SB 18-251

Senate Bill 18-251, which has been signed into law, sets up a program to connect judges and healthcare professionals across Colorado. This program will assign local behavioral health experts as liaisons in each state judicial district to help improve communication between the courts, healthcare providers, and mental health services. The bill aims to better support individuals with mental health or substance use issues who are involved in the legal system by ensuring they receive appropriate care. This new law is now active and will start allocating funds based on how many cases each area has, their geographical challenges, and the specific needs of the community.

Official Summary

The bill establishes in the office of the state court administrator (office) a statewide behavioral health court liaison program (program). The purpose of the program is to identify and dedicate local behavioral health professionals as court liaisons (court liaisons) in each state judicial district to facilitate communication and collaboration among judicial, health care, and behavioral health systems. The office shall administer the program and establish procedures, timelines, and funding guidelines for the program. Program funding must be allocated to judicial districts based on case volume, geographical complexity, and density of need. Specific duties of the court liaisons are outlined, as well as reporting requirements. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) , Read More

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