HB23-1153 Summary

• Establishes a feasibility study to examine pathways to behavioral health care for people with serious mental illness, examining intersections between Colorado's behavioral health services and the judicial system.

• Requires the state department overseeing civil and forensic mental health to contract with an independent third party to conduct the study in coordination with multiple state agencies including the Behavioral Health Administration, Department of Local Affairs, Department of Public Safety, and Judicial Department.

• Mandates the study examine minimum criteria including unhoused persons with serious mental illness, bed capacity across psychiatric units, workforce shortages, community-based service capacity, guardianship services, judicial system capacity, and approaches used in Colorado and other states for connecting individuals to treatment and supportive housing.

• Requires submission of a report detailing findings and recommendations to the General Assembly, Governor's Office, and impacted state agencies by March 1, 2024.

• Appropriates $300,000 for the 2023-24 fiscal year ($160,000 from general fund and $140,000 from the behavioral and mental health cash fund) to conduct the feasibility study, with unexpended funds carrying over to the 2024-25 fiscal year.