HB20-1220 Summary

• State Department of Human Services must conduct a statewide needs assessment of services provided by veterans community living centers by December 1, 2020

• Assessment must evaluate changing veteran demographics, needs of younger veterans, PTSD and behavioral health best practices, advantages and limitations of existing centers, alternative care models, and impact on long-term care facilities

• Department may contract with a third party to conduct the assessment, which must have no financial interest in veterans services and must have experience in public policy analysis and population forecasting

• Assessment must evaluate veterans' needs statewide but should specifically examine areas with high veteran concentration, including El Paso County and surrounding areas

• Funding comes from the central fund for state fiscal year 2020-21, and the assessment requirement and related funding provisions are repealed effective June 30, 2021