I_MICJS_2022A 09/29/2022 09:10:18 AM Committee Summary

Representative Benavidez introduced Bill Draft Request 1, which makes several changes to juvenile competency hearings.  She explained that the bill creates waivers of privilege when a juvenile is determined incompetent to proceed; allows the court or party to raise the need for a restoration evaluation; establishes time limits on how long a juvenile can be held as incompetent; and, allows a juvenile to choose their own evaluator.

 

Bill 1 can be read in its entirety here:  https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/bill_1_23-0153.pdf.

The committee asked questions of the bill sponsors.

Representatives Amabile and Representative Benavidez agreed to be co-prime sponsors in the House, and Senators Rodriguez and Fields in the Senate. Senator Simpson signed on as a co-sponsor.

Senator Fields introduced Bill Draft Request 2, concerning ongoing funding for 911 resource centers.  The committee discussed the 911 centers and increased calls relating to behavioral health.  The committee asked questions about funding and operations. 

 

Bill 2 can be read in its entirety here:  https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/bill_2_23-0159.pdf

Senator Fields and Representative Amabile agreed to be prime sponsors in their respective chambers, with Senator Rodriguez as a co-sponsor.

Senator Rodriguez  introduced and explained Bill Draft Request 3 regarding prior authorization exemption for Medicaid coverage of medications treating serious mental illness.  He discussed the bill's fiscal note and answered questions from the committee. 

 

The bill may be read in its entirety here:  https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/bill_3_23-0160.pdf.

Senator Rodriguez introduced and explained Amendment 1 to Bill 3 (Attachment A). 

Senators Fields and Rodriguez and Representatives Amabile and Benavdiez agreed to be primary sponsors in their respective chambers. 

Senator Amabile introduced and explained Bill Draft Request 5 concerning measures to regulate the use of restrictive practices on individuals in correctional facilities. 

 

Tyler Himelstieb, representing himself, discussed the use of restraints in correctional facilities. 

Meghan Baker, representing Disability Law Colorado, discussed the necessity of the bill.  

Committee members asked questions about the use of restraints and under what circumstances they are used. 

Aaron Greco and Dr. Sarah Butler from the Colorado Department of Corrections raised concerns about the bill and answered questions from the committee. 

 

 

The committee asked questions of Representative Amabile.

Senators Fields and Rodriguez and Representatives Amabile and Benavidez agreed to be co-prime sponsors in their respective chambers. 

David Iverson and Stuart Jenkins, co-chairs of the task force, appeared before the Oversight Committee to discuss task force nominees. 

The co-chairs recommended to appoint Melanie Kessner to the task force, representing an individual with an adult relative with behavioral health issues.

Committee member asked questions of the task force chairs.

The committee decided on December 12th at 8:30 AM for the next meeting.