Colorado Legislative Council Staff

NO FISCAL IMPACT


Drafting Number:

Prime Sponsor(s):

LLS 98-749

Rep. Owen

Sen. Rizzuto

Date:

Bill Status:

Fiscal Analyst:

February 5, 1998

House HEWI

Janis Baron (866-3523)

 

TITLE:            CONCERNING THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE DRUG ASSISTANCE COMPONENT OF THE FEDERAL “RYAN WHITE C.A.R.E. ACT OF 1990”, AS AMENDED.



Summary of Assessment


            The bill authorizes the Department of Public Health and Environment to implement and administer an AIDS drug assistance state program, which is a drug treatment component of the federal "Ryan White C.A.R.E. Act of 1990" that provides drugs effective in treating persons infected with AIDS or HIV. It states that the program is not an entitlement, is subject to available appropriations, and provides that the General Assembly may make annual appropriations for the program. Additionally, the bill requires an advisory group, convened by the Governor, to make recommendations for AIDS policy in the state, and to serve in an advisory role to DPHE on what pharmaceutical products should be listed on the drug formulary for the program.


            The bill is effective at 12:01 a.m. on the day following the ninety-day period after adjournment sine die of the General Assembly, or on the date of the official declaration of the vote of the people as proclaimed by the Governor, if a referendum petition is filed pursuant to Article V, Section 1 (3) of the State Constitution.


            Background. The FY 1997-98 Long Bill includes an appropriation of $301,000 General Fund for prescription drugs for AIDS drug assistance. Total funding for AIDS drug assistance, including both on-budget and off-budget dollars, is estimated at $3,840,012. For FY 1998-99, DPHE is requesting in its budget submission, $5,967,180 in total funding for the Assistance for AIDS-Specific Drugs (AASD) Program. Of the total, $1,301,000 is General Fund.


            This bill is assessed as having no fiscal impact. It provides that the General Assembly may make annual appropriations for the program, which it has historically done. Any moneys appropriated for AIDS drug assistance will be provided in the annual appropriations bill.



Departments Contacted


            Public Health and Environment