2CC363318C37DDCE8725883E0058D7AA Hearing Summary

Senator Gonzales, Chair, called the conference committee on SB22-196, health needs of persons in the criminal justice system, to order.

Representative Benavidez explained the House amendments to the bill.

Committee members discussed the hospital and non-profit language in the bill regarding eligibility for grant funds.  Concerns were raised that for-profit hospitals should not be eligible for grants. 

Committee members agreed to specify that only non-profits and non-profit hospitals may apply for grants. 

The committee next discussed a House amendment about withdrawal management.  It was noted that withdrawal management provisions were also added to House Bill 22-1326, fentanyl accountability and prevention.  Discussion followed about accessibility of  grant dollars. 

The conversation continued about HB22-1326 and possible amendments. 

Questions were raised about withdrawal management provisions in both bills.  Discussion followed about the differences between withdrawal management funds in the two bills. 

The committee discussed competency provisions in the bill and emphasized that the intention is for these services to be outpatient or community-based.

The committee reviewed the draft conference committee report CLSB196.001 (Attachment A). 

Conrad Imel, Office of Legislative Legal Services, explained that the report as written does not reflect the recent discussion about non-profits and withdrawal management.  Discussion returned to withdrawal management funding and location in both HB22-1326 and SB22-196.  Concerns about duplicative funding were raised.  Committee members conceded to having withdrawal management listed in both bills.  

Further discussion ensued about different grant sources for different sets of circumstances. 

Mr. Imel explained the contents of the First Re[prt of First Conference Committee on SB22-196, based on discussions in the conference committee hearing.  The report will include specifying non-profit hospital eligibility for grant funds, addition of withdrawal management provisions, and a technical change to the appropriations clause. 

The committee voted separately on each element of CLSB196.002, First Report of First Conference Committee on SB22-196 (Attachment B).