SB16-146: Modernizing Statutes Related to Sexually Transmitted Infections

• Repeals and reenacts Part 4 of Article 4 of Title 25 to modernize Colorado's sexually transmitted infection (STI) laws, replacing outdated terminology with "sexually transmitted infections" throughout the statute.

• Establishes comprehensive reporting requirements for health care providers and laboratories to report STI diagnoses to public health agencies while maintaining strict confidentiality protections and limiting disclosure to specific circumstances.

• Authorizes minors to consent to STI testing, examination, and treatment without parental consent, with confidentiality protections that allow providers to counsel minors on involving parents or guardians.

• Creates procedures for public health orders and restrictions, including examination/testing orders, counseling directives, and cease-and-desist orders for individuals posing credible public health risks, with due process protections and court review options.

• Updates HIV/AIDS prevention funding programs and clarifies that comprehensive human sexuality education must include medically accurate information about STI prevention alongside contraception and abstinence methods.