Bill moves oversight of veterans memorial trust to History Colorado

Sponsors told the committee SB88 would place stewardship of the Veterans Memorial Trust Fund with History Colorado and expand allowable uses to maintain, repair, and enhance memorials on the Capitol grounds and in Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park. Representative Martinez said the change uses existing private donations and aims to avoid additional state costs by leveraging History Colorado’s conservation expertise.

Dawn DePrince, History Colorado CEO, testified the agency oversees large historic collections and is prepared to inventory, conserve, and report on monument work; Chris Creighton, the organization’s CFO, answered financial questions about principal withdrawals and the use of interest for regular maintenance. Sponsors emphasized reporting and Capital Building Advisory Committee review to ensure accountability, and the committee advanced SB88 11‑0.