LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES;

You asked for brief summaries of bills that the Public Safety Committee reported favorably to the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee in 2000.

HB 5270—AN ACT AUTHORIZING BONDS OF THE STATE FOR A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR THE REGIONAL FIRE SCHOOLS

This bill allows the State Bond Commission to authorize the issuance of bonds to fund capital improvement projects at the state’s eight regional fire schools.

sHB 5663—AN ACT CONCERNING ELIGIBILITY FOR BENEFITS TO VETERANS

This bill makes more people eligible for wartime service benefits by incorporating such conflicts as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Noble Eagle, among others, in the definition of wartime service. Wartime service benefits include free tuition at the state’s colleges, local property tax exemptions, and treatment at the Veterans’ Home and Hospital.

sHB 5969—AN ACT ALLOWING THE CONDUCT OF KENO AND HIGH STAKES BINGO GAMES

This bill (1) allows licensees to conduct keno at the state’s dog tracks and off-track betting facilities; (2) allows dog track licensees to operate high stakes bingo at the dog tracks; and (3) requires licensees to pay the state a tax ranging from 3% to 7%, based on the amount wagered.

For fiscal year beginning July 1, 2003, the bill requires the Department of Economic and Community Development to provide a $ 5 million grant to the Northeast Connecticut Economic Alliance. The alliance must use it to provide financial assistance to companies in Windham and Tolland counties that cannot get traditional financing.

VR: eh