SB 23-170

Senate Bill 23-170, also known as the Extreme Risk Protection Order Petitions bill, expands who can request an extreme risk protection order (ERPO) in Colorado. Previously, only family members, household members, and law enforcement could petition for these orders; now, medical providers, mental health professionals, educators, and district attorneys are included. The bill also requires annual funding to educate the public about ERPOs and how to request them. Signed into law by the governor on April 28, 2023, this bill is now in effect, with allocated funds going towards its implementation and public awareness campaigns.

Official Summary

The act repeals and reenacts the statutory article related to extreme risk protection orders. Under current law a family or household member and a law enforcement officer or agency can petition for an extreme risk protection order. The act expands the list of who can petition for an extreme risk protection order to include licensed medical care providers, licensed mental health-care providers, licensed educators, and district attorneys. The act requires the office of gun violence prevention to expend funds annually on a public education campaign regarding the availability of, and the process for requesting, an extreme risk protection order. The act appropriates: $140,462 from the general fund to judicial department to implement the act; and $238,846 from the general fund to the department of public safety. APPROVED by Governor April 28, 2023 EFFECTIVE April 28, 2023 (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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