CO SB295

Creates a new Behavioral and Mental Health Excise Tax Cash Fund to receive revenue from the firearms and ammunition excise tax, replacing the previous deposit arrangement into the general Behavioral and Mental Health Cash Fund

Allocates the first $5 million annually to the Veterans Mental Health Services Program, administered by the Behavioral Health Administration in coordination with the Division of Veterans Affairs

Directs the next $3 million annually to expand behavioral health crisis response system services for children and youth

Requires the State Treasurer to transfer any firearms/ammunition excise tax money received under prior law to the new fund by June 30, 2025

Adjusts FY 2025-26 appropriations by shifting $8 million total ($5 million for veterans services, $3 million for youth crisis services) from the old fund to the new excise tax cash fund