Rep. DeCaprio’s Measure to Create Personal Income Tax Deduction for Military Honor Guard Members Clears House

Provision Advanced as Part of Broader “Hero Act” Veterans Legislation

Hartford – During Thursday’s House of Representatives session, HB 5406, An Act Concerning Assorted Measures Recognizing and Honoring the Heroism of Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces and Making Various Revisions to Statutes Related to Veterans' and Military Affairs, was unanimously supported.

One section of the bill incorporates language from S.B. No. 377, that was introduced by State Representative Mark DeCaprio (R-48), which would exclude from state income tax any compensation received for serving in a military funeral honor guard. Given the significant out-of-pocket costs for uniforms and equipment, combined with the modest stipends honor guard members receive, this personal income tax deduction is intended to lessen the financial strain on those who carry out this necessary duty.

Rep. DeCaprio has introduced and co-sponsored this policy over the last four years at the request of members of the Colchester Honor Guard, a highly active group that regularly participates in ceremonies honoring veterans throughout the region.

“I have never believed that members of these 12 honor guard teams across the state should have to pay out of pocket to provide such a meaningful service to our departed veterans,” said Rep. DeCaprio. “The Colchester team alone supports roughly 250 ceremonies each year. I saw firsthand their extraordinary commitment when my own family received this honor after the passing of my father, Peter DeCaprio, this past August after serving 43 years in the Army. The Colchester team did a truly remarkable job for our family. I want to thank the chairs, the ranking members, and all members of the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee for including this provision in the bill. It means so much to so many.”

Additional provisions in the bill include several measures to support veterans and service members. They include establishing a veteran dental care access program; establishing a Military Department emergency response fund; facilitating enrollment for military families in the Birth-to-Three program; creating a personal income tax deduction for National Guard active duty pay; and more.

The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

The 2026 regular session of the Connecticut General Assembly adjourns at midnight on May 6.

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