ICYMI: Senate Passes Measure to Improve Safety, Support Behavioral Health in Schools

HB22-1243 invests $14 million to help keep students safe

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed HB22-1243, sponsored by Senator Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, which invests $14 million to improve security and support behavioral health in public schools.

The bill provides an additional $2 million in federal pandemic relief funding for the behavioral health care professional matching grant program, and extends and provides an additional $6 million for the popular “I Matter” program beyond its scheduled repeal in June 2022, paving the way to serve youth with free counseling sessions for another two years.

“Too many kids don’t know where to turn when they’re in a mental health crisis,” Kolker said. “We’re working hard to break down barriers that prevent people experiencing a crisis from getting support, and making sure every Colorado kid can get the lifesaving care they need. Together, we can work to end the stigma surrounding mental health, expand access to care, and save lives.”

“As we work to build a safer and healthier Colorado for all, we need to ensure that our schools are better equipped to keep students safe and connect them to the appropriate behavioral health care they need,” said Hinrichsen. “Our students have faced tremendous challenges over the last few years, and this bill will help them feel safer in the classroom while ensuring they have increased access to resources that will help them care for their mental health and well-being.” 

The bill also allocates $6 million to the School Security Disbursement Program over two years.

HB22-1243 now moves to the House for further consideration. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.