CO HB1271

Establishes a statewide child abuse reporting hotline system available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as an alternative method for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect to county departments or law enforcement agencies.

Creates a child abuse hotline steering committee with state, county, and stakeholder representation to develop an implementation plan and make recommendations for hotline operations and consistent screening, assessment, and decision-making practices.

Authorizes the State Board of Human Services to adopt rules governing hotline technology, operations, training standards, and consistent processes for responding to reports and inquiries; hotline system must be operational and publicized statewide by January 1, 2015.

Allows county departments to opt into having the state department or another county receive reports and inquiries on behalf of the county after hours, subject to approval by the Board of County Commissioners and Executive Director.

Appropriates $200,000 for fiscal year 2012-2013 for consulting services and $529,800 for fiscal year 2013-2014 for implementation, plus matching funds for computer center services.