Colorado Legislative Council Staff

REVISED NO FISCAL IMPACT(replaces Fiscal Note dated April 20, 1998)

TITLE:            CONCERNING MANDATORY REPORTING OF ABUSE OF AT-RISK ADULTS.

Summary of Assessment

            The reengrossed bill, as amended by the House HEWI Committee on April 22, 1998, calls for a study of at-risk adult abuse. Section 26-1-131 of the bill requires the Governor to appoint a 15-member task force to study the problem of at-risk adult abuse and the mandatory reporting of such abuse. As amended, the bill requires the task force to serve voluntarily and without pay or reimbursement for expenses. The state Department of Human Services (DHS) is required to provide the necessary staff and support to the task force within existing resources. The task force is required to report its finding to the HEWI Committees of the Colorado General Assembly on or before January 1, 1999. Section 26-1-131 is repealed January 31, 1999. The bill is effective upon signature of the Governor.

            The bill requires the task force to serve without pay or reimbursement for expenses. It additionally requires DHS to provide staff and support within existing appropriations. It is anticipated that the cost to provide support to the task force will be minimal and can be absorbed within existing appropriations. Thus, the bill is assessed as having no fiscal impact.

Departments Contacted

            Human Services                                             Public Health and Environment

            Health Care Policy and Financing                  Regulatory Agencies