Under current law, when a health care provider who is not under a contract with a health insurer, and is therefore an out-of-network provider, renders health care services to a person covered under a health benefit plan at a facility that is part of the provider network under the plan (in-network facility), the health insurer is required to cover the services of the out-of-network provider at the in-network benefit level and at no greater cost to the covered person than if the services were provided by an in-network provider. The bill specifies that the in-network benefit level also applies to emergency services provided to a covered person by an out-of-network provider or at an out-of-network facility. The bill also requires health care facilities, providers, and health insurers to provide disclosures to consumers about the potential effects of receiving nonemergency services from an out-of-network provider or emergency services at an out-of-network facility. The commissioner of insurance, the director of the division of professions and occupations, and the state board of health are directed to adopt rules detailing the disclosure requirements imposed on carriers, providers, and health facilities. Additionally, if a covered person receives nonemergency services provided by an out-of-network provider at an in-network facility or emergency services provided by an out-of-network provider or at an out-of-network facility and pays the out-of-network provider or facility an amount in excess of the required cost-sharing amount, the out-of-network provider or facility must refund the overpayment and must pay interest on the overpayment if the provider or facility fails to timely refund the overpayment. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.) , Read More
The bill creates a special permit for youth to hunt light geese on private land as members of a youth shooting sports organization. The landowner will notify the hunters that light geese are on the land. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.) , Read More
The bill updates provisions of the state's adoption assistance program (adoption program) that provides cash subsidies and other noncash benefits to families who adopt children who, because of one or more special needs, might not otherwise be adopted. The department of human services (state department) administers the adoption program in conjunction with county departments of human or social services (county department). The state department is required to keep data on the adoption program to help evaluate the adoption program's ongoing effectiveness in providing stability to families involved in special needs adoptions. As appropriate, the state department, a county department, or a nonprofit child placement agency is required to provide prospective adoptive families, at the time of application, with information on the various benefits available through the adoption program. The bill outlines eligibility for the adoption program and the available benefits. Specific benefits for an adoption made through the adoption program are detailed in a written adoption assistance agreement (agreement) that addresses the unique needs of the eligible child or youth to be adopted. The terms of an agreement are negotiated between all parties involved. Determination of the type and amount of benefits to be provided through the adoption program must take into consideration the circumstances of the adopting family and the needs of the child or youth being adopted. The agreement must be reviewed at least every 3 years, but may be reviewed sooner at the request of the adoptive parents. The adoptive parents may appeal any decision made pursuant to the provisions of the adoption program with a hearing before an administrative law judge in accordance with the 'State Administrative Procedure Act'. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.) , Read More
Sentencing in the Criminal Justice System Interim Study Committee. The bill directs the Colorado commission on criminal and juvenile justice (commission) to contract for a study of the most effective criminal sentencing practices available. The commission must establish an advisory committee to review the study and make recommendations regarding changes to the Colorado sentencing scheme based on the study.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.) , Read More
The bill creates the veterans outdoor terrain restoration and recreation mental health grant program (program) in the division of veterans affairs within the state department of military and veterans affairs (division) to provide money to nonprofit and for-profit organizations that provide outdoor restoration and recreation activities for veterans. On or before January 1, 2019, the adjutant general, in consultation with the board of veterans affairs, shall adopt rules for the administration of the program, including a requirement that organizations receiving money from the program carry insurance. The veterans outdoor terrain restoration and recreation mental health grant program cash fund is created and consists of any money received by the division as gifts, grants, or donations and such money as is appropriated to the fund by the general assembly. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.) , Read More
For ground leases for the construction and operation of telecommunications towers on state land managed by the state board of land commissioners (board) in rural areas of the state, the bill requires the board to set a lease rate based on a local market-based appraisal of telecommunications lease rates in the rural area. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.) , Read More
The bill authorizes any board of county commissioners (board), by resolution, to delegate to the county planning commission any power granted to or duty placed upon the board in connection with county planning law, providing that the right to appeal to the board of county commissioners is retained in any such delegation. The bill expressly excludes from the authorized delegation the power to impose fines and penalties.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.) , Read More
The bill requires the secretary of state to refer a ballot issue at the general election held on November 6, 2018, to seek voter approval for the state to retain and spend an amount equal to state severance tax revenue. The change only has effect in years when the state would otherwise be required to make a refund under section 20 of article X of the state constitution (TABOR) and is conditioned on the state not: Repealing or reducing any of the existing severance tax exemptions or credits; or Reducing the percentage of the severance tax revenue that is allocated to local governments. If the state does any of these actions, then the state's authority to retain and spend revenues based on the voters' approval of the referred ballot issue is rescinded at that time and going forward. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.) , Read More
The bill establishes legislation to further protect minors who are victims of human trafficking of a minor for involuntary servitude and human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude (minor who is a victim of human trafficking). The term 'sexually exploited minor' is clarified to include a person less than 18 years of age who has been a victim of human trafficking or has engaged in certain prostitution-related activities. A statutory presumption is established that any person who is less than 18 years of age who engages in conduct that would constitute prostitution if such person were an adult is presumed to be a minor who is a victim of human trafficking, and must be referred to the appropriate county department of human or social services for care and services. The bill makes conforming amendments. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.) , Read More
Section 1 of the bill limits the application of recent legislation prohibiting the offering of simulated gambling devices to exempt a bona fide nonprofit entity that holds a bingo-raffle license and that offers the use of electronic gaming machines. Section 2 makes a conforming change to the definition of a 'game of chance' in the laws governing bingo and raffles.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.) , Read More
Current law requires each Colorado bank that engages in electronic funds transfers to provide certain protections to each "account holder", which is defined as a person having an established demand, savings, or loan account at a Colorado bank. The bill amends the law to require banks to provide such protections to each "consumer", which is defined as an individual who enters into a transaction primarily for personal, family, or household purposes. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.) , Read More
The bill creates a marijuana consumption club (club) license. The license is subject to the same licensing requirements as other retail marijuana licenses. The license may be issued to a person who operates an establishment where retail marijuana or retail marijuana products may be sold and consumed. The club's sales are limited to the same limits as a retail marijuana store. The club may not serve food prepared on site or alcohol. Entry to the club is restricted to those persons at least 21 years of age. A club shall purchase its retail marijuana or retail marijuana products from a licensed marijuana business or get a cultivation license and sell its own marijuana. A club may not permit outside marijuana or marijuana products. All retail marijuana or retail marijuana products must be consumed or disposed of on site. A club and its employees shall successfully complete a responsible vendor program annually. A club has the same immunity to a lawsuit for an injury caused by a club patron that a bar enjoys. The bill allows a local government to permit clubs in its jurisdiction. If a local government permits clubs, it shall adopt an approval or licensing requirement. In order to operate as a club, the club must comply with the local and state licensing regulations. A club is exempt from the 'Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act' for marijuana consumption purposes if it is fully ventilated. Public display, consumption, or use of marijuana in a club is not a criminal offense. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.) , Read More
