Veterans

HJR 1009 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) recognizing Colorado's veterans and their mental health challenges. It cites Colorado's high veteran suicide rate (178 in 2022) and highlights successful existing programs like Next Chapter and Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, which enrolled over 1,200 veterans with no suicides among participants. The resolution commits the state to continuing support for veterans' mental health, breaking down stigmas, and expanding community services to ease their transition to civilian life. It does not create new programs or allocate funds but expresses legislative support and directs copies to the governor, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the mentioned organizations.

HJR 1010 is a symbolic joint resolution recognizing Colorado veterans who served in the Vietnam War. It formally honors the service of over 623 Coloradans who died and 24 who remain unaccounted for during the conflict, while acknowledging the challenges faced by veterans upon return. The resolution expresses appreciation for their fortitude, activism, and community contributions through four specific points of recognition. It does not create new policies or benefits but encourages all Coloradans to remember these sacrifices, with copies sent to veterans' organizations and state officials. This is a commemorative measure, not a legislative change.

HJR 1007 is a symbolic resolution honoring Native American veterans' historical and ongoing military service. It recognizes their disproportionate contributions - such as over 12,000 serving in WWI (despite limited citizenship), 70% per capita service in WWII, and Code Talkers in the Pacific Theater - and current service (31,000 active-duty Native Americans today). The resolution specifically acknowledges Colorado's Indigenous lands, highlights Colorado's appointment of its first Native veteran to the state Board of Veterans Affairs, and commemorates veterans' sacrifices across conflicts from the Revolutionary War to modern times. As a non-binding resolution, it expresses legislative recognition but does not create new policy or funding.

The 2025 general appropriations act is amended to balance and make adjustments to the total amount appropriated to the department of military and veterans affairs. The general fund and cash funds portions of the appropriation are increased and the federal funds portion is decreased.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Under current law, a veteran who is disabled and who meets certain standards does not need to pay the taxes and fees to register one motor vehicle. The veteran is issued a disabled veteran license plate with the "D.V." inscription or a United States disabled woman veteran license plate. The bill authorizes the veteran to be issued another plate in lieu of being issued either of the license plates for veterans who are disabled if the veteran qualifies for the plate. If the plate requires additional fees to be issued or renewed, the additional fees must also be paid unless the plate is a military license plate.This program does not apply to commercial vehicles, implements of husbandry, or farm trucks or truck tractors that are taxed at a reduced rate.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

The bill creates a tuition waiver for qualified dependents of disabled veterans to attend state colleges or universities.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)