Committee sends fallen‑firefighters license‑plate bill to appropriations after emotional family testimony

The House Finance Committee on Monday voted to forward House Bill 10‑32, creating a fallen firefighters special license plate and associated charitable fund, to the Committee on Appropriations with a favorable recommendation.

Sponsors Representative Richardson and Representative Velasco framed the measure as a way to honor firefighters who died in the line of duty and to raise small donations for organizations such as the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation that provide counseling, legal aid, education assistance and other support to survivors. Richardson said the bill had moved through committee favorably last year but did not reach final passage; the sponsors said they were bringing the bill back at the families' request.

Five witnesses and several family members testified in support. Tony Helfer, whose father, Denver firefighter George M. Helfer, died of occupational cancer, and John Bales, president of the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation and retired Golden fire chief, spoke about the memorial and the foundation’s work. Witnesses said the fallen firefighter plate differs from an existing ‘fallen hero’ plate for law enforcement and military personnel and argued the plate helps families retain a visible connection to their lost loved one. Several witnesses described being required to surrender firefighter plates after a line‑of‑duty death and said a specific fallen‑firefighter plate would allow families to continue public recognition and provide an outreach opportunity to educate the public about occupational cancer and other firefighter risks.

Representative Gonzalez confirmed the bill is substantially the same as last year’s filing; sponsors said the only differences are date‑ and programing‑related timing changes. The committee had four public witnesses in a panel and additional supporters who spoke during the public comment period; testimony emphasized the plates’ symbolic importance and modest fundraising for the designated nonprofit.

Representative Richardson moved that HB 10‑32 be sent to Appropriations with the most favorable recommendation; Representative Hartsook seconded. The roll call returned 10 yes, 0 no, 1 excused (Representative Marshall excused), and the bill was routed to appropriations.

Next steps: the bill will be considered by the Appropriations Committee, which will review any fiscal impacts and the fund design and determine whether to place the measure on the House calendar for floor consideration.