CO HB1296

Creates a 30-member Civil Commitment Statute Review Task Force to meet during interim after the 2013 legislative session, composed of representatives from healthcare professions, law enforcement, advocacy organizations, and persons with prior system experience.

Task force must study consolidation of mental health, alcohol, and substance use disorder civil commitment statutes and submit written recommendations by November 1, 2013 to relevant legislative committees.

Requires task force to study the definition of "danger to self or others" and submit a letter ratifying or modifying the definition by November 1, 2013; the definition's effectiveness is contingent upon this approval.

Redefines "gravely disabled" to mean incapable of making informed decisions about essential needs, replacing prior language and clarifying that developmental disability alone does not establish grave disability.

Appropriates $5,000 from Department of Human Services for legislative reimbursement and compensation of task force members; task force automatically repeals November 1, 2014.