SB 25-282: Protections for Veterans Seeking Benefits

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

The act makes it a deceptive trade practice under the "Colorado Consumer Protection Act" for a person who consults with, advises, or assists a veteran in connection with a claim for veterans' benefits (veterans' benefits matter) to: Receive compensation in excess of the lesser of $9,200 or 25% of the amount of any past-due benefits the veteran actually receives after the person procures an increase in the veteran's monthly benefits; Receive compensation in connection with a claim filed prior to a veteran's release from active duty or within the one-year period following a veteran's release from active duty; Guarantee a successful outcome in a veterans' benefits matter; Fail to memorialize the payment terms and certain disclosures in a written, signed contract; Omit certain disclosures from advertising or make false representations about accreditation; Fail to take various security measures related to veterans' personal information; or Provide services in connection with an appeal or review of the veterans administration's initial decision in a veterans' benefits matter, unless the service provider is accredited by the veterans administration. The act requires the attorney general or district attorney to transmit any civil penalty collected for a violation of the veterans' benefits matter provisions to the state treasurer for deposit in the Colorado state veterans trust fund. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 26 · Republican 3

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. June 3, 2025Governor Signed
2. May 13, 2025Sent to the Governor
3. May 13, 2025Signed by the President of the Senate
4. May 13, 2025Signed by the Speaker of the House
5. May 1, 2025House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
6. April 30, 2025House Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments
7. April 29, 2025House Committee on State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Refer Unamended to House Committee of the Whole
8. April 15, 2025Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
9. April 15, 2025Introduced In House - Assigned to State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs
10. April 14, 2025Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments - Committee
11. April 10, 2025Senate Committee on State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Refer Amended to Senate Committee of the Whole
12. April 7, 2025Introduced In Senate - Assigned to State, Veterans, & Military Affairs