Additional protections are on the horizon for Colorado veterans and their dependents after Governor Jared Polis put pen to paper on two pivotal pieces of legislation. The first of the pair, SB25-282, aims to shield veterans from falling prey to unaccredited individuals seeking to profit from their search for government services. This law introduces new stipulations to physicians and pseudo-advocates alike, effectively limiting the exploitation of former service members seeking benefits through the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA).
The bill, sponsored by Senator Matt Ball and Representative Lisa Feret, sets out to rigorously encroach on the predatory practices of what are referred to as "claim sharks." These unaccredited individuals often saddle veterans with lofty fees for assistance in navigating benefit claims, services readily available without charge through DMVA. “Too often, those who have bravely served our country are misled into paying thousands of dollars in fees and even going into debt for services they receive for free from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs,” Ball said, as per Colorado Senate Democrats. Feret similarly highlighted the importance of fair access to earned benefits, condemning the deceit employed by greedy claim sharks in their abuses of veterans.
Complementing the protection of veterans' interests, HB25-1083 extends an olive branch to military families by improving access to driver's licenses for dependents of active duty members. With bipartisan support, this legislation advances a tradition of respect and recognition for the sacrifices made not just by those in uniform, but their families as well. Now, dependents will join service members in the ability to extend their expired driver's licenses for up to three years, a practical aid for those stationed outside of Colorado.
Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet expressed pride in sponsoring a measure that acknowledges the shared burdens shouldered by veterans' families. Representative Eliza Hamrick, with personal ties to military life as a former spouse, noted the importance of such supportive measures. "Current law allows service members outside of Colorado to extend their expired license for up to three years, and this new law expands this benefit to dependents of military service members," Hamrick emphasized, as obtained by Colorado Senate Democrats. The provisions of HB25-1083 will officially take effect from January 1, 2027, potentially impacting countless military households.
