The committee recessed.

Senator Mullica primary bill sponsor, presented House bill 24-1217, which requires the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) to create a friends and family input form to allow a patient’s family and friends to supply relevant information. The bill requires the BHA to solicit feedback from stakeholder and legal experts and make the form available by July 1, 2025. The bill also convenes a workgroup in the Governor’s Office to study a centralized consent repository and produce a report by January 1, 2026. Members must include various stakeholders and department representatives. Committee members asked the bill sponsor questions.

Bridget Anshus, representing Mental Health Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Edie Sonn, representing Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council, testified in support of the bill.

Josh Shultz, representing Legislative Legal Services - Bill Drafter, was available to answer questions.

Additional written testimony was submitted to the committee (Attachment E).

The bill sponsor provided closing remarks.