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Bill Summary · HB 6728

Summary — HB 6728

AN ACT CONCERNING FREE RIDERSHIP FOR VETERANS ON MODES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ON VETERANS' DAY
Bill No.: HB 6728 (File No. 259) — Introduced Jan 24, 2025

Purpose / Intent

The bill would provide veterans with free access to public transportation on Veterans’ Day. Its stated intent is to honor veterans by waiving fares on designated public transit modes for that single calendar day.

Key provisions (as described by bill title and subject)

  • Authorizes free ridership for veterans on Veterans’ Day on public transportation operated by state and local transit providers. The phrase “modes of public transportation” suggests inclusion of buses and other mass transit services (e.g., commuter rail, ferries, paratransit), consistent with the bill’s subject areas.
  • Implementation details likely addressed in the bill (or to be developed by agencies) would include:
    • Procedures for verifying veteran status (for example, presentation of military discharge papers, veteran ID, or other proof).
    • Instructions to state agencies and municipal transit authorities on suspending fare collection for qualifying riders on Veterans’ Day.
  • The bill’s subject tags include “reports, studies, transportation department,” indicating it may require the Department of Transportation (or transit agencies) to prepare implementation guidance, cost/revenue impact reports, or a study on program effects — exact reporting requirements would be specified in the bill text.

Who would be affected

  • Veterans: primary direct beneficiaries; eligible veterans would not pay fares on Veterans’ Day.
  • Public transit agencies/operators: would need to implement fare-waiver policies, manage verification, and absorb or account for fare revenue loss for the day.
  • General ridership and taxpayers: could see increased ridership on that day; fiscal impact depends on scale and existing fare collection processes.
  • State fiscal analysts and legislative committees: would evaluate and report fiscal impacts.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Fiscal: one-day loss of fare revenue for participating systems; administrative costs for verification and outreach. The Office of Fiscal Analysis was referred to prepare a fiscal estimate.
  • Operational: agencies will need procedures for verification and enforcement, public communication, and possible adjustments to farebox accounting.
  • Ridership: short-term ridership increases on Veterans’ Day are likely; longer-term ridership effects would be limited.

Legislative status and timeline

  • Referred Jan 24, 2025 to the Joint Committee on Veterans’ and Military Affairs.
  • Public hearing held Feb 13, 2025.
  • Committee voted to draft (Feb 18); draft filed Mar 11 (joint favorable).
  • Referred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis Mar 20–25, 2025.
  • Reported out of LCO and favorably reported Mar 26, 2025; tabled for House calendar as File No. 259 (House Calendar No. 182).

What to watch for next

  • The bill text (for precise definitions, eligibility proof, list of covered modes/agencies, and any reporting requirements).
  • Fiscal notes from the Office of Fiscal Analysis quantifying revenue and implementation costs.
  • Any amendments clarifying scope (state vs. municipal systems), verification mechanisms, or required agency reports.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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