CO SB157

Creates the State Women Veterans Office (SWVO) in the governor's office to ensure Colorado women veterans have equitable access to federal and state veterans services and benefits, with a governor-appointed Women Veterans Service Officer to administer it.

Establishes the State Women Veterans Steering Committee to identify issues and recommend actions regarding office location and hiring criteria for the service officer.

Requires SWVO to provide comprehensive services including outreach programs, surveys on demographics and needs, establishing a state women veterans association, developing information resources, and advocating for women veterans issues to state and federal agencies and the legislature.

Designates approximately 40,000 Colorado women veterans as the target population and mandates annual reporting to the State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committees on office programs and activities.

Authorizes SWVO to expend funds from the Veterans Assistance Grant Program Cash Fund and takes effect September 1, 2018, subject to referendum petition provisions.