CO SB229

Creates the Office of the Statewide Behavioral Health Court Liaison as an independent agency in the Judicial Department to operate the BRIDGES Program in each judicial district beginning July 1, 2023.

Establishes the Bridges Program Commission to support the Office, comprised of representatives from district attorneys, public defender, behavioral health, mental health, courts, disability rights organizations, and Colorado residents with lived experience.

Authorizes court liaisons to conduct intake assessments, connect participants to behavioral health services, provide consultation to justice system personnel, and facilitate communication between judicial and behavioral health systems.

Appropriates $5,181,020 for the 2023-24 fiscal year for personal services (33.7 FTE), operating expenses, IT/CMS, and benefits; reduces prior appropriation by $2,802,491 and 12.0 FTE.

Requires annual reporting to the Joint Budget Committee on case outcomes, competency status, and use of participant service funds to address system gaps and barriers.