Rep. Lesley Smith

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution declares February 28, 2025, as Rare Disease Day in Colorado to raise awareness about rare diseases. It directly affects Colorado residents living with rare diseases - over 500,000 people - and their families, recognizing the challenges they face, including high medical costs and limited treatments. The resolution makes no new policy changes but symbolically honors those impacted by urging the state to "show our stripes" in solidarity. It references national statistics (e.g., 1 in 10 Americans affected) and the "zebra" awareness symbol for rare conditions, without creating any legal obligations or funding.

Maddy summaryHJR 25-1018 is a Colorado legislative resolution recognizing the service of Latina and Latino veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. It formally commends their contributions across military conflicts from the Revolutionary War through modern operations, highlighting historical units like the "Borinqueneers" and the American GI Forum. The resolution does not create new policies, benefits, or legal obligations - instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation. A copy will be sent to the American GI Forum of Colorado, as specified in the resolution.

Maddy summaryThis House Joint Resolution (HJR 25-1017) is a ceremonial resolution honoring the historical legacy of the 10th Mountain Division, a U.S. Army unit that trained at Camp Hale in Colorado during World War II. It recognizes the division’s combat service in the Italian Alps, its postwar conservation efforts by veterans through the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association, and President Biden’s 2022 designation of Camp Hale as a national monument. The resolution expresses the Colorado General Assembly’s appreciation for the division’s bravery and its enduring connection to Colorado’s history and landscape. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or obligations but serves to memorialize the unit’s contributions.

Maddy summaryHJR 25-1004 is a procedural resolution approving specific additions to Colorado's Drinking Water Project Eligibility List and Water Pollution Control Project Eligibility List. It directly affects water providers like Allenspark Water and Sanitation District, East Boulder County Water District, and Grizzly Peak Water Sales and Distribution LLC, enabling them to qualify for funding from the state's Drinking Water Revolving Fund (DWRF) and Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund (WPCRF). The resolution formally adopts the Water Quality Control Commission's approved project additions, modifications, and deletions for these lists. This allows eligible water and wastewater infrastructure projects to access state financial assistance for facilities such as treatment plants, distribution systems, and storage.

Maddy summaryHJR 25-1011 is a Colorado legislative resolution honoring Gold Star Families - those who have lost a family member in military service - by expressing the state's gratitude and respect for their sacrifice. It does not create new programs or benefits but symbolically recognizes these families through a formal statement from the Colorado General Assembly. The resolution directs copies to be sent to veterans' organizations including American Gold Star Mothers, Gold Star Wives, and Blue Star Mothers chapters across Colorado. This is a commemorative gesture without concrete policy changes or direct impact on affected individuals.

Maddy summaryThis House Joint Resolution (HJR 25-1015) is a symbolic resolution by the Colorado General Assembly honoring Korean War veterans. It formally recognizes the service of veterans who fought during the 1950-1953 Korean War, acknowledging that the conflict was historically called the "Forgotten War" but their sacrifices will now be remembered. The resolution does not create new laws or provide funding - it is a ceremonial statement of appreciation from Colorado's legislature. It directly affects Korean War veterans by publicly affirming their contributions to national defense.

Maddy summaryHJR 25-1014 is a non-binding resolution passed by the Colorado General Assembly to honor veterans who served in the Vietnam War. It specifically recognizes Colorado veterans' service, sacrifices, and post-war challenges, while expressing appreciation for their community contributions and leadership. The resolution encourages all Coloradans to remember these veterans' sacrifices and directs copies to state officials, veteran organizations, and Colorado's congressional delegation. As a commemorative resolution - not a law - it does not create new policies or benefits but serves as a formal expression of state recognition.

Maddy summaryHJR 25-1019 is a symbolic resolution honoring Native American veterans' military service and contributions. It expresses recognition of their disproportionate service throughout U.S. history, including roles as code talkers in WWII and current high per-capita service rates. The resolution does not create new programs, funding, or legal obligations; it solely affirms Colorado's commitment to acknowledging their sacrifices and addressing unique hardships faced by Native American veterans. It directly affects Native American veterans, service members, and their communities in Colorado, particularly those connected to tribes like the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute. The resolution passed both chambers of the Colorado legislature in February 2025 as a non-binding statement of support.

Maddy summaryHJR 25-1020 is a symbolic resolution recognizing the contributions and historical service of African American veterans. It formally acknowledges their service across all U.S. military conflicts since the Revolutionary War, including challenges they faced with segregation and discrimination. The resolution highlights key milestones like the 1.25 million African Americans who served in WWII and the 1948 desegregation order (Executive Order 9981), while noting ongoing barriers to full equality. It does not create new benefits, policies, or legal obligations - it solely serves as a statement of recognition. The resolution passed unanimously in both chambers in early 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 25-1010 is a symbolic resolution designating Colorado's Military, Veterans, and POW/MIA Appreciation Day to honor active service members, veterans, and their families. It expresses legislative gratitude for military contributions, supports installations like Fort Carson, and encourages Coloradans to participate in annual celebrations. The resolution does not create new laws or programs but serves as a formal recognition of military service and sacrifice. It passed unanimously in both chambers of the Colorado legislature in early 2025.