H_PBH_2022A 03/08/2022 01:33:22 PM Committee Summary

Representative Tipper, prime bill sponsor, presented House Bill 22-1160, concerning the establishment of family justice centers to ensure victims are able to access needed services in one location.  The bill allows local governments and nonprofit organizations to establish family justice centers to help certain victims access a range of services in one location.

Representative Young and Representative Pelton, co-prime bill sponsors, presented House Bill 22-1214, concerning changes to the behavioral health crisis response system. The bill requires crisis system facilities and programs, including walk-in centers and mobile crisis programs, to meet minimum regulatory standards that include mental health and substance use disorder standards.  Additionally, the bill clarifies that mobile crisis services and walk-in center services can be provided to youth without parent or guardian consent. Representative Young discussed amendment L.001 (Attachment A).

The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee.

Dr. Morgan Medlock, representing the Behavioral Health Administration, testified in support of the bill.

Commissioner Tamara Pogue, representing Colorado Counties Inc., testified in support of the bill.

Elizabeth Owens, representing the Colorado Department of Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health, was available to answer committee questions.

The panelists responded to questions from the committee.

Ethan Reed, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Francesca Maes, representing the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Christiano Sosa, representing The Arc of Colorado, testified to amend the bill.

The panelists responded to questions from the committee.

Breeah Kinsella, representing the Colorado Providers Association, testified in support of the bill.

Alli Daley, representing Children's Hospital Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Moe Keller, representing Mental Health Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Written testimony was submitted to the committee (Attachment B).

Representative Young futher discussed amendment L.001.

Representative Pelton and Representative Young made concluding remarks about the bill.

Committee members commented on the bill.