Senate Bill 23-036 Summary

• Changes the application process for Colorado's property tax exemption for veterans with a disability, shifting responsibility from the state division to county assessors effective January 1, 2024.

• Requires applicants to submit "proof of qualifying veteran with a disability status" (documentary evidence from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) directly to the assessor with their exemption application by July 1 of the tax year.

• Adopts "people first language" throughout the statute, replacing "disabled veteran" with "qualifying veteran with a disability."

• Allows individuals who previously filed with the division and qualified before 2024 to retain their exemptions without resubmitting applications or proof to the assessor.

• Maintains the 50% exemption on the first $200,000 of actual value for owner-occupied primary residences of qualifying veterans with 100% permanent service-connected disabilities, and extends the same exemption to surviving spouses.