Key Legislative Actions Taken During The 2021 Legislative Session | Download Full Document

Establish Behavioral Health Administration HB21-1097

The bill addresses multiple recommendations from the Colorado Behavioral Health Task force (task force), created in 2019, related to the creation of a Behavioral Health administration (BHA). The BHA will be a single state agency to lead, promote, and administer the state’s behavioral health priorities.

Residential Tenancy Procedures HB21-1121

The bill increases eviction and tenancy protections for residential tenants by: extending the period for residential evictions after a landlord wins an eviction judgement from 48 hours to 10 days; prohibiting landlords from increasing rent more than one time in a 12 month period; and extending the written notice period for raising rent or terminating a residential tenancy when there is no written agreement between the landlord and tenant from 21 to 60 days.

LTSS Case Management Redesign HB21-1187

Current law provides for the establishment of a single entry point system with single entry point agencies throughout the state to enable persons 18 years of age or older in need of long-term care to access appropriate services. The bill requires the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to adopt rules for the establishment of a redesigned case management system, no later than July 1, 2024, that consists of case management agencies throughout the state for the purpose of enabling individuals in need of long-term care to access appropriate long-term services and supports.

Workforce Development Funding HB21-1264

The bill creates the Stimulus Investments in Reskilling, Upskilling, and Next-Skilling Workers Program (program) as an initiative of the State Work Force Development Council (state council) to facilitate training for unemployed and underemployed workers in the state during times of substantial unemployment, defined as a statewide unemployment rate that exceeds 4%. The bill appropriates $25 million for the program and directs the state council to use the money to support individuals (including older Coloradans) in need of reskilling, upskilling, and next-skilling.

Innovative Affordable Housing Strategies HB21-1271

The bill creates 3 different programs in the department of local affairs (DOLA) for the purpose of offering grant money and other forms of state assistance to local governments to promote innovative solutions to the development of affordable housing across the state: Local Government Affordable Housing Development Incentives Grant Program, Local Government Planning Grant Program, The Affordable Housing Guided Toolkit and Local Officials Guide program.

American Rescue Plan Act Money to Invest in Affordable Housing HB21-1329

This bill allocates $98.5 million to the Division of Housing for expanded gap financing, $1.5 million for the Eviction Legal Defense Fund. Under ARPA, the state of Colorado receives over $500 million to address the housing needs of populations, households, or geographic areas disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency. The bill creates the affordable housing and home ownership cash fund (fund) in the state treasury and provides for the transfer of $550 million to the fund to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 or its negative economic impacts, particularly for programs or services that benefit populations, households, or geographic areas disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency, focusing on programs or services that address housing insecurity, lack of affordable housing, or homelessness.

Alternative Response for At-Risk Adults SB21-118

Current law allows for only one type of response for a county department of human or social services to follow after a report of mistreatment or self-neglect of an at-risk adult, regardless of the level of risk reported. That type of response requires a full investigation, including unannounced initial in-person interviews, and a
finding by the county department. The bill creates, beginning January 1, 2022, an Alternative Response Pilot Program that a participating county department can
utilize when it receives a report, related to an at-risk adult, of mistreatment or self-neglect, and the report has identified the risk as lower risk, as defined by rules promulgated by the State Department of Human Services.

Behavioral Health Recovery Act SB21-137

The bill makes various changes to multiple behavioral health programs in state government. Funds these behavioral health programs. It creates the Behavioral and Mental Health Cash Fund to be used for mental health treatment, substance misuse treatment, and other behavioral health services allowable under ARPA. The bill transfers $550 million to the fund from the ARPA of 2021 Cash Fund. The Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force will make recommendations to the legislature on investing the ARPA funds.

Improve Prison Outcomes SB21-146

This bill modifies the eligibility criteria for special needs parole; requires the State Public Defender to provide a liaison to the Department of Corrections; requires the DOC to pay health insurance premiums for up to six months for certain released senior inmates; and requires studies on health care coverage for senior inmates upon release. The bill requires the Colorado Commission on Aging in the Department of Human Services to study and make recommendations related to health insurance enrollment for inmates who are 65 years of age or older upon release from prison. The commission is required to report its findings to the legislature by January 1, 2022.

Creation of Financial Empowerment Office SB21-148

The bill creates the Financial Empowerment Office in the Department of Law (DOL). The office is charged with growing the financial resilience of Coloradans by expanding access to safe and affordable banking and credit, and free individual financial counseling and coaching, as well as developing stronger consumer protections.

Increase Geriatric Medical Providers SB21-158

The bill modifies the Colorado Health Service Corps program in the Department of Public Health and Environment to include education loan repayment for geriatric advanced practice providers. It includes an appropriation of $400,000. It allows advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants with geriatric training or experience, to participate in the loan repayment program on the condition of committing to provide geriatric care to older adults in health professional shortage areas for three years. This was a Colorado Center for Aging initiated bill.

Rights in residential Lease Agreements SB21-173

This bill makes changes regarding late fees charged by landlords and court procedures for forcible entry and detainer cases, as follows: requires information about late fees in tenant leases; limits late fees on unpaid rent; gives renters more time to provide funds and avoid eviction; prohibits tenant evictions solely for owing late fees; bans lease clauses that provide financial incentives to landlords who evict; eliminates bond requirements so Colorado renters can offer legitimate defenses and are not priced out of court; and establishes a financial penalty for landlords who illegally lock out tenants.

Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board SB21-175

The bill creates the Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board, charged with reviewing prescription drug affordability data and creating caps on drug costs. Beginning January 1, 2022, it is unlawful to purchase a prescription drug at a cost that exceeds the cap established by the board except for personal or familial use.

Equity Strategic Plan to Address Health Disparities SB21-181

Under current law, the Office of Health Equity in the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) administers the Health Disparities Grant Program. The grant program is funded from the Health Disparities Grant Program Fund, which receives a portion of annual cigarette and tobacco tax revenue. This bill renames the program as the Health Disparities and Community Grant Program and expands its functions. The program’s grantmaking scope is broadened to address social determinants of health for underrepresented populations.

Housing Development Grants Hotels Tenancy Support Program SB21-242

This bill expands the use of the Housing Development Grant Fund in the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to be used for tenancy support services, including those that target individuals experiencing homelessness, and for grants and loans to local governments and non-profits for the rental, acquisition, or renovation of underutilized hotels, motels, and properties to provide non-congregate sheltering or affordable housing. The bill transfers $15.0 million for this purpose.

Security for Colorado Seniors SB21-290

The bill creates the Area Agency on Agency Grant Program within the Department of Human Services (CDHS). The program is intended to support projects that help older Coloradoans including community services; infrastructure improvements; health promotion; transportation services; home modification; and fall prevention and chronic disease management programs. By October 31, 2021, CDHS must collaborate with the Area Agencies on Aging to implement the program. On January 1, 2022, CDHS must accept and review grant applications and determine grant amounts. Finally, in 2023 the DHS must report to the General Assembly on the grant program and its impact on older Coloradans.