HOUSE
                       3rd Reading Unamended
       April 15, 2015          HOUSE
       Amended 2nd Reading
                      April 14, 2015First Regular Session
               Seventieth General Assembly
                    STATE OF COLORADO
                                                REENGROSSED
                       This Version Includes All Amendments
                       Adopted in the House of Introduction
 LLS NO. 15-0566.01 Jerry Barry x4341    HOUSE BILL 15-1018
                    HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
 Danielson, 
 
                   SENATE SPONSORSHIP
 Todd,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 House Committees
 Senate Committees
 
 
 Judiciary
 
 
 
 Public Health Care & Human Services
 
 
 
 Appropriations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                         A BILL FOR AN ACT
       Concerning measures to protect older Coloradans, and, in
            connection therewith, adding additional persons who
            are required to report the abuse or exploitation of
            senior citizens and making an appropriation.
       
       
                           Bill Summary
       
            (Note:  This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does
       not reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted. If this bill
       passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that
       applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at
       http://www.leg.state.co.us/billsummaries.)
       
            Current law lists a number of persons who are required to report
       to law enforcement the abuse or exploitation of a person 70 years of age
       or older. The bill adds additional persons to the list.
       
       
       
       Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:
            SECTION 1.  Legislative declaration. (1)  The general assembly
       finds and declares that:
            (a)  Older Coloradans are at an increased risk of abuse or
       exploitation;
            (b)  While certain persons are already required to report the abuse
       or exploitation of an at-risk elder, other classes of persons are likely to see
       instances of such abuse or exploitation; and
            (c)  Therefore, requiring these persons to report elder abuse or
       exploitation will protect older Coloradans from such predatory behavior.
            SECTION 2.  In Colorado Revised Statutes, 18-6.5-108, amend
       (1) (b) (VII), (1) (b) (VIII), and (1) (b) (XVII); and add (1) (b) (XIX) and
       (1) (b) (XX) as follows:
            18-6.5-108.  Mandatory reports of abuse and exploitation of
       at-risk elders - list of reporters - penalties. (1) (b)  The following
       persons, whether paid or unpaid, shall report as required by paragraph (a)
       of this subsection (1):
            (VII) Psychologists, and other mental health professionals as
       defined in section 12-43-201, C.R.S.; social workers, as defined in
       section 12-43-401, C.R.S.;  marriage and family therapists, as
       defined in section 12-43-201, C.R.S.; licensed professional
       counselors, as defined in section 12-43-201, C.R.S.; registered
       psychotherapists, as defined in section 12-43-201, C.R.S.; and
       licensed or certified addiction counselors, as defined in section
       12-43-201, C.R.S.;
            (VIII) Social work practitioners;
            (XVII)  A caretaker, staff member, employee, or consultant for a
       licensed or certified care facility, agency, home, or governing board,
       including but not limited to home health providers; and
                 
            (XIX)  Victim advocates employed by or volunteering with
       any law enforcement agencies;
                 
            (XX)  Employees, contractors, and volunteers operating
       specialized transportation services primarily and specifically
       for the transport of at-risk elders.
            SECTION 3.  Appropriation. (1)  For the 2015-16 state fiscal
       year, $30,002 is appropriated to the department of human services. This
       appropriation is from the general fund. To implement this act, the
       department may use this appropriation as follows:
            Adult assistance programs, adult protective services
                 State administration                $2,400
                 Adult protective services          $27,602
            SECTION 4.  Effective date - applicability. This act takes effect
       July 1, 2015, and applies to observations made on or after said date.
            SECTION 5.  Safety clause. The general assembly hereby finds,
       determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate
       preservation of the public peace, health, and safety.