HJR1008 is a joint resolution that designates the third week of September 2025, specifically September 14 through September 20, as “Co-Responder Units and Behavioral Health Crisis Professionals Week” in Colorado. The resolution recognizes the role of co-responder teams, which pair law enforcement, fire services, and emergency medical services with behavioral health professionals to respond to crises involving mental health and substance use. It highlights the growing need for these services in light of mental illness, opioid use, overdose deaths, homelessness, and related community impacts.
The resolution does not create or amend statutory law, impose duties, or appropriate funds. Instead, it is a ceremonial measure expressing legislative appreciation for co-responder units and behavioral health crisis professionals and encouraging Coloradans to honor their work. It also directs that copies of the resolution be sent to a representative of the Colorado Co-Responder Alliance and the International Co-Responder Alliance.
Impact
Because HJR1008 is a joint resolution, its legal effect is symbolic rather than regulatory: it does not change Colorado statutes, create new programs, or alter funding or enforcement authority. Its practical impact is to formally recognize co-responder models and behavioral health crisis response efforts, potentially elevating public awareness and support for these services and the professionals who provide them.
Sentiment
The sentiment around the resolution is strongly positive and bipartisan. The bill passed the House 64-0 and the Senate 33-0, indicating unanimous support in both chambers. The text itself is highly laudatory, emphasizing gratitude, community benefit, and the importance of first responders and behavioral health professionals working together to help people in crisis.
Contention
There is little to no apparent contention in the available record. No committee transcripts are provided, and the unanimous votes suggest broad agreement across party lines. The only implicit policy theme is the resolution’s emphasis that behavioral health crises should not be left solely to law enforcement, fire, and EMS, but should involve specialized behavioral health professionals; however, this is presented as a point of support for co-responder models rather than a disputed issue.
Concerning the repeal of certain behavioral health resources administered by the behavioral health administration, and, in connection therewith, reducing an appropriation.