JOINT RELEASE: New Law Will Increase Behavioral Health Funding for Veterans, Military Families
DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will allow Prop KK revenue to fund community-based behavioral health services for military members, veterans, and their families.
“As a member of the Air Force, I have seen firsthand how military veterans and their families can struggle to access proper health care for their behavioral health issues,” said Rep. Sean Camacho, D-Denver. “Voters approved Prop KK, boosting funding for crime victim programs, public safety grants, and behavioral health crisis services just like the one this law funds. Military members and veterans desperately need quality health care, and this new law seeks to boost lifesaving behavioral health support for Colorado heroes and their loved ones by implementing the will of the voters.”
“Since my time in the Army, I’ve become intimately familiar with the critical need for community-focused mental health services for veterans,” Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, said. “Our veterans and their families gave everything they had to protect and serve our country, and they deserve all the life-saving support we can give in return.”
“Far too many military members and veterans suffer from debilitating PTSD, anxiety, and other behavioral health struggles that impact their day-to-day life without the proper treatment,” said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood. “Our law better allows Colorado to fund community behavioral health programs and other beneficial services, improving access to the behavioral health care that veterans and their families deserve.”
“Too many of our state’s veterans struggle with PTSD, anxiety, and other life-altering mental health conditions without access to proper treatment,” Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, said. “Voters approved Prop KK, which boosts funding for crime victim programs, public safety grants, and behavioral health services like the ones supported by this bill. This new law will provide crucial support for our service members while implementing the will of the voters.”
HB25-1132 allows Proposition KK revenue to fund non-profit organizations that establish and expand community behavioral health programs for military service members, veterans, and their families. These organizations must meet the following requirements to receive grant funding:
Provides local behavioral health services to service members, veterans, and their families,
Utilizes evidence-based practices,
Trains staff on military cultural competency, and
Has established and verifiable community partnerships to deliver behavioral health services for service members, veterans, and their families.
The law also allows reimbursement for services that help address behavioral health struggles. Health care professionals are required to provide at least four health care sessions to each veteran they accept as a client in order to qualify for reimbursement.
Colorado Democrats passed a law referring a ballot measure to voters in the November 2024 election to create a new excise tax on gun dealers, gun manufacturers, and ammunition vendors to fund the Colorado Crime Victim Services Fund, Behavioral Health Administration, and school safety efforts. Nearly 54.5 percent of Colorado voters approved Prop KK to bolster crime victim support and behavioral health programs.