Rep. Zawistowski Proposes DMV Fee Waivers for Retired Military Reservists

From the Office of the Representative: State Representative Tami Zawistowski (R-61) recently submitted testimony to the legislature’s Transportation Committee in support of a bill she proposed seeking to waive DMV fees for retired military reservists.

The purpose of this bill, House Bill 6276 – An Act Waiving The Fees For Motor Vehicle Registration And An Operator’s License For Retired Reservists For Two Years, is to extend this same benefit to retired veterans of the United States Armed Forces’ reserve components - the Army National Guard of the United States, the Army Reserve, the Marine Corps Reserve, the Navy Reserve, the Air National Guard of the United States, the Air Force Reserve, and the Coast Guard Reserve. Current law provides retired active duty veterans with a fee waiver of motor vehicle registration and operator license fees for a period of two years after retirement.

“Connecticut has a long history, via the Connecticut Army National Guard and the Connecticut Air National Guard, of having well-trained and well-equipped soldiers and airmen at the ready for deployment in support of federal missions, where these men and women may serve together with our active duty troops in areas of conflict and active combat,” said Zawistowski. “Each individual serves our country, wears the same uniform and is required to maintain proficiency in their specialty. They face danger and potential loss of life in defense of our country and are just as willing to offer the ultimate sacrifice to uphold our country’s freedom and values. I proposed this legislation as I feel it is beyond justified to offer our Connecticut reservists the same two-year fee waiver currently available to active duty veterans upon retirement.”

Under Connecticut law, a veteran must have received a DD-214 discharge upon retirement to qualify for the license and registration fee waiver. Reservists do not receive the same type of discharge, which excludes them from this benefit.

To follow H.B 6276, or any other legislation proposed by Rep. Zawistowski, please visit www.RepZawistowski.com, email Tami.Zawistowski@housegop.ct.gov or call (860) 240-8700.

Photo courtesy of the Office of the Representative