HB 22-1065

House Bill 22-1065, which has been signed into law, updates the criteria for emergency mental health commitments in Colorado. It allows for a person to be temporarily committed (for up to 72 hours) if they appear to have a mental health disorder and pose an imminent or substantial risk of harm to themselves or others. This change affects individuals who might need urgent psychiatric evaluation and treatment, as well as the criminal and juvenile justice systems that deal with such cases. Now that it is signed, the bill has become law and its provisions are enforceable.

Official Summary

Legislative Oversight Committee Concerning the Treatment of Persons with Mental Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems. The bill changes the standard for an emergency 72-hour mental health commitment for treatment and evaluation to include when a person appears to have a mental health disorder or be gravely disabled and, as a result of such mental health disorder or being gravely disabled, appears to present an imminent or substantial risk of harm to self or others. "Substantial risk" is defined.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)