MAJOR NEWS FOR COLORADO VETERANS!
Today June 11, 2025, I officially sent a comprehensive bill proposal to ALL Colorado Congressmen, Congresswomen, and the Governor!
This isn't just an idea; it's a concrete step towards real change for our disabled veterans.
My proposal seeks to implement the "Disabled Veteran Toll Exemption Act" in the upcoming Colorado legislative session. If passed, this bill would grant FREE TOLLS on all Colorado toll roads for vehicles displaying the Disabled Veteran License Plate.
Why is this so critical?
Many of our disabled veterans are on fixed incomes, and the increasing number of toll roads in Colorado places an unfair financial burden on them.
It's a way to truly honor their immense sacrifices and provide tangible relief, just like California and Texas have done for their veterans.
This bill will improve their mobility and access to vital medical appointments, employment, and community resources without added financial stress.
Our veterans deserve nothing less than our full support. This is about making their daily lives a little easier and showing our profound gratitude.
I'm asking for their support to sponsor this vital legislation. Now, I need YOUR help to make their voices heard!
Here is the proposed Bill
Disabled Veterans Toll Road Exemption Bill (Draft)
CONCERNING THE EXEMPTION OF VEHICLES BEARING DISABLED VETERAN LICENSE PLATES FROM TOLL CHARGES ON COLORADO ROADS.
Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Colorado:
SECTION 1. Legislative Declaration; Findings.(1) The General Assembly hereby finds and declares that:
(a) Veterans of the United States Armed Forces have made extraordinary sacrifices, including risking their lives and well-being, to protect the freedoms and security of the State of Colorado and the United States of America.
(b) Many veterans have incurred service-connected disabilities as a result of their military service, which can lead to ongoing challenges, including significant financial burdens and limitations on their mobility and access to essential services.
(c) The State of Colorado currently recognizes the profound sacrifices of disabled veterans through the issuance of a special Disabled Veteran License Plate, providing a tangible symbol of gratitude.
(d) A substantial number of disabled veterans, particularly those on fixed incomes, face additional financial strain due to the increasing prevalence of toll roads within Colorado's transportation infrastructure, where alternative free access routes are not always readily available or convenient.
(e) Other states, such as California and Texas, have successfully implemented programs that exempt vehicles bearing disabled veteran license plates from toll charges, demonstrating the feasibility and positive impact of such policies.
(f) Providing a toll exemption for vehicles displaying Colorado Disabled Veteran License Plates would serve as a further meaningful and practical recognition of their service, alleviate financial hardship, and enhance their ability to access medical care, employment, and community resources.
(g) It is a moral imperative for the State of Colorado to continue to support its disabled veterans in tangible ways that improve their quality of life and reduce barriers to their full participation in society.
SECTION 2.
Definitions.(1) As used in this act, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) "Department" means the Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division.
(b) "Disabled Veteran License Plate" means a special license plate issued by the Department pursuant to section 42-3-213 (5), C.R.S.
(c) "Toll road" means any public highway, bridge, tunnel, or express lane for which a fee or toll is imposed for passage.
(d) "Toll authority" means any state agency, local government, or public or private entity authorized to construct, operate, or maintain a toll road in Colorado.
SECTION 3. Toll Exemption for Disabled Veterans.
(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a motor vehicle displaying a valid Colorado Disabled Veteran License Plate shall be exempt from all toll charges imposed by any toll authority on any toll road within the State of Colorado.
(2) To qualify for the exemption under subsection (1) of this section, the Disabled Veteran License Plate must be properly displayed on the vehicle, and the vehicle must be registered in the name of the disabled veteran to whom the plate was issued.
(3) The Department, in consultation with toll authorities, shall develop and implement a system to ensure the seamless application of this toll exemption. This system may include, but is not limited to, electronic identification of qualifying license plates through tolling equipment or other administrative mechanisms.
(4) A disabled veteran seeking to utilize this exemption may be required to register their qualifying vehicle with the relevant toll authority or authorities, or with the Department, as determined by rules promulgated under this act, to facilitate the electronic identification of their vehicle for toll-free passage.
(5) Nothing in this section shall be construed to exempt a vehicle from any fees or charges other than the direct toll for passage, such as administrative fees for violations if the exemption is not properly applied due to non-compliance with registration procedures.
SECTION 4. Rulemaking Authority.
(1) The Department, in coordination with relevant toll authorities, shall promulgate rules necessary for the implementation and enforcement of this act. Such rules shall include, but not be limited to, procedures for: (a) Verifying the eligibility of vehicles for the toll exemption. (b) Integrating the exemption into existing tolling systems. (c) Notifying disabled veterans of the exemption and any associated registration requirements. (d) Addressing instances of incorrect toll charges for qualifying vehicles.
SECTION 5. Effective Date.
This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.
SECTION 6. Safety Clause
The General Assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety.