BILL SIGNING TOUR - DAY 10

Yesterday I signed bipartisan legislation to make Colorado safer, strengthen the Colorado workforce, and create transformational change in the behavioral health system and comprehensive and bipartisan legislation to reduce fentanyl deaths and get dealers off the streets and fentanyl out of Colorado communities.

MAKING COLORADO SAFER

Yesterday afternoon on the west steps of the state capitol, I joined legislators from both parties, members of law enforcement, District Attorney’s and friends and family members of Coloradans who have lost loved ones to fentanyl to sign HB22-1326 Fentanyl Accountability And Prevention. 

Making Colorado one of the ten safest states in the next five years is one of my top priorities and this new bipartisan law is part of what we need to do to make Colorado safer and help save lives. The crime we are seeing in Denver and elsewhere is unacceptable. This bipartisan legislation and our public safety investments are major steps towards making Colorado one of the ten safest states. The legislature sent strong bills to my desk in line with my budget and stepped up to invest more than the state has ever invested before in resources for local law enforcement, more and better policing, community interventions, youth violence prevention and brought more investigative power because this moment calls for leadership. 

This new law, along with the nearly $200 million in new dollars that we are investing in public safety, gives local communities the tools they need to step up to make Colorado communities safer.

PUTTING COLORADANS FIRST

Earlier in the afternoon, I was joined by Patty Salazar, Executive Director for the Dept. of Regulatory Affairs as I signed bipartisan legislation creating opportunities for more Coloradans to get good jobs and help communities thrive, and improving government efficiency by streamlining efforts the administration can provide better services to Coloradans. 

HB22-1291 makes common-sense changes to the sunrise review process for professions and occupations. This bill cuts red tape for our regulatory reforms process in the state, inherently streamlining the process. 

Next I signed HB22-1098 which begins the process of auditing and streamlining the regulation of various occupations and professions to determine what barriers exist for licensing, certification, and registration of individuals with criminal history records and report the findings to the general assembly.

I also signed SB22-174. In our state, we set dates for when an agency, board or other governmental function will end, or sunset. This bill modernizes this process by cutting red tape and allowing our state government to foster an active and agile model of government.

In the West Foyer of the state capitol, I signed bills into law to put people first in Colorado’s behavioral health system. First, I signed bipartisan HB22-1278 to create the Behavioral Health Administration which will streamline and coordinate the way Colorado delivers care, make it accessible across the state, and address the  gaps in our current system. 

I also signed bipartisan SB22-177 which is a product of  the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force and will make substantial  improvements and investments in  Colorado  by coordinating care and services for people seeking behavioral healthcare.

WHAT THE COMMUNITY IS SAYING

“We stand in support of this bill with hopes that lives will be saved, and to prevent other families from suffering the devastating loss that we have had to endure,” said Patrick & Debra Doyle, parents of a victim of fentanyl poisoning.  

“Throughout Colorado and across the nation, we see too many tragic deaths and countless lives destroyed by fentanyl.  Individuals who are poisoned by fentanyl deserve justice and this bill is a positive step forward.  It provides greater penalties for those who seek to profit from this crisis.  With this bill signing, Colorado takes a strong step in holding dealers more accountable, especially those that cause a death,” said Michael Dougherty, 12th Judicial District Attorney-Boulder. “In addition, this law will help fund law enforcement investigations into drug-related deaths, which is very much needed.   For people struggling with addiction, this law provides much-needed resources and treatment.  Fentanyl is a complex and deadly challenge; it requires a comprehensive response and that’s what we see in HB 1326.”

“All people in Colorado deserve the opportunity to experience whole-person health,” said Dr. Morgan Medlock, Behavioral Health Administration Commissioner. “The Behavioral Health Administration will center the needs and perspectives of people with lived experience, acknowledge the collective trauma caused by our current system, and coordinate comprehensive care for every person in Colorado, regardless of their history, identity, or disability.”

“In the darkness of the National tragedies in the past 10 days, this historic day demonstrates Colorado’s leadership in establishing the paramount importance of behavioral health in healing our communities with equity and justice,” said Rudy Gonzales, President & CEO of Servicios de La Raza.

FOLLOW ALONG FOR THE BILL SIGNING TOUR!

I have 30 days to sign or veto all the bills the legislature passed. I will be traveling to every corner of our state during the bill signing tour to celebrate the incredible work we have done this legislative session.