SB24-004 Summary

• Changes the division's duty from "supervise" to "administer" county veterans service office plans and procedures to provide uniform service to Colorado veterans.

• Authorizes appointed county veterans service officers to hire additional county veterans service officers and staff, rather than requiring county commissioners to appoint all personnel directly.

• Requires the division to develop a method for distributing state-funded payments to county veterans service officers by December 31, 2024, through a working group that includes county commissioners, with this requirement repealing July 1, 2026.

• Allows county veterans service officers hired by the appointed officer to serve without military service requirements, unlike the appointed officer who must be a veteran and be certified by the state to represent claimants.

• Takes effect 90 days after legislative adjournment, unless subject to a referendum petition, in which case it requires voter approval at the November 2024 general election.