Senate Taxation Committee advances bill to protect disabled veterans from missed VA deadline

The Senate Taxation Committee on [date not specified] voted to advance House Bill 11-93, a measure that would modify refund provisions so counties must accept applications from disabled veterans who missed property-tax relief deadlines solely because the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs delayed certification.

Sen. Amber Holt (District 30), the bill’s proponent in committee, described the measure as “a very simple bill” intended to correct inconsistent treatment between counties when VA certification arrives after statutory filing dates. “If the only reason why the veteran missed the deadline was because of the VA not getting them their paperwork in time, that the county needs to accept that veteran,” Holt said.

There was no opponent testimony in committee. After a brief discussion and a member recounting personal experience with VA mail delays, Senator Grove moved a due-pass motion, which was seconded by Senator Blanc. The secretary called the roll and the committee recorded five yays, zero nays, and two excused members; the chair said HB 11-93 will go to the floor with a due-pass recommendation and, with no objection, placed the bill on the consent calendar.

The action advances an administrative fix intended to prevent veterans from losing tax relief because of Federal paperwork timing. The committee did not record additional amendments or require further information before advancing the bill. The next procedural step is consideration by the full Senate on a future calendar.