8BB2D86C7D2E22EB872586E0007AF528 Hearing Summary

Representative Young, bill sponsor, introduced and spoke on SB21-239. The bill requires the Colorado 2-1-1 Collaborative to provide referrals to behavioral health services and provide assistance to find other public resources for unemployed individuals. The Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) within the Department of Human Services (DHS) must contract with the Colorado 2-1-1 Collaborative to ensure specialized personnel are hired that can assist in referring individuals to behavioral health services. The OBH must collaborate with the Colorado 2-1-1 to engage in targeted marketing and outreach to traditionally underserved communities. The OBH must report to the General Assembly on the impact of the communication system on behavioral health referrals by January 30, 2023. The bill appropriates $1.0 million to the DHS to provide these services.

In addition to the OBH, the Colorado 2-1-1 must collaborate with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to conduct outreach and marketing to unemployed individuals through an email and text campaign. CDLE must also update their web page to include the Colorado 2-1-1 phone number and links to its website.

These requirements repeal on July 1, 2022.

Representative Amabile, bill sponsor, gave opening comments on the bill.

The committee took a brief recess.

The committee reconvened.

Representative Amabile and Representative Young gave final comments on the bill.

Committee members made final comments on the bill.