HB 22-1143

House Bill 22-1143, also known as the State Auxiliary Services Program, ensures that state departments and agencies can provide necessary support services like sign language interpretation and communication access real-time translation (CART) for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind. The bill requires a commission to manage these services statewide by coordinating schedules, handling payments, resolving issues, and maintaining lists of qualified providers. It also mandates the creation of an advisory council to offer recommendations on improving service provision and includes reporting requirements to track the program's effectiveness. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now in effect and being implemented to benefit individuals who rely on these services within state agencies.

Official Summary

There is a state auxiliary services pilot program that arranges for the provision of auxiliary services for state departments and agencies that employ or serve individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind. The bill requires the Colorado commission for the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind (commission) to continue the operations of the state auxiliary services program (program) indefinitely. The commission is required to perform the following functions: Coordinate on a statewide basis the day-to-day scheduling for auxiliary services; Create and manage efficient and consistent processes through which an auxiliary services provider may submit required documentation and receive payment for auxiliary services provided; Create and manage a process for the intake and fulfillment of requests by state departments and agencies for auxiliary services; Resolve any issues that may arise with regard to auxiliary services; Communicate with auxiliary services users, auxiliary services providers, and appointing authorities; and Establish, monitor, and publish a list of CART providers and qualified interpreters. The bill requires the commission to convene an advisory council to make recommendations concerning the provision of auxiliary services. The bill requires the commission to include data on the functions of the program in its annual report to the governor and the general assembly. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)