HB 26-1385

HB 26-1385 changes how funds are allocated for a behavioral health support program, ensuring that all money goes to the Office of the State Public Defender instead of being split with prosecutors. This bill affects public defenders and individuals who rely on their services by providing more resources specifically for them. Since it has been signed into law, this means the full funding will now be available to help public defenders support clients with behavioral health needs starting in fiscal year 2026-27.

Official Summary

The public defender and prosecutor behavioral health support program (program) is funded through any appropriation made for the program and any gifts, grants, and donations received for the program. Current law splits the program allocation to direct 50% of the money to the Colorado district attorneys' council to award grants to district attorneys' offices and 50% to the office of the state public defender.     For state fiscal year 2026-27, the program allocation split is altered to direct 100% of program money to the office of the state public defender.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Topics

Related Legislation

Votes