CO HB1194

Appropriates $5 million from the state general fund to the Department of Public Health and Environment for the 2015-16 fiscal year to continue expanded long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) services statewide after grant funding ends June 30, 2015.

Requires the department to contract with eligible family planning providers throughout the state to provide LARC services including intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants, provider training, technical assistance, and marketing/outreach.

Creates legislative findings documenting that the prior grant-funded program expanded access to LARC across 60 family planning clinics in 37 counties, resulting in a 23 percent increase in caseloads and growth in LARC use from 5 percent to 19 percent among women ages 15-24.

Mandates that future general fund appropriations for expanded LARC services must not reduce or supplant existing state funding for other family planning programs.

Includes a safety clause declaring the act necessary for immediate preservation of public peace, health, and safety.