Concerning the repeal of certain behavioral health resources administered by the behavioral health administration, and, in connection therewith, reducing an appropriation.
Summary
HB26-1378 repeals several behavioral health programs and funding mechanisms administered by Colorado’s Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). Specifically, it eliminates the statutory requirements for the BHA to contract with a nonprofit serving agricultural and rural communities to provide behavioral health vouchers, and to contract with a third party to help providers become behavioral health safety net providers. It also repeals the building substance use disorder treatment capacity in underserved communities grant program and the recovery support services grant program.
The bill also changes the high-risk families cash fund by directing the State Treasurer to transfer any unexpended and unencumbered money in the fund to the General Fund on June 30, 2026, and repealing the fund effective July 1, 2026. In addition, it reduces appropriations tied to behavioral health safety net services and the recovery support services grant program, including a reduction of FTE associated with the latter, and makes conforming definition changes so that references to recovery community organizations align with the revised statutory structure.
Impact
The bill amends and repeals multiple sections of Colorado Revised Statutes in Title 27 governing behavioral health programs, including provisions related to rural/agricultural vouchers, grant programs, and the high-risk families cash fund. It shifts money from the high-risk families cash fund to the General Fund, removes statutory program mandates, and lowers future appropriations for BHA behavioral health safety net services and recovery support services. The practical effect is a reduction in state-administered behavioral health funding streams and program obligations, with corresponding impacts on providers, nonprofit contractors, and communities that relied on those grants and services.
Sentiment
The available record shows the bill advanced through the appropriations process and was ultimately signed by the Governor, indicating sufficient support for enactment. Because no committee transcripts or recorded floor debate were provided, there is no detailed public discussion in the record here to show strong opposition or support arguments. The bill’s structure as a budget-and-program-repeal measure suggests it was treated primarily as a fiscal and administrative adjustment rather than a policy expansion.
Contention
The main points of contention are likely the elimination of behavioral health resources and the redirection of funds away from targeted programs. Affected stakeholders would include rural and agricultural communities, behavioral health providers seeking safety-net certification support, recovery community organizations, and recipients of services funded through the repealed grant programs. Supporters would likely emphasize budget savings and consolidation of state spending, while opponents would likely focus on reduced access to behavioral health care, substance use treatment capacity, and recovery supports in underserved areas.