ICYMI: Bipartisan Story Bill to Improve Youth Behavioral Health Clears Committee

Legislation will invest $2 million of federal pandemic relief funds toward improving youth behavioral health outcomes for kids 

DENVER, CO – The Senate Health and Human Services Committee yesterday approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Tammy Story, D-Conifer, that will help build a healthier Colorado by improving behavioral health access for youth. 

HB22-1369, co-sponsored by Senator Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, would invest $2 million in pandemic relief funding to provide evidence-based behavioral health programs for children six years old and younger experiencing chronic stress or trauma at home.

“Stress and trauma can have negative effects on our youngest Coloradans, but far too often families have nowhere to turn to care for their kids’ mental health,” said Story. “This investment will support early intervention and home-based prevention programs to help families provide the critical behavioral health services their children need to address stress and trauma. With these funds, we can take a step toward creating a healthier Colorado for all.”

This bill invests in a home-based prevention and early intervention mental health program for children and their families to address the psychological damage caused by chronically stressful experiences.

HB22-1369 is one in a series of bills to invest millions into our state’s economic recovery and deliver urgently-needed relief to Coloradans.

The bill now moves to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill HERE.