CO HB1223

Creates a task force by December 31, 2023, to establish shared goals and guidelines for government and community agencies to reduce youth violence, suicide, and delinquency risk factors in target communities.

Task force must identify three target communities with highest rates of youth violence, suicide, and delinquency risk factors, considering factors like school performance, education level, income, employment, crime statistics, and housing/food insecurity.

Beginning July 1, 2025, task force shall establish clear goals to prioritize and align agency resources and grant funding, create streamlined grant applications, develop a resource clearinghouse, and establish a full-time support position for grant applicants.

Task force membership includes representatives from five state agencies (Public Health and Environment, Early Childhood, Human Services, Education, Public Safety), Behavioral Health Administration, and five community-based organization representatives.

Appropriates $92,447 to the Department of Public Health and Environment for the 2023-24 fiscal year to support 1.0 FTE for task force administration, with preliminary findings due January 2024 and final report due January 2025.