Hinrichsen Bills to Support Veteran Employment Pass Committee

Legislation would increase career pathways for veterans after service

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee voted to advance two bills sponsored by Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, that would expand employment pathways for veterans.

SB24-109, also sponsored by Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, would extend the Colorado Veterans’ Service-To-Career Program for another three years. The program allows nonprofit agencies to partner with workforce centers to provide veterans, their spouses, and their dependents with skills training, internships, work placements, mentorship opportunities, career counseling, and support services. From 2018 to 2022, the program supported nearly 900 individuals and helped nearly 250 participants gain employment.

HB24-1093 would allow for an accelerated path for properly trained peace officers within the armed forces to become civilian peace officers. Current law allows certified peace officers from other states to receive a provisional certification in Colorado if they have served within the last three years, in good standing for more than one year.  Peace officers include traditional law enforcement as well as other positions including game wardens and parks and recreation officers.

“Veterans have many specialized and transferable skills from their years of service, yet too many still face barriers to employment,” said Hinrichsen. “These bills will expand training, support, and pathways to employment for our armed service members and their families. I am proud that we are working to support veterans in their transition back to civilian life.”

SB24-109 will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee and HB24-1093 heads to the full Senate for further consideration. Follow the bills’ progress HERE and HERE, respectively.