Veterans are the focus for local lawmakers

Veterans are getting the early attention of El Paso County lawmakers as the state General Assembly enters its second week.

They have filed bills that would give Iraq and Afghanistan veterans special license plates and give them a way to get treatment rather than jail time in some criminal cases. Another measure would clarify who can choose where active-duty troops get buried.

It’s no surprise that veteran bills are coming from the Pikes Peak region, where military money makes up 40 percent of the economy. The region has born the brunt of Colorado’s wartime sacrifices in Iraq and Afghanistan with 294 Fort Carson soldiers killed and thousands more wounded in repeated deployments.

A big concern in recent years for military and local officials are the hidden wounds of war, including post-traumatic stress disorder. The region has seen an alarming spike in crimes committed by veterans and active-duty troops.

Calhan Republican Rep. Marsha Looper’s HB1104 would create a statewide program similar to the 4th Judicial District’s Veterans Court.

Her measure would allow courts to put veterans who commit nonviolent crimes in a program of intensive substance abuse and mental health treatment. If the veteran completes his or her treatment, he would get a clean record rather than jail time under Looper’s measure. The bill is awaiting a hearing in the House.

Looper said a program like the one here is needed by veterans throughout the state.

“Studies have shown that combat service may exact a tremendous psychological toll on members of the military who are faced with the constant threat of death or injury over an extended period of time,” Looper wrote in the bill’s preamble.

The veteran’s court in Colorado Springs began taking cases in August and is showing early signs of promise, with 24 cases administered in the court so far, said Senior Deputy District Attorney Jeff Lindsey, who oversees the program.

“You have somebody who has put themselves in harm’s way to protect this community,” Lindsey said. “Our belief is they deserve some extra consideration if they get themselves into trouble.”

A key component of Looper’s bill is that it would erase all records of the veteran’s case says for purposes of employment and background other checks, the incident never happened.

Another measure, SB47, from Looper and Colorado Springs Republican Sen. Keith King would clear up confusion in dealing with the remains of service members killed on active duty.

The measure would ensure that state officials adhere to wishes troops dictate on a Department of Defense form, where they spell out how they want their remains handled.

King said Colorado is one of 10 states that does not recognize the federal paperwork. While it hasn’t been a problem here, the situation could lead to confusion if family members start fighting over burial details, King said.

“They designate who they want to take care of their remains if they get killed,” King said. “We should honor that.”

The bill had its first hearing in a Senate committee Wednesday.

Colorado Springs Democratic Rep. Dennis Apuan’s HB1139 would allow veterans with proof of service in Iraq or Afghanistan since 2001 to pay a $25 one-time fee to get custom plates acknowledging their wartime duty.
Money raised by the fee for  would go to the Colorado Veterans Trust Fund.

It is awaiting a hearing in the House.