve thereon without pay; shall be withdrawn from unit rosters, command and from line of promotion and shall continue to be borne on the register of the armed forces of the state, and shall be entitled to wear, within the limitations prescribed by the laws and regulations of the United States, the uniform of the rank on which they have been retired. They shall, at all times, be subject to the rules and regulations governing the armed forces of the state. They may, with their consent, be detailed from the retired list and placed upon active duty at any time when ordered by the Governor and, when on such duty, shall be entitled to the pay and allowances of members of a similar grade on the active list.

(1949 Rev., S. 1257; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 24; P.A. 09-4, S. 2; P.A. 10-15, S. 2.)

History: P.A. 09-4 replaced “officers” with “members” and inserted “unit rosters”, effective May 4, 2009; P.A. 10-15 replaced “officers” with “members”.

Sec. 27-55. Period of enlistment and qualifications. The period of enlistment and qualifications to enlist in the National Guard and naval militia shall be as prescribed by the laws and regulations of the United States relating to the National Guard, naval militia or United States naval reserve force. Each officer or enlisted person of the National Guard or naval militia who may be drafted into the service of the United States shall, upon his or her discharge from the armed forces of the United States, resume his or her membership in the National Guard or naval militia of this state and shall continue to serve in the National Guard or naval militia of this state until the date upon which his or her enlistment entered into prior to the draft would have expired if uninterrupted. Enlistments in the organized militia shall be prescribed in the regulations of the Adjutant General approved by the Governor.

(1949 Rev., S. 1253; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 25; P.A. 74-321, S. 8.)

History: P.A. 74-321 provided for references to sex to pertain to both men and women.

Acceptance of petition for organization of company as constituting an enlistment. 40 C. 286.

Sec. 27-56. Enlistment in the Governor's Guards. Section 27-56 is repealed, effective June 7, 2016.

(1949 Rev., S. 1316; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 26; P.A. 99-139, S. 3; P.A. 16-165, S. 1.)

Sec. 27-57. Discharge of enlisted persons. Each person who has served the prescribed period of enlistment in the armed forces of the state shall, after the expiration of such period of enlistment, be thereby entitled to an honorable discharge, but this section shall not apply to any person against whom military charges are pending, or to any person who has been dropped for desertion, absence without leave or other unauthorized absence, until such person has made good the time lost during such period as such person may have been so dropped. No person shall be dishonorably discharged from the armed forces of the state except upon the sentence of a general court-martial. No resignation, removal or discharge shall in any way affect the liability of such person for public property in such person's possession or for which such person is responsible, or for fines or dues due the organization to which such person belongs, or for fines for nonperformance of military duty legally imposed.

(1949 Rev., S. 1259; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 27; P.A. 75-106.)

History: P.A. 75-106 substituted “such person” for “he” or “his”.

Sec. 27-58. Dismissal of members of Governor's Guards. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 27-52, the commanding officer of any such company of the Governor's Guards may dismiss any member belonging thereto who neglects his duties, but such member may, within thirty days after receiving notice of such dismissal, appeal to the Adjutant General, who may annul or affirm such dismissal. The commanding officer of such company may fill the vacancy created by such dismissal subject to the provisions of sections 27-6a and 27-7.

(1949 Rev., S. 1319; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 28; P.A. 90-5, S. 1, 2.)

History: P.A. 90-5 permitted commanding officer to dismiss any member of the company for neglect of duty and to fill vacancy created by such dismissal and allowed member to appeal to adjutant general instead of commander-in-chief.

Sec. 27-59. Discrimination prohibited. Subject to federal law or regulation governing membership in the National Guard, no person shall be denied membership in the armed forces of the state, nor be discriminated against in the matter of promotion therein, on account of such person's religion, national origin, color, race, sex, gender identity or expression or sexual orientation. No units of such organizations shall be formed, and no separate types of duties or separate accommodations shall be assigned, in such a manner as to result in the segregation of members thereof on account of religion, national origin, color, race, sex, gender identity or expression or sexual orientation, except that accommodations may be assigned consistent with any federal military regulation or service policy.

(1949, S. 869d; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 29; P.A. 16-153, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 16-153 added provision re federal law or regulation governing membership in National Guard, replaced “his race, creed or color” with “such person's religion, national origin, color, race, sex, gender identity or expression or sexual orientation” and added provision re accommodations assigned consistent with federal military regulation or service policy, effective June 7, 2016.

Sec. 27-60. Limited liability and immunity from arrest. If any person or persons, resisting the laws of the state or unlawfully or riotously assembled, are injured or killed by any member of the armed forces of the state called out for service in such cases, each member of the armed forces of the state so called out shall be discharged from all civil or criminal liability therefor. All active members of the armed forces of the state shall, except for treason, felony and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest and imprisonment by civil authority while under orders in the active service of the state, from the date of the issuing of such orders to the time when such service ceases.

(1949 Rev., S. 1296; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 30.)

PART VI

PAY, ALLOWANCES AND BENEFITS

Sec. 27-61. Definitions. Pay and allowances. (a) As used in this part:

(1) “Member of the armed forces of the state” means a member of the organized militia, the National Guard, or the naval militia and the marine corps branch of the naval militia, and includes any retired member thereof who is detailed from the retired list in accordance with section 27-54; and

(2) “Military duty” means the performance of military service by a member of the armed forces of the state pursuant to competent state military orders, whether paid or unpaid for such military service, including training, performance of emergency response missions and traveling directly to or returning directly from the location of such military service.

(b) For military duty when ordered out by the Governor, except when federal pay has been authorized, each member of the armed forces of the state assigned to a federally recognized National Guard unit in Connecticut shall be paid at the same rate, including longevity pay and allowances, as would be authorized if ordered out by federal authority.

(c) For military duty when ordered out by the Governor, each member of the armed forces of the state in a unit of the organized militia which is not federally recognized shall be paid on the same scale as the federal pay for corresponding grades of the federally recognized National Guard, including longevity pay and allowances. Unless otherwise provided by law, the determination of the corresponding grades in the armed forces of the state shall be made by the Adjutant General.

(d) Each member of the naval militia when ordered out by the Governor, except when federal pay has been authorized, shall receive for each day of military duty the same pay and allowances as are prescribed by the federal government for the corresponding grades of members of the United States Navy.

(e) Members of the armed forces of the state, with the consent of the member and the consent of the Governor, may be ordered to perform military duty, including training, with or without pay and allowances. Prior to being ordered to perform military duty without pay and allowances, such members shall be notified of their right to refuse consent at the time the consent required by this section is sought. Military duty without pay and allowances shall be, for all purposes other than compensation for the duty performed, construed as if it were duty with pay and allowances.

(f) When performing military duty with pay and allowances, members of the armed forces of the state shall be entitled to pay and allowances on the same scale as the corresponding grades of the federally recognized National Guard. Any such member who is detailed from the retired list in accordance with section 27-54 shall be entitled to pay and allowances in their state retired grade on the same scale as the corresponding grades of the federally recognized National Guard.

(1949 Rev., S. 1273; 1949, S. 861d; 1959, P.A. 464, S. 1; P.A. 74-321, S. 9; P.A. 78-258; P.A. 13-25, S. 1.)

History: 1959 act deleted provision for additional compensation for supply sergeants and adjutants; P.A. 74-321 substituted “person” for “man” and “personnel” for “men” where appearing; P.A. 78-258 provided for extra compensation of $10 for enlisted personnel and $5 for warrant officers and first and second lieutenants and in the case of the naval militia, $10 for enlisted personnel and $5 for chief petty officers, warrant officers, lieutenants (j.g.) and ensigns; P.A. 13-25 added Subsec. (a) re definitions of “member of the armed forces of the state” in Subdiv. (1) and “military duty” in Subdiv. (2), designated existing provisions re rate of pay for member assigned to a National Guard unit as Subsec. (b) and amended same to delete provision re amount of rate increase, designated existing provisions re rate of pay for member in unit of organized militia as Subsec. (c) and amended same to delete reference to tables of organization and delete provisions re amount of pay increase and expenses, designated existing provisions re rate of pay for member of naval militia as Subsec. (d) and amended same to delete provision re amount of pay increase, added Subsec. (e) re military duty without pay, added Subsec. (f) re pay and allowances when performing military duty and made technical and conforming changes.

Sec. 27-61a. Additional pay for active service on or after September 11, 2001. (a) As used in this section, “eligible member or veteran” means a member or former member of the Connecticut National Guard who (1) is or was called to active service on or after September 11, 2001, (2) is or was in such active service for at least ninety consecutive days, and (3) if discharged, is or was honorably discharged or discharged for injuries sustained in the line of duty.

(b) (1) On and after July 1, 2005, the Adjutant General shall pay each eligible member or veteran the amount of fifty dollars for each month or major part thereof of active service by such eligible member or veteran on or after September 11, 2001. On and before June 30, 2007, the maximum payment to any eligible member or veteran shall not exceed five hundred dollars.

(2) On and after July 1, 2007, the maximum payment to any eligible member or veteran under this subsection shall not exceed five hundred dollars, except that such maximum payment shall not exceed one thousand two hundred dollars if, during such active service, such eligible member or veteran is or was deployed to an area designated as a combat zone by the President of the United States.

(3) No payment shall be made under this subsection to any eligible member or veteran who makes application for such payment later than three years after the date of the cessation of such operations in which such member or veteran served.

(c) The Adjutant General, in consultation with the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section. Such regulations shall include procedures for verification of eligibility of an eligible member or veteran and for the application for and payment of the amounts specified in this section.

(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3, S. 14; P.A. 07-187, S. 1; P.A. 16-167, S. 27.)

History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3 effective June 30, 2005; P.A. 07-187 redefined “eligible member or veteran” in Subsec. (a) to delete required deployment to combat zone, and amended Subsec. (b) to insert Subdiv. designators, reorganize provisions and increase maximum payment from $500 to $1,200 for those deployed to a combat zone, effective July 1, 2007; P.A. 16-167 amended Subsec. (c) to replace “Commissioner of Veterans' Affairs” with “Commissioner of Veterans Affairs”, effective July 1, 2016.

Sec. 27-62. Allowance to officers of military units for office and clerical expenses. Within the funds appropriated to the Military Department, the Adjutant General may grant an annual allowance to commanding officers of military units of the National Guard or organized militia for office and clerical services, printing, postage, stationery and office equipment. Such annual allowances shall be based on an evaluation of the needs of each such officer as determined by the Adjutant General. For purposes of determining the maximum appropriation for such allowances, the following amounts shall be used: The commanding general of a division, four thousand five hundred dollars; the commanding general of the Air National Guard, four thousand five hundred dollars; commanding officers of brigades, regiments and groups, two thousand five hundred dollars; separate battalions or squadron commanders, one thousand dollars; each battery, troop and company commander, five hundred dollars, and each detachment commander, five hundred dollars. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 4d-5 relating to the provision and maintenance of necessary telephone and telegraph service for the several state agencies, all of the foregoing payments, including the costs of telephone and telegraph service, shall be paid by the Adjutant General on properly certified vouchers. Headquarters and units of the naval militia shall be similarly paid an amount equal to that provided above for corresponding headquarters and units of the National Guard or organized militia.

(1949 Rev., S. 1271; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 31; 1959, P.A. 504, S. 1; February, 1965, P.A. 293, S. 1; 379, S. 1; P.A. 77-507, S. 1, 3.)

History: 1959 act reduced from $8,000 to $5,000 annual allowance for commanding general of a division and provided $3,500 for commanding general of air national guard, reduced allowances for lower echelon and deleted compensation for care of property as it pertained to bonded officers other than supply officers and commanding officers; 1965 acts excepted the military department from application of Sec. 3-116 pertaining to provision and maintenance of telephone and telegraph service for state agencies and provided such costs be paid by the adjutant general, deleted compensation for care of property as it pertained to commanding officers and supply sergeants, provided same allowance for commanding generals of air and ground units and substituted permissive for mandatory language pertaining to the payment of the allowances; P.A. 77-507 fixed maximum amounts to be paid the various units but provided for the adjutant general to grant an annual allowance to each based on his evaluation of its needs and added application to organized militia.

Sec. 27-63. Allowance to officers of organized militia for custody of property. Commanding officers and supply officers of the organized militia, bonded for the care of United States and state property, shall be allowed fifty dollars a year as compensation for the care of such property, to be paid by the Adjutant General on or before the thirtieth day of June in each year, or as soon thereafter as possible, provided all United States and state property shall be found on hand and in satisfactory condition at the state inspection of that year and provided the value of such property not satisfactorily accounted for shall be deducted from the payment for its care.

(1949 Rev., S. 1279; 1951, S. 865d; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 32; February, 1965, P.A. 293, S. 2; P.A. 77-507, S. 2, 3.)

History: 1965 act excepted organized militia from provisions of Sec. 3-116 pertaining to responsibility for telephone and telegraph service, providing such costs by paid by the adjutant general; P.A. 77-507 deleted all provisions pertaining to unit administrative allowances and telephone and telegraph services (having added organized militia to application of these same provisions in Sec. 27-62) retaining the provisions for compensation for care of property.

Sec. 27-64. Armories. Each company of the Governor's Guards shall be entitled to an armory to be provided by the Adjutant General and paid for by the Comptroller, on approval by the Governor.

(1949 Rev., S. 1320; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 33; 1959, P.A. 442, S. 1.)

History: 1959 act removed allowance for care of rifles and sabres.

Sec. 27-65. Aid or compensation for military or naval organizations. No military or naval organization shall receive from the state any aid or compensation, except that authorized by the laws of this state and except as hereinafter provided for the organized militia; but this section shall not affect the loan of arms and equipment made by the Adjutant General when authorized by the General Assembly. No breech-loading gun shall be issued or loaned to any organization other than the companies of the organized militia, National Guard or naval militia.

(1949 Rev., S. 1305.)

Sec. 27-66. Appropriations for special services of the militia. The Governor may, at any time, by a writing signed by him, direct the Comptroller to draw his order on the Treasurer, in favor of the disbursing officer of the Connecticut National Guard, organized militia or naval militia, for such sums as the Governor may find to be necessary to meet expenses for pay, subsistence and other expenses of any of said organizations or the officers or members thereof, by reason of special services ordered according to law, for the payment of which expenses no appropriation has been made or is available.

(1949 Rev., S. 1306.)

Sec. 27-67. Compensation under Workers' Compensation Act. (a) A member of the armed forces of the state performing military duty in accordance with section 27-17, 27-18 or 27-61 shall be construed to be an employee of the state for the specific purposes of liability, immunity and being subject to the jurisdiction of the Workers' Compensation Commission and shall be compensated in accordance with the provisions of chapter 568 for death, disability or injury incurred while performing such military duty. A member of the armed forces of the state performing such military duty shall not be considered an employee of the state for other purposes.

(b) Any member of the armed forces of the state who is injured while performing military duty in accordance with section 27-17, 27-18 or 27-61 may collect benefits under the provisions of chapter 568 based on the salary of the member's employment or the average production wage in the state, as determined by the Labor Commissioner under the provisions of section 31-309, whichever is greater. The provisions of this subsection shall apply only if the member of the armed forces of the state is unable to perform the member's regular employment duties.

(c) For the purpose of this section, there shall be no prorating of compensation benefits because of other employment by a member of the armed forces of the state.

(1949 Rev., S. 1282; 1951, S. 867d; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 35; 1963, P.A. 461; P.A. 77-552, S. 1; P.A. 05-236, S. 1; P.A. 13-25, S. 2.)

History: 1963 act changed from 90 days to 6 months the time limit over which disability not considered temporary; P.A. 77-552 substituted more precise language to define disease, injury and relationship to duty and provided compensation for permanent as well as temporary disability, deleting time limit distinction between the two; P.A. 05-236 placed members of the armed forces of the state who are injured or contract disease under Workers' Compensation Act, eliminated authority of Adjutant General to designate medical officer or board to examine claimant, inquire into merits of claims and fix amount of award, approve or disapprove finding of examiner or board, reopen claims and conduct appeals, and made technical changes for purposes of gender neutrality, effective July 1, 2005; P.A. 13-25 replaced former provisions with Subsec. (a) re compensation for death, disability or injury while performing military duty in accordance with Ch. 568, Subsec. (b) re benefits based on salary or average production wage and Subsec. (c) re no proration of benefits.

Sec. 27-67a. Disability incident to state service prior to June 6, 1977. Section 27-67a is repealed, effective October 1, 2013.

(P.A. 77-552, S. 2; P.A. 10-32, S. 92; P.A. 13-25, S. 7.)

Sec. 27-68. Payments for injuries. Section 27-68 is repealed, effective July 1, 2005.

(1949 Rev., S. 1280; 1949, S. 866d; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 36; P.A. 74-321, S. 10; P.A. 05-236, S. 3.)

Secs. 27-69 and 27-69a. Death benefits. Death benefits for deaths between September 11, 2001, and June 30, 2006. Sections 27-69 and 27-69a are repealed, effective October 1, 2013.

(1949 Rev., S. 1275; 1949, S. 863d; P.A. 77-549, S. 1; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3, S. 8; P.A. 13-25, S. 7.)

Sec. 27-70. Reimbursement for damages caused by armed forces personnel. The Comptroller is authorized, upon the approval of the Attorney General, to draw his order upon the Treasurer to reimburse, in such sum or sums as are deemed advisable, any person, partnership, fiduciary or corporation for damages to person or property caused by the act of an officer or enlisted person of the armed forces of the state in line of duty, or to pay to the dependents of such person, if the person is killed, such sum or sums as are deemed advisable; provided a board of inquiry appointed by the Adjutant General shall have determined that such damage was caused by the act of an officer or enlisted person of the armed forces of the state while in line of duty and shall have established the extent of such damage.

(1949 Rev., S. 1276; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 37; P.A. 74-321, S. 11.)

History: P.A. 74-321 substituted “person” for “man” where appearing.

PART VII

HONORS

Sec. 27-71. Long service medals. The Adjutant General, upon receipt of an application, shall present the long service medal adopted by this state to each soldier or sailor who has completed ten years' faithful service in the armed forces of the state and for each additional five years' service therein the adopted clasp in exchange. In the determination of length of service, the term of service of any member of the armed forces of the state with the military or naval forces of the United States in time of war since April 21, 1898, upon proof of honorable discharge from the same, may be added to the number of years served with the armed forces of the state.

(1949 Rev., S. 1284; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 41.)

Sec. 27-72. Medal of valor. The Adjutant General and two officers of field grade or above, detailed by the Adjutant General, shall act as a board to receive recommendations through military channels for the award of the medal of valor to any member of the armed forces of the state who, by reason of conspicuous gallantry, at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, while on military service, is recommended for the award of such medal of valor, and to make such awards as the board finds suitable.

(November, 1955, S. N115.)

Sec. 27-73. Medal of merit. The Adjutant General and two officers of field grade or above, appointed by the Adjutant General, shall constitute a board of officers to receive recommendations, through military channels, for the award of the medal of merit to any member of the armed forces of the state who has distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in performing outstanding service while a member of the armed forces of the state and to make such awards as the board finds suitable.

(November, 1955, S. N116.)

Sec. 27-73a. Emergency service awards. The Adjutant General, at his or her discretion, may issue an appropriate service ribbon to all members of the armed forces of the state ordered to active duty in time of emergency for upholding the law and preserving order, protecting lives and property, assisting civil authorities, providing aid and relief to civilians in disaster or similar service ordered by the Governor. A bronze oak leaf cluster shall be issued in lieu of succeeding awards and a silver oak leaf cluster shall be worn in lieu of five bronze oak leaf clusters.

(1961, P.A. 293; 1963, P.A. 253; P.A. 13-247, S. 115.)

History: 1963 act substituted discretionary language for mandatory provision for issuance of service ribbon when members ordered to active duty and deleted provision for a seven-day minimum for eligibility; P.A. 13-247 replaced provision allowing silver oak leaf cluster to be worn in lieu of 3 bronze oak leaf clusters with provision requiring silver oak leaf cluster to be worn in lieu of 5 bronze oak leaf clusters and made technical changes, effective June 19, 2013.

Sec. 27-73b. Outstanding unit awards. The Adjutant General shall issue an appropriate service ribbon to all members of the unit declared to be the outstanding company-size unit in the Connecticut National Guard in accordance with National Guard regulations, provided such members participated in at least fifty per cent of the unit's training activities during the period covered by the award. A bronze oak leaf cluster shall be issued in lieu of succeeding awards and a silver oak leaf cluster shall be worn in lieu of five bronze oak leaf clusters.

(1961, P.A. 297; P.A. 13-247, S. 116.)

History: P.A. 13-247 substituted provision requiring silver oak leaf cluster to be worn in lieu of 5 bronze oak leaf clusters for provision allowing silver oak leaf cluster to be worn in lieu of 3 bronze oak leaf clusters and deleted provision re awards retroactive to 1947, effective June 19, 2013.

Sec. 27-73c. Selected reserve force awards. The Adjutant General may issue the selected reserve force ribbon to members of the armed forces of the state who have served honorably in a selected reserve force unit designated by the United States Army for a period of at least one year from October 1, 1965, to September 3, 1969, inclusive. The award may be issued to current, retired or separated members of the armed forces of the state, and may be awarded posthumously.

(P.A. 87-58.)

Sec. 27-73d. Service ribbons for military operations after September 11, 2001. The Adjutant General may issue an appropriate service ribbon to members of the National Guard or organized militia who were called to active service in the armed forces of the state or United States for at least thirty consecutive days in support of any military operation commencing after September 11, 2001, during a time of war, as defined in section 27-103. A bronze service star shall be issued in lieu of succeeding awards and a silver service star shall be worn in lieu of five bronze stars. The ribbon may be awarded posthumously.

(P.A. 91-400, S. 4, 5; P.A. 05-21, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 05-21 changed reference to “Connecticut National Guard” to “National Guard or organized militia”, added requirement that service be for at least 30 consecutive days, deleted reference to “Operation Desert Shield or Operation Desert Storm” and substituted reference to “any military operation commencing after September 11, 2001, during a time of war”, and added provision re issuance of bronze service star and wearing of silver service star in lieu of five bronze stars, and made technical changes, effective May 9, 2005.

Sec. 27-73e. Ribbons and medals for veterans who served in time of war and honorably discharged armed forces reservists who served during period of war. Regulations. The Commissioner of Veterans Affairs in conjunction with the Adjutant General shall award a ribbon and medal to each (1) veteran who either (A) was a resident of this state at the time he or she was called to active duty for service in time of war, or (B) is domiciled in this state on the date of such award, and (2) former member of any reserve component of the armed forces who was honorably discharged who either (A) was a resident of this state at the time he or she was serving in such reserve component during a period of war, or (B) is domiciled in this state on the date of such award. The commissioner in conjunction with the Adjutant General shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, setting forth the process for designing the ribbon and medal, identifying such veterans and former members who are eligible for the ribbon and medal under this section and establishing procedures for distributing the ribbon and medal to each such eligible veteran and former member. The cost of the ribbons and medals shall be paid from the funds appropriated to the military assistance account within the Military Department. Within existing budgetary resources, awards under this section may be made posthumously for veterans who died on or after November 12, 1918. As used in this section, “veteran”, “service in time of war” and “period of war” have the same meanings as provided in subsection (a) of section 27-103.

(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3, S. 15; P.A. 08-87, S. 1; P.A. 09-90, S. 1; P.A. 16-164, S. 1; 16-167, S. 28; P.A. 17-83, S. 1.)

History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3 effective July 1, 2005; P.A. 08-87 authorized awards to be made posthumously on or after July 1, 2005, effective May 23, 2008; P.A. 09-90 added language re posthumous awards, within existing budgetary resources, to veterans who died on or after January 1, 2000, effective June 2, 2009; P.A. 16-164 replaced “January 1, 2000” with “November 12, 1918” re awards made posthumously, effective June 6, 2016; P.A. 16-167 replaced “Commissioner of Veterans' Affairs” with “Commissioner of Veterans Affairs”, effective July 1, 2016; P.A. 17-83 designated existing provision re veteran as new Subdiv. (1), redesignated existing Subdivs. (1) and (2) as Subparas. (A) and (B), respectively, added new Subdiv. (2) re former member of reserve component of armed forces, added definitions of “veteran”, “service in time of war” and “period of war”, and made technical and conforming changes.

Sec. 27-73f. Achievement ribbons. The Adjutant General shall issue an achievement ribbon to the soldier, airman and noncommissioned officer of the year in the Connecticut National Guard.

(P.A. 08-87, S. 4.)

History: P.A. 08-87 effective July 1, 2008.

Sec. 27-73g. Medal of achievement. The Adjutant General and two officers of field grade or above, appointed by the Adjutant General, shall constitute a board of officers to receive recommendations, through military channels, for the award, within available appropriations, of the medal of achievement to any member of the armed forces of the state, as defined in section 27-2, the armed forces of the United States or the armed forces of any other state, who has distinguished himself or herself through outstanding achievement or meritorious service during the performance of any state military service. A bronze oak leaf cluster shall be issued in lieu of succeeding awards and a silver oak leaf cluster shall be worn in lieu of five bronze oak leaf clusters.

(P.A. 13-247, S. 114; P.A. 16-166, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 13-247 effective June 19, 2013; P.A. 16-166 replaced reference to member of Connecticut National Guard with reference to member of armed forces of state, armed forces of United States or armed forces of any other state and deleted references to Sec. 27-61 and Ch. 518 re state military service, effective June 7, 2016.

Sec. 27-73h. Military recruitment ribbon. Except as provided in this section, the Adjutant General shall issue a military recruitment ribbon to each member of the armed forces of the state, as defined in section 27-2, who has assisted in the recruitment of three persons, which persons enlist as new members of the armed forces of the state on or after July 1, 2017, complete basic training and qualify for a military occupational specialty. A bronze oak leaf cluster shall be issued in lieu of succeeding awards and a silver oak leaf cluster shall be worn in lieu of five bronze oak leaf clusters. Any member of the armed forces of the state who is assigned as a military recruiter shall not be eligible for such ribbon during such assignment.

(P.A. 17-196, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 17-196 effective July 1, 2017.

Sec. 27-73i. Civilian medal of merit. The Adjutant General and two officers of field grade or above, appointed by the Adjutant General, shall constitute a board of officers to receive recommendations through military or civilian channels for the award of the civilian medal of merit, within available appropriations, to any person, except civilian employees of the armed forces, military personnel of the armed forces or contractors of the armed forces, who has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious conduct that contributes significantly to the accomplishment of the armed forces' mission, and to make such awards as the board finds suitable.

(P.A. 19-55, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 19-55 effective July 1, 2019.

Sec. 27-73j. Ribbons and medals for members of the Hmong Laotian special guerilla units. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 27-73e, the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Adjutant General, shall award a ribbon and medal as described in said section to each member who is a resident of this state and who provides to the Department of Veterans Affairs (1) an affidavit stating (A) when such person served, (B) where such person served, (C) the unit in which such person served, and (D) the capacity in which such person served; (2) any available corroborating witness affidavits; (3) any available official documentation of service; and (4) any other documents supporting such person's affidavit. As used in this section, “member” means a person who served in the Hmong Laotian special guerilla units, which units served in the United States secret war in the Kingdom of Laos during the Vietnam War.

(P.A. 21-51, S. 5.)

Sec. 27-73k. Military funeral honors ribbon. The Adjutant General may issue a military funeral honors ribbon to any member of the National Guard or organized militia or other military personnel who satisfactorily performs as a member of an honor guard detail pursuant to section 27-76.

(P.A. 22-62, S. 5; 22-118, S. 117.)

History: P.A. 22-62 and 22-118 both contained identical provisions, effective July 1, 2022.

Sec. 27-74. Service emblem of State Guard. The Adjutant General shall present, upon application, to all members of the Connecticut State Guard and such persons as have been honorably discharged from the Connecticut State Guard since March 9, 1917, the button of the design and material adopted in recognition of such service.

(1949 Rev., S. 1285; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 42; P.A. 74-321, S. 12.)

History: P.A. 74-321 substituted “persons” for “men”.

Sec. 27-75. Memorials to veterans and military service. Memorials to veterans of the armed forces of the state or the United States and to state or federal military service may be placed in state military facilities or erected upon state-owned or controlled military property, subject to the approval of the Adjutant General and without expense to the state.

(1949 Rev., S. 1313; P.A. 13-25, S. 5.)

History: P.A. 13-25 replaced “veteran soldiers, sailors or marines” with “veterans of the armed forces of the state or the United States and to state or federal military service” and replaced provision allowing placement of memorials in state armories or on grounds appurtenant to armories with provision allowing placement of memorials in state military facilities or on state military property, effective May 24, 2013.

Sec. 27-76. Honor guard detail at funeral of veteran of United States armed forces or National Guard. When requested by the commander of any accredited veteran organization or by friends or relatives of any deceased person who has served in any of the armed forces of the United States during time of war, as defined in section 27-103, or who has served in the National Guard for more than twenty years or who has died while a member of the National Guard, the Adjutant General shall order an honor guard detail from the National Guard, the naval militia, the State Guard or the organized militia to attend the funeral, except that if an honor guard detail from such guard or militia is unavailable or committed elsewhere, the Adjutant General shall request an honor guard detail from a bona fide Connecticut state veterans' organization, provided such detail shall comply with the rules and procedures set forth in Connecticut National Guard regulation 37-106. Such detail shall consist of not more than five members plus one bugler. The members thereof shall be compensated at the rate of sixty dollars per day. Such compensation shall be paid from funds appropriated to the Adjutant General for the pay of the National Guard and from federal funds received for that purpose.

(1949 Rev., S. 1274; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 43; 1967, P.A. 107, S. 1; 1971, P.A. 579; P.A. 73-305; P.A. 74-321, S. 13; P.A. 77-558; P.A. 84-355; P.A. 95-216, S. 1, 2; P.A. 00-163, S. 1, 2; P.A. 01-123, S. 4; P.A. 18-72, S. 10; P.A. 22-118, S. 118.)

History: 1967 act deleted provision for bugler or bandsman and provided payment for time employed instead of by the funeral; 1971 act provided application of section to those who served in the national guard more than 20 years or who died while a member of the national guard as well as to those serving in time of war; P.A. 73-305 changed composition of firing squad from eight men to “not less than five riflemen plus one bugler”; P.A. 74-321 added “and riflewomen” to the change provided for in P.A. 73-305 and provided for compensation for firing squads from funds appropriated for the pay of the national guard; P.A. 77-558 changed pay rate from one day's pay to 75% of a day's pay, allowing minimum and maximum amounts; P.A. 84-355 specified a maximum of five riflemen or riflewomen in firing squads, where previously five was the minimum number; P.A. 95-216 provided for the use of a uniformed firing squad from a bona fide Connecticut state veterans' organization where a uniformed squad from the National Guard, naval militia, State Guard or organized militia is unavailable, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 00-163 added reference to Sec. 27-103, increased compensation for squad members from 75% of one day's basic pay, but not less than $15 nor more than $30 a day, to $50 per day, added provision re payment of compensation from federal funds received for that purpose and made a technical change for purposes of gender neutrality, effective July 1, 2000; P.A. 01-123 substituted “honor guard detail” for “firing squad” and made conforming and technical changes; P.A. 18-72 made a technical change; P.A. 22-118 replaced “fifty dollars” with “sixty dollars”.

Sec. 27-77. Disposition of battle flags. All battle flags of Connecticut troops in the possession of the military authorities of the state shall be deposited in the State Capitol, in suitable cases and the Joint Committee on Legislative Management and the Adjutant General shall be joint custodians of the same.

(1949 Rev., S. 1311; March, 1950, S. 875d; P.A. 77-614, S. 73, 610; P.A. 82-472, S. 104, 183.)

History: P.A. 77-614 changed public works commissioner to commissioner of administrative services; P.A. 82-472 provided that legislative management shall be a custodian of battle flags and eliminated the commissioner of administrative services' custodial responsibilities for the flags.

Sec. 27-78. Standards of State Guard. Within six months after the mustering out of any regiment of the State Guard, the surviving late senior officer of such regiment shall cause the regimental standards, both national and state, which belonged to such regiment to be deposited in the former headquarters' armory of such regiment. When such deposit is made, the officer in charge of such armory shall give his receipt for such standards, and thereafter he and his successors shall be the custodians of such standards and shall carefully keep and conspicuously display them in such armory in recognition of the patriotic service of such regiment of the State Guard. Immediately upon receipt of such regimental standards, the officer who has assumed the custody of them shall apply to the Adjutant General for a repository for such standards, and the Adjutant General, within six months after the receipt of such application, shall deliver to the officer making such application, or to his successor, a glass-front, dust-proof repository, so designed, constructed and inscribed as suitably to fulfill the purpose herein set forth. All expense incurred in complying with the provisions of this section shall be borne by the state.

(1949 Rev., S. 1312.)

PART VIII

ORGANIZATIONS. SEPARATION ALLOWANCES

Sec. 27-79. organizational structure and composition. Regulations, bylaws, circulars and orders. The Governor shall determine the organizational structure of the militia units pursuant to section 27-14. Each militia unit shall be composed in a manner consistent with National Guard or federal military units of similar composition, size and purpose. The Adjutant General may adopt bylaws and regulations and issue orders and circulars for the administration of the militia units.

(1949 Rev., S. 1287; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 44; 1967, P.A. 717, S. 135; P.A. 21-158, S. 1.)

History: 1967 act provided for collection of fines and dues in accordance with such procedure as prescribed by adjutant general instead of as provided in Sec. 27-88; P.A. 21-158 replaced provisions re organizational bylaws with provision re organizational structure of militia units and authorization of Adjutant General to adopt bylaws and regulations and issue orders and circulars for administration of militia units.

Sec. 27-80. “Dependent” and “separation allowance” defined. “Dependent”, as used in this chapter, means a blood relation or the spouse of a Connecticut soldier, sailor or marine who, at the time of the calling of such soldier, sailor or marine into active military or naval service, is actually and solely dependent upon such soldier, sailor or marine for support and maintenance. “Separation allowance” means a sum of money to be paid to the dependent or dependents of a soldier, sailor or marine whenever he or she is taken from his or her regular employment by which he or she earns his or her livelihood and supports those dependent upon him or her and is placed in active military or naval service either by the state or by the United States.

(1949 Rev., S. 1298; P.A. 74-321, S. 14.)

History: P.A. 74-321 substituted “spouse” for “wife” and provided for alternative reference to females following “he”, “his” or “him”.

Sec. 27-81. Separation allowance provided. Whenever the armed forces of the state are called into active military or naval service in time of war, reasonable apprehension thereof, riot or rebellion, the state shall pay separation allowances weekly to actual and bona fide dependents of any members of the armed forces of the state so called into active service.

(1949 Rev., S. 1299; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 45; P.A. 10-32, S. 93.)

History: P.A. 10-32 made a technical change, effective May 10, 2010.

Sec. 27-82. Commissioner of Veterans Affairs to administer separation allowances. The Commissioner of Veterans Affairs is authorized to administer the separation allowances provided for by this chapter and enforce the provisions relating thereto. The commissioner shall determine the amount of such separation allowances to be paid and shall certify to the Comptroller the amounts to be paid monthly. The Comptroller shall draw his orders on the Treasurer in payment thereof. The commissioner may apply the provisions of sections 27-80 to 27-85, inclusive, to any person who enters the military or naval service of the United States through the provisions of any system of selective draft adopted by the federal government.

(1949 Rev., S. 1300; P.A. 88-285, S. 24, 35; P.A. 22-34, S. 4.)

History: P.A. 88-285 replaced veterans' home and hospital commission with commissioner of veterans' affairs; P.A. 22-34 made a technical change.

Sec. 27-83. Amount of separation allowances. Separation allowances for such dependents shall be paid on a basis of not more than twenty dollars per month to the spouse of such soldier, sailor or marine and not more than six dollars per month for each minor child, under sixteen years, of such soldier, sailor or marine, provided, if such soldier, sailor or marine has neither a spouse nor a child, but has actually and solely dependent upon him or her for support a father or brother who is unable to support himself by his own labors, or a mother or sister so solely and actually dependent, or, if such soldier, sailor or marine has such father, brother, mother or sister actually and solely dependent upon him in addition to a spouse or child or children or both, it shall be within the discretion of the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs to pay a separation allowance or separation allowances to such additional dependents, or to such spouse or children, or to both, provided no separation allowance paid to all dependents of one soldier, sailor or marine under the terms of this chapter shall amount in the aggregate to more than fifty dollars per month, and provided no person shall receive a separation allowance as a dependent of more than one soldier, sailor or marine.

(1949 Rev., S. 1301; P.A. 74-321, S. 15; P.A. 88-285, S. 25, 35; P.A. 16-167, S. 29.)

History: P.A. 74-321 substituted “spouse” for “wife” where appearing; P.A. 88-285 replaced veterans' home and hospital commission with commissioner of veterans' affairs; P.A. 16-167 replaced “Commissioner of Veterans' Affairs” with “Commissioner of Veterans Affairs”, effective July 1, 2016.

Sec. 27-84. List of dependents to be filed. Whenever a person enlists in the armed forces of the state, either in the National Guard or other troops, he or she shall certify to the enlistment officer the name, sex and age of each person who, in the event of his or her being called upon to do active military or naval service, will be dependent upon him or her within the meaning of this chapter. Such information shall be filed with the commander of the unit to which such soldier, sailor or marine is assigned and with the Adjutant General of the state, to be made a part of the state military records. When any member of the National Guard or other troop of the state becomes responsible for the care of more dependents than have been previously certified to by him or her, such member shall give notice to the commander of the unit of the state forces to which he or she is attached, and such commander shall inform the Adjutant General and also certify to the same in his own company records. All records of persons entitled to receive separation allowances under this chapter shall be based upon such information filed by Connecticut soldiers, sailors or marines with their organization commanders and with the Adjutant General as herein described unless the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs finds such information to be incorrect, and separation allowances shall be paid to other persons only if in the opinion of said commissioner injustice will be done the bona fide dependents of Connecticut soldiers, sailors or marines if they are not so paid.

(1949 Rev., S. 1302; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 46; P.A. 74-321, S. 16; P.A. 88-285, S. 26, 35; P.A. 16-167, S. 30.)

History: P.A. 74-321 substituted “person” for “men” and added other alternative female designations; P.A. 88-285 replaced veterans' home and hospital commission with commissioner of veterans' affairs; P.A. 16-167 replaced “Commissioner of Veterans' Affairs” with “Commissioner of Veterans Affairs”, effective July 1, 2016.

Sec. 27-85. When allowances are not to be paid. So much of this chapter as relates to separation allowances shall be inoperative whenever the United States pays to dependents of Connecticut soldiers, sailors or marines such separation allowances as are herein described and whenever such allowances by the United States are equal to or larger in amount than the allowances provided under this chapter. Whenever the United States pays to dependents of Connecticut soldiers, sailors or marines such allowances and the amount is less than the amount provided for in this chapter, the state of Connecticut, under this chapter, shall pay to such dependents only an amount equal to the difference between the amount of the allowance paid by the United States and the amount which would be paid under the terms of this chapter if no allowances were paid by the United States.

(1949 Rev., S. 1303.)

Sec. 27-86. Funds to pay allowances; State Treasurer authorized to borrow. Whenever the provisions of this chapter relating to separation allowances become operative through the calling of the National Guard or other forces into active service, the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs shall pay such allowances as are to be paid out of any funds which the state may have available for such purposes and, if no funds are available, the State Treasurer is authorized to borrow, in the name of the state, on notes, such funds as are necessary to administer such provisions. In either case said commissioner shall certify to the General Assembly at its next regular session the amount expended, or, if such provisions are at that time operative, shall certify to the amount expended under them up to and including the first Wednesday of December preceding the convening of the General Assembly, and in either case the General Assembly shall appropriate sufficient funds to cover such expenditures; and, in the event of the existence of circumstances making such provisions still operative, the General Assembly shall take the necessary steps to provide for the requisite expense.

(1949 Rev., S. 1304; P.A. 88-285, S. 27, 35; P.A. 22-34, S. 5.)

History: P.A. 88-285 replaced references to veterans' home and hospital commission with references to commissioner of veterans' affairs; P.A. 22-34 made a technical change.

PART IX

DISCIPLINE

Secs. 27-87 to 27-100. Discipline. Sections 27-87 to 27-100, inclusive, are repealed.

(1949 Rev., S. 1264, 1286, 1288–1295, 1297, 1318; 1949, S. 868d; 1953, S. 872d; 1957, P.A. 365, S. 47–54, 56–58, 60, 61; 1959, P.A. 367, S. 1; 1967, P.A. 717, S. 136.)

PART X

SERVICES TO MEMBERS OR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Sec. 27-100a. Military Relief Fund. Regulations. Annual report. (a) As used in this section, (1) “department” means the Military Department, (2) “fund” means the Military Relief Fund established in accordance with this section, (3) “eligible member of the armed forces” and “eligible member” means a member of the armed forces, as defined in subsection (a) of section 27-103, including the Connecticut National Guard, who is domiciled in this state, (4) “immediate family member” means an eligible member's spouse, child or parent who is domiciled in this state, or any other member of an eligible member's family who lives in the same household as the eligible member, and (5) “essential personal or household goods or services” includes, but is not limited to, repairs, medical services that are not covered by insurance, transportation, babysitting, clothing, school supplies or any other goods or services that are essential to the well-being of an eligible member or eligible member's immediate family.

(b) There is established, within the General Fund, a separate, nonlapsing account to be known as the “Military Relief Fund”. The account shall contain (1) any amounts appropriated or otherwise made available by the state for the purposes of this section, (2) any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account, and (3) gifts, grants, donations or bequests made for the purposes of this section. Investment earnings credited to the assets of the fund shall become part of the assets of the fund. Any balance remaining in the account at the end of any fiscal year shall be carried forward in the account for the fiscal year next succeeding. The State Treasurer shall administer the fund. All moneys deposited in the account shall be used by the Military Department for the purposes of this section. The Military Department may deduct and retain from the moneys in the account an amount equal to the costs incurred by the department in administering the provisions of this section, except that said amount shall not exceed two per cent of the moneys deposited in the account in any fiscal year.

(c) The Military Department shall use the Military Relief Fund to make grants to eligible members of the armed forces or their immediate family members for essential personal or household goods or services in this state if the payment for such goods or services would be a hardship for such eligible member or family member because of the military service of the eligible member. The department shall not make any grant that exceeds five thousand dollars or the balance available for grants in the fund.

(d) The department shall establish an application process that is simple for eligible members and their immediate family members. The department shall act on each application no later than seven days after the date on which the completed application is submitted to the department.

(e) The department shall adopt regulations implementing the provisions of this section, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, and may implement the policies and procedures contained in such proposed regulations while in the process of adopting such proposed regulations, provided the department publishes notice of intention to adopt the regulations in the Connecticut Law Journal no later than twenty days after implementing such policies and procedures. Policies and procedures implemented pursuant to this subsection shall be valid until the earlier of the date on which such regulations are effective or one year after the publication of such notice of intention.

(f) On or before February fifteenth of each calendar year, the department shall submit a report to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to veterans' and military affairs, in accordance with section 11-4a, that contains the following information for the preceding calendar year: (1) The number of applications received, (2) the number of eligible members who received grants under this section and whose immediate family members received grants under this section, (3) the amount in grants made to each such eligible member and to the immediate family of each such eligible member, (4) the uses for such grants, and (5) any recommendations regarding the Military Relief Fund, including any proposed legislation to facilitate the purposes of this section. Such reports shall not identify the name of any eligible member or of any immediate family member. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of section 1-210, all information obtained by the Military Department that contains the name or address of, or other information that could be used to identify, an eligible member or an immediate family member shall be confidential.

(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3, S. 10; P.A. 09-163, S. 1; P.A. 13-107, S. 1.)

History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3 effective June 30, 2005; P.A. 09-163 amended Subsec. (a)(3) to redefine “eligible member of the armed forces” and “eligible member”, effective June 30, 2009; P.A. 13-107 changed “Military Family Relief Fund” to “Military Relief Fund”, added provisions making member of armed forces eligible for grants, amended Subsec. (c) to add provision re maximum grant of $5,000, amended Subsec. (e) to replace provision re discretionary process to adopt regulations with provision requiring department to adopt regulations, amended Subsec. (f) to change report date from on or before the 15th day following the close of each calendar quarter to on or before February 15 of each calendar year, and made technical and conforming changes, effective July 1, 2013.

Sec. 27-100b. Volunteer service program. Report. (a) As used in this section, (1) “member” means a member of the armed forces, as defined in section 27-103, including the Connecticut National Guard, who is a resident of this state, (2) “department” means the Military Department, (3) “services” includes, but is not limited to, repairs, gardening, transportation, babysitting, tutoring, cooking, office work or any other services that a member, veteran, member's or veteran's family or the department would find helpful, (4) “local organizations” includes not-for-profit organizations that serve members, veterans and members' or veterans' families, and other organizations that seek to provide voluntary services to members, veterans, members' or veterans' families or the department, (5) “veteran” has the same meaning as provided in subsection (a) of section 27-103, and (6) “volunteer” means any individual who seeks to provide voluntary services to members, veterans, members' or veterans' families or the department.

(b) The department shall establish, within its family program, a volunteer service program in which a volunteer service coordinator coordinates with municipalities, local organizations and volunteers throughout the state to provide voluntary services to members, veterans, members' or veterans' families or the department. Such volunteer service coordinator shall not coordinate the provision of voluntary services for any service that requires a license, certificate of registration, permit or other credentials issued by a state agency unless the volunteer holds the required license, certificate of registration, permit or other credentials.

(c) The volunteer services coordinator shall identify municipalities, local organizations and volunteers that provide voluntary services to members, veterans or members' or veterans' families in communities throughout the state or to the department and shall facilitate the provision of such services.

(d) On or before January 31, 2019, and annually thereafter, the department shall report to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to veterans' and military affairs, in accordance with section 11-4a, on the voluntary services received under the volunteer service program by members, veterans, members' or veterans' families or the department during the previous calendar year.

(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3, S. 12; P.A. 14-122, S. 43; P.A. 18-106, S. 1.)

History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3 effective June 30, 2005; P.A. 14-122 made a technical change in Subsec. (d); P.A. 18-106, amended Subsec. (a) to delete “who is on active duty and” in Subdiv. (1), add new Subdiv. (2) re definition of “department”, redesignate existing Subdivs. (2) and (3) as Subdivs. (3) and (4), amend redesignated Subdiv. (3) to redefined “services”, amend redesignated Subdiv. (4) to redefine “local organizations”, add Subdiv. (5) re definition of “veteran”, and add Subdiv. (6) re definition of “volunteer”, substantially amended Subsec. (b) including to replace reference to family program of the Connecticut National Guard with reference to department within its family program, and add provision re volunteer service coordinator not to coordinate provision of voluntary services for certain services, substantially amended Subsec. (c) including to add reference to department and delete “assist such municipalities and local organizations, amended Subsec. (d) to replace “January 31, 2006” with “January 31, 2019”, replace “family program of the Connecticut National Guard” with “department”, and replace “provided by volunteers to members throughout the state, including, but not limited to, the level of services in different geographical areas” with “received under the volunteer service program by members, veterans, members' or veterans' families or the department during the previous calendar year”, and made technical and conforming changes, effective July 1, 2018.

Sec. 27-100c. Contact list for service members and veterans. (a) As used in this section, (1) “department” means the Department of Veterans Affairs, (2) “service member” means a member of the armed forces, as defined in subsection (a) of section 27-103, including the Connecticut National Guard, (3) “veteran” has the same meaning as provided in subsection (a) of section 27-103, and (4) “committee” means the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to veterans' and military affairs.

(b) The Department of Veterans Affairs shall develop and maintain a service members' and veterans' contact list, consisting of only the names and mailing addresses of service members and veterans who reside in this state, using information in the department's records and information submitted to the department by (1) the Military Department, as provided in subsection (c) of this section, (2) the assessor of each town, as provided in subsection (d) of this section, and (3) service members or veterans, as provided in subsection (e) of this section.

(c) On or before September 1, 2005, the Military Department shall submit to the Department of Veterans Affairs a list of the name and mailing address, but no other information, of each service member who is a resident of this state that is in the records of the Military Department.

(d) On or before the sixtieth day following the date on which an exemption pursuant to subdivision (19) of section 12-81 takes effect, as provided in section 12-95, the assessor of each town that granted any such exemption shall submit to the Department of Veterans Affairs a list of the name and mailing address, but no other information, of each individual who has such exemption.

(e) A service member or veteran who is a resident of this state may add his or her name and mailing address to the contact list by submitting such information to the Department of Veterans Affairs in person or by mail. A service member shall include a copy of his or her military identification card and a veteran shall include a copy of his or her military discharge document, as defined in section 1-219.

(f) Any individual who is included in the contact list may cause his or her name to be removed from the contact list by notifying the Department of Veterans Affairs in writing.

(g) (1) The Department of Veterans Affairs or the Military Department may use the contact list solely for the purposes of notifying service members or veterans of benefits, proposed or enacted legislation that affects service members or veterans or their families, or other information that the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Military Department believes will be helpful to service members or veterans or their families. The Department of Veterans Affairs shall provide a copy of the contact list to the Military Department, upon receipt of a written request signed by the Adjutant General.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of section 1-210, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Military Department shall not disclose any information in the contact list to any person other than as provided in this subsection. No person shall use the contact list for any purpose other than as provided in subdivision (1) of this subsection.

(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3, S. 22; P.A. 14-122, S. 44; P.A. 16-167, S. 31.)

History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3 effective July 1, 2005; P.A. 14-122 made a technical change in Subsec. (a); P.A. 16-167 replaced “Department of Veterans' Affairs” with “Department of Veterans Affairs”, effective July 1, 2016.

Sec. 27-100d. Toll-free telephone number for referrals for benefits and services. The Department of Veterans Affairs shall provide a toll-free telephone number for use as a clearinghouse by active members of the armed forces in this state, including the National Guard, and their families to obtain, in response to their requests about benefits or services that may be available to such members or their families, referrals to entities that provide such benefits or services. The toll-free telephone number shall be staffed by employees of or trained volunteers working at the Department of Veterans Affairs on weekdays during regular business hours, and on weekends and holidays from nine o'clock a.m. to five o'clock p.m.

(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3, S. 21; P.A. 16-167, S. 32.)

History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3 effective July 1, 2005; P.A. 16-167 replaced “Department of Veterans' Affairs” with “Department of Veterans Affairs”, effective July 1, 2016.

Sec. 27-100e. Therapy support groups. The Military Department, through its family program, shall publicize to all members of the armed forces, as defined in subsection (a) of section 27-103, including the Connecticut National Guard, and their families the availability throughout the state of therapy support groups for such members and their families. The publicity shall include contact information for referral to support groups in locations that are convenient for such members and their families.

(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3, S. 13; P.A. 18-106, S. 2.)

History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3 effective June 30, 2005; P.A. 18-106 replaced “family program of the Connecticut National Guard” with “Military Department, through its family program,”, effective July 1, 2018.

Sec. 27-100f. Internet informational page listing benefits, services or programs. Internet publication of content dedicated to matters of concern for women veterans. List of qualified veterans' charitable organizations. (a)(1) On or before July 1, 2012, the Department of Veterans Affairs shall publish on the department's Internet web site an informational page listing any benefits, services or programs offered to veterans or their families by any state or federal agency, department or institution. The department shall maintain the informational page after said date and shall update the informational page annually. The department shall publish on the informational page any information concerning the eligibility requirements and application process for such benefits, services or programs, the name and contact information of any entity offering such benefits, services or programs, and a link to the Internet web site for such entity.

(2) The department shall also publish on the Internet content dedicated to matters of concern for women veterans, including, but not limited to, any relevant information, links to services and benefits for which women veterans may be eligible and contact information for the veterans' advocacy and assistance unit for purposes of providing front-line support of and assistance with women veterans issues.

(b) On and after July 1, 2013, the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, or the commissioner's designee, shall, within available appropriations, publish a list of qualified veterans' charitable organizations. The commissioner shall place any qualified veterans' charitable organization on such list for a period of three years. Organizations may apply and reapply to the commissioner for inclusion on the list by submitting information regarding such organization's status to the commissioner, on a form prescribed by the commissioner, and any additional information the commissioner deems necessary to determine whether such organization constitutes a qualified veterans' charitable organization. A qualified veterans' charitable organization is one which: (1) Holds itself out to be established for any benevolent, educational, philanthropic, humane, scientific, patriotic, social welfare or advocacy purpose relating to or on behalf of veterans; and (2) has been (A) a nonstock corporation, organized under chapter 602, or any predecessor thereto, for three or more years, or (B) a tax exempt organization under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any subsequent corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as amended from time to time, for three or more consecutive years. The list of qualified veterans' charitable organizations, a link to such organization's Internet web site, and the qualifications for inclusion on such list set forth in subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection, shall be published on the informational Internet web site established in this section and shall bear a disclaimer as follows: “This list is prepared for the public solely for the purpose of information. The state of Connecticut provides no warranty about the content or accuracy of the content herein.”.

(P.A. 11-3, S. 1; P.A. 12-195, S. 1; P.A. 16-167, S. 33; 16-192, S. 4.)

History: P.A. 11-3 effective May 9, 2011; P.A. 12-195 designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a) and added Subsec. (b) re list of qualified veterans' charitable organizations, effective June 15, 2012; P.A. 16-167 amended Subsec. (a) to replace “Department of Veterans' Affairs” with “Department of Veterans Affairs” and amended Subsec. (b) to replace “Commissioner of Veterans' Affairs” with “Commissioner of Veterans Affairs”, effective July 1, 2016; P.A. 16-192 amended Subsec. (a) to designate existing provisions re publishing informational page as Subdiv. (1) and add Subdiv. (2) re Internet publication of content dedicated to matters of concern for women veterans.

Sec. 27-100g. Connecticut women veterans' program. The Department of Veterans Affairs shall establish, within available resources, a Connecticut women veterans' program to (1) conduct outreach to women veterans for the purpose of improving awareness of eligibility for federal and state veterans' benefits and services; (2) conduct assessments of the needs of women veterans with respect to benefits and services; (3) review programs, research projects and other initiatives designed to address or meet the needs of Connecticut's women veterans; (4) submit recommendations for improving benefits and services available to women veterans to the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs and, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to military and veterans' affairs on January 15, 2016, and annually thereafter; and (5) incorporate women veterans' issues in strategic planning concerning benefits and services. The commissioner may adopt regulations in accordance with chapter 54 to supplement and implement the provisions of this section. For the purposes of this section, “veteran” means any person who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable from active service in the armed forces and “armed forces” has the same meaning as provided in section 27-103.

(P.A. 15-8, S. 1; P.A. 16-167, S. 34.)

History: P.A. 16-167 replaced “Department of Veterans' Affairs” with “Department of Veterans Affairs” and replaced “Commissioner of Veterans' Affairs” with “Commissioner of Veterans Affairs”, effective July 1, 2016.