House Republican Press Release

June 11, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. John Piscopo hails passage of pro-veterans’ legislation

During the recent legislative session, the General Assembly managed to pass some key legislation that will benefit our military veterans.

One important measure will prevent a military funeral from being turned into a protest demonstration. Both the state House and Senate have approved the proposal, which now goes to the Governor for signature. This bill prohibits demonstrations from 60 minutes before to 60 minutes after a funeral. It also subjects to punishment anyone who within 300 feet intentionally, willfully, and without authorization impedes the entrance or exit from the funeral.

Another bill, which increases a maximum bonus for guard members who serve in combat zones to $1,200 and establishes a $500 maximum bonus for otherwise qualified current or former guard members whose active service was not in a combat zone was also passed. The bill, H.B. 6949, was originally proposed by Rep. John Piscopo (R-Thomaston) at the beginning of the legislative session.

“We can not allow these brave men and women who serve our country to be treated unfairly, and this legislation will help in achieving that goal,” said Rep. Piscopo. “Assuring that protestors aren’t allowed to disrupt military funerals and assuring that bonuses for guard members are adequate are two simple steps we can take to assist our veterans.”     

Other related bills that came before the state House and Senate were:

HB 7167, which extends a grace period during which U. S. Armed Forces and National Guard members discharged from active duty may renew more than 30 different professional licenses including teachers that lapsed while they served on active duty, from six months to one year after discharge. The bill was approved by both the House and Senate.

SB 742, which allows the Veterans Affairs' Department to establish and maintain a registry with health data on armed forces members who have completed a period of active service. The department may use the data to (1) study the potential short- and long-term effects of environmental hazards on such members and (2) inform, customize, and coordinate the provision of health care services to them.  The bill passed the Senate, but did not get called for a vote in the House.

Rep. Piscopo serves the 76^th Assembly District, including Burlington, Harwinton, Litchfield and Thomaston in the state House of Representatives.