CO HB1205

Creates the Veterans Assistance Grant Program within the Division of Veterans Affairs to fund nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies providing services to Colorado veterans, including mental health services, family counseling, job training, employment assistance, and homeless veteran housing.

Requires the Adjutant General, in consultation with the Board of Veterans Affairs, to adopt rules by September 1, 2014, establishing eligibility criteria and application procedures for organizations seeking grant funds.

Establishes the Veterans Assistance Grant Program Cash Fund consisting of gifts, grants, donations, and General Assembly appropriations, with the State Treasurer authorized to invest unexpended moneys and credit interest back to the fund.

Limits administrative expenses to 5 percent of annual appropriated funds and requires annual reporting to the House and Senate committees of reference describing grants awarded during the preceding year.

Program terminates September 1, 2024, with remaining funds credited to the General Fund and mandatory Department of Regulatory Agencies review before repeal; increases Division of Veterans Affairs staffing by 0.4 FTE for fiscal year 2014-2015.