9AE204E4252DB42D872586BD00711F73 Hearing Summary

Representative Michaelson Jenet, bill sponsor, introduced HB21-1258. The bill establishes the Temporary Youth Mental Health Services Program within the Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) in the Department of Human Services (DHS). The program reimburses providers for providing up to three mental health sessions to youth screened into the program. The OBH must develop a process to select providers; determine a reasonable reimbursement rate; and implement a statewide public awareness outreach campaign. The OBH must enter into an agreement with a vendor to create or use an existing web based portal made available to youth. The portal must have an age-appropriate mental health screening; allow providers to register and share appoint availability; connect youth to providers who will accept the youth’s insurance; and allow a youth to schedule an appointment regardless of insurance status. The program is repealed June 30, 2022. The bill appropriations $9.0 million General Fund to the DHS for the program, which may be spent through the end of FY 2021-22.

Representative Van Winkle, bill sponsor, gave opening comments on the bill.

The bill sponsors responded to questions from committee members.

Bill sponsors continued to answer questions from committee members.

Robert Werthwein, representing Colorado Department of Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Steve Tool, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Elsa Cavender, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Levon Hupfer, representing 17th District Attorney's Office, the office of Brian S. Mason, testified in support of the bill. The panel responded to questions and comments from committee members.

Aku Unvu, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Tessa Boettcher, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Jennifer Iversen, representing Douglas County School District Parents of Students with Disabilities, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Katia Morquecho, representing Office of Behavioral Health, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Vincent Atchity, Mental Health Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Leanne Rupp, National Association of Social Workers - Colorado Chapter, testified in support of the bill. Steven Haden, Envision: You, testified in support of the bill. Director Angelina Sierra-Sandoval, representing Colorado League of Charter Schools, testified in support of the bill.

Frank Cornelia, representing Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council, testified in support of the bill. Samantha Nuechterlein, representing Education Reform Now and Democrats for Education Reform, testified in support of the bill. Debbie Stafford, representing Aurora Mental Health Center, testified in support of the bill. The panel of witnesses responded to questions from committee members.

Deb Haviland, representing Community Reach Center, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Mary Ann Wisehart, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Deb Mahan, representing Gazette Charities and Anschutz Foundation, testified in support of the bill. Camille Wolfe, representing Colorado School Social Work Association, testified in support of the bill.

Submitted written testimony can be found in Attachment B.

Representative Michaelson Jenet introduced and spoke on amendment L.002 (Attachment D).

Representative Van Winkle and Representative Michaelson Jenet gave final comments on the bill.

Committee members gave final comments on the bill.