Representatives Feret and Armagost, co-prime bill sponsors, introduced and explained Senate Bill 25-282 - Protections for Veterans Seeking Benefits. The bill creates a deceptive trade practice for certain prohibited actions when assisting with a veterans’ benefits matter. The bill sponsors provided Attachment B to the committee.

The committee asked the sponsors questions on the bill.

Ms. Su Ryden, representing the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Steve Kjonaas, representing the VFW of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Carol Thomas, representing the VFW of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Joshua Medina, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mat Cummings, representing the VFW of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

The committee asked the panel of witnesses questions.

Megan Kondrachuk, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Adam Weissman, representing REE Medical, testified in a neutral position on the bill. Mike Rawluk, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Bruce Cowan, representing the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, was available to answer committee questions.

The committee asked the panel of witnesses questions.

Bill Taylor, representing Veterans Guardian, testified in opposition to the bill. Ray Colas, representing the Veteran Benefits Guide, testified in opposition to the bill. Elizabeth Kuh, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Duane Hines, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Anthony Martinez, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.

The committee asked the panel of witnesses questions.

Jon Smart, representing themself, testified to amend the bill.

Additional written testimony is included as Attachment C.

The sponsors gave closing comments on the bill. The committee gave closing comments on the bill.