Second Regular Session
Seventy-third General Assembly
STATE OF COLORADO
INTRODUCED
LLS NO. 22-0284.01 Alana Rosen x2606
HOUSE BILL 22-1035
House Committees Senate Committees
Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services
A BILL FOR AN ACT
C
ONCERNING MODERNIZATION OF THE "OLDER COLORADANS' ACT".101
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://leg.colorado.gov.)
The bill updates the "Older Coloradans' Act" (act). The purpose of
the act is to support older Coloradans through community planning, social
services, health and well-being services, and strategies to prepare the
state's infrastructure for an increasing older population of Coloradans.
The bill updates include:
! Reorganizing the commission on the aging (commission)
and increasing membership from 17 to 19 in order to
coordinate and implement the strategic action plan on aging
HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
Young and Bradfield,
SENATE SPONSORSHIP
Ginal and Rankin,
Shading denotes HOUSE amendment. Double underlining denotes SENATE amendment.
Capital letters or bold & italic numbers indicate new material to be added to existing statute.
Dashes through the words indicate deletions from existing statute. (plan) and to make recommendations;
! Appointing a state department of human services (state
department) liaison to act as the primary contact for the
commission in order to coordinate commission-related
duties with the state department and other state agencies;
! Convening a technical advisory committee (committee)
comprised of key state agency representatives to direct the
implementations of the plan and the commission's
recommendations; and
! Creating the lifelong Colorado initiative within the state
department's state office on aging to coordinate strategies
and implementation of the plan with the commission,
committee, and key state agencies.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:1
SECTION 1. In Colorado Revised Statutes, amend 26-11-100.22
as follows:3
26-11-100.2. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly4
hereby
finds and declares that:5
(a) Older Coloradans constitute a fundamental resource of this6
state. Often, their competence, experience, and wisdom are underutilized,7
and a means must be found to
EFFECTIVELY use their abilities more
8
effectively for the benefit of all Coloradans. The number of persons in9
this state sixty years of age or older is increasing rapidly, and, of these10
persons, the number of women, minorities PEOPLE OF COLOR, and persons11
seventy-five years of age or older is expanding at an even greater rate.12
Among those persons seventy-five years of age or older, there is a higher13
incidence of functional disability. The social and health problems of older14
people are compounded by the lack of access to existing services and by15
the unavailability of a complete range of services in all areas of the state.16
The ability of older people to maintain self-sufficiency and personal17
well-being with the dignity to which their years of labor entitle them and18
HB22-1035-2- to realize their maximum potential as creative and productive individuals1
are matters of profound importance and concern for all Coloradans.2
(b) A
STATE THAT IS WELL-ADAPTED FOR AGING IS ONE WHERE ALL3
INDIVIDUALS CAN THRIVE AND ARE ADEQUATELY SUPPORTED : A4
C
OLORADO FOR ALL. COLORADO MUST SUPPORT A HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE5
FOR OLDER COLORADANS AND THEIR FAMILIES BY PROMOTING HEALTH6
AND WELL-BEING, SUPPORTING LONG -TERM SERVICES, FOSTERING7
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND SELF -SUFFICIENCY, CREATING LIVABLE8
COMMUNITIES, AND INTEGRATING AGING POLICY AND PROGRAMS ACROSS9
STATE GOVERNMENT.10
(c) T
O ENSURE THAT COLORADO IS THE BEST STATE IN WHICH TO11
GROW OLD, THE FOLLOWING GOALS MUST GUIDE AGING AND AGING12
SERVICES IN COLORADO:13
(I) O
LDER COLORADANS ARE ABLE TO LIVE AND FULLY14
PARTICIPATE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES OF CHOICE FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE ;15
(II) O
LDER COLORADANS ARE ABLE TO STAY ENGAGED IN THE16
LABOR FORCE OR VOLUNTEER SECTOR FOR AS LONG AS THEY WANT OR17
NEED;18
(III) O
LDER COLORADANS AND THEIR FAMILIES ARE FINANCIALLY19
SECURE AND PREPARED TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF AGING ;20
(IV) C
OLORADANS ARE PREPARED FOR THE CHALLENGES OF21
CARING FOR AGED LOVED ONES AND ARE ABLE TO DO SO WITHOUT22
ENDANGERING THEIR OWN PHYSICAL , BEHAVIORAL, AND FINANCIAL23
HEALTH OR WELL-BEING OR THE HEALTH AND WELL -BEING OF THEIR24
LOVED ONES;25
(V) T
RAINED WORKERS ARE SKILLED , EDUCATED, AND PAID26
COMMENSURATE TO THEIR ABILITIE S AND TRAINING TO MEET THE NEEDS27
HB22-1035
-3- OF EMPLOYERS AND INDUSTRIES SERVING AN INCREASING POPULATION OF1
OLDER COLORADANS;2
(VI) O
LDER COLORADANS CAN STAY HEALTHIER LONGER3
THROUGH ACCESS TO QUALITY AND AFFORDABLE PERSON -CENTERED AND4
CULTURALLY APPROPRIATE CARE THAT ALIGNS WITH THEIR PREFERENCES5
AND VALUES;6
(VII) T
HE STATE CAN MEET ITS COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT OLDER7
C
OLORADANS AND THEIR FAMILIES ; AND8
(VIII) C
OLORADO CAN EMPOWER AND PROTECT OLDER9
C
OLORADANS FROM ABUSE , NEGLECT, EXPLOITATION, AND OTHER10
HARMFUL ACTS;11
(d) C
OLORADO FACES A HISTORIC DEMOGRAPHIC SHIFT OVER THE12
NEXT FIFTY YEARS THAT WILL CREATE OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES .13
T
HIS SHIFT WILL RESULT IN AN UNPRECEDENTED NUMBER OF OLDER14
WORKERS REMAINING IN THE WORKFORCE AND OLDER COLORADANS15
SHIFTING INTO RETIREMENT. THE DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES WILL RESULT16
IN WIDE-RANGING ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACTS ON THE WORKFORCE ,17
HOUSING, TRANSPORTATION, LONG-TERM SERVICES AND SUPPORTS, AND18
HEALTH CARE. THE STATE MUST ACT TO CAPITALIZE ON THE19
OPPORTUNITIES AND ADDRESS THE CHALLENGES .20
(e) T
O ENSURE THAT OLDER COLORADANS ARE PREPARED TO21
ADDRESS AGING-RELATED OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES , IT IS22
CRITICAL THAT THE STATE EMPOWER AND EDUCATE RESIDENTS FROM AN23
EARLY AGE TO PREPARE FOR THE REALITIES OF A LONG LIFE . THE STATE24
SHOULD ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO ENGAGE IN RETIREMENT PLANNING ,25
HEALTH AND WELLNESS PRESERVATION ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES ,26
LIFELONG LEARNING, CROSS-GENERATIONAL COLLABORATION , AND CIVIC27
HB22-1035
-4- ENGAGEMENT.1
(f) A
GING IS A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE THAT VARIES FROM PERSON2
TO PERSON. COLORADANS WILL AGE DIFFERENTLY , WITH SOME REMAINING3
MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY CAPABLE UNTIL THEY DIE AND OTHERS4
EXPERIENCING MENTAL AND PHYSICAL DISABILITIES EARLIER IN LIFE . AS5
A RESULT, OLDER COLORADANS AND THEIR FAMILIES ARE PRESENTED6
WITH VARYING OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES ACROSS THEIR LIVES .7
S
OME OLDER COLORADANS WILL CONTINUE TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY IN8
THEIR OWN HOMES WHILE OTHERS WILL REQUIRE LONG -TERM SKILLED9
NURSING CARE. IN COORDINATION WITH STATE DEPARTMENT SUBJECT10
MATTER EXPERTS , LOCAL GOVERNMENTS , AND COMMUNITY11
STAKEHOLDERS, IT IS A PRIORITY OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO EXAMINE12
THE COMPLEXITY OF THESE ISSUES AND DEVELOP POLICIES THAT SUPPORT13
COMMUNITIES AND FAMILIES ACROSS COLORADO. THE AGING PROCESS IS14
FURTHER IMPACTED BY HISTORICAL DISPARITIES , INCLUDING BUT NOT15
LIMITED TO STRUCTURAL RACISM, SEXISM, AND AGEISM. THE SOCIAL AND16
HEALTH PROBLEMS OF OLDER COLORADANS ARE COMPOUNDED BY17
LIMITED PREPARATION FOR AN INCREASE IN LIFE EXPECTANCY AND LACK18
OF ACCESS TO SERVICES , OR THE UNAVAILABILITY OF SERVICES ,19
THROUGHOUT THE STATE . IT IS OF PROFOUND IMPORTANCE FOR ALL20
C
OLORADANS THAT OLDER COLORADANS MAINTAIN SELF -SUFFICIENCY21
AND PERSONAL WELL-BEING, HAVE ACCESS TO NECESSARY SERVICES AND22
SUPPORTS, AND REALIZE THEIR MAXIMUM POTENTIAL AS CREATIVE AND23
PRODUCTIVE INDIVIDUALS.24
(2) (a) The general assembly further declares that it is the policy
25
of this state: To protect older Coloradans from abuse, neglect, or26
exploitation; to involve older Coloradans in the planning and operation27
HB22-1035
-5- of all programs and services that may affect them; to encourage agencies1
at all levels of government, as well as in the private sector, to develop2
alternative services and forms of care that would provide a range of3
services to be delivered in the community and in the home and that would4
facilitate access to other services which support independent living and5
prevent unnecessary institutionalization; to give priority in planning6
services and programs to those older Coloradans with the greatest7
economic need or the greatest social need; and to facilitate and encourage8
joint program planning and policy development among state and local9
agencies which recognize and strengthen the community and personal10
support networks to which people belong and on which they depend and11
which administer programs and deliver services to the older population.12
T
HEREFORE, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FINDS THAT IT IS COLORADO'S13
POLICY TO:14
(I) P
ROTECT OLDER COLORADANS FROM ABUSE , NEGLECT,15
EXPLOITATION, AND OTHER HARMFUL ACTS;16
(II) I
NVOLVE OLDER COLORADANS IN THE PLANNING AND17
OPERATION OF ALL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT MAY AFFECT THEM ;18
(III) E
NCOURAGE AGENCIES AT ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT , AS19
WELL AS THE PRIVATE SECTOR, TO DEVELOP ALTERNATIVE SERVICES AND20
FORMS OF CARE THAT PROVIDE A RANGE OF SERVICES TO BE DELIVERED IN21
THE COMMUNITY AND HOME THAT SUPPORT INDEPENDENT LIVING AND22
PREVENT UNNECESSARY INSTITUTIONALIZATION ;23
(IV) R
EDUCE HEALTH DISPARITIES AND SUPPORT AGING ACROSS AN24
INDIVIDUAL'S LIFESPAN;25
(V) P
RIORITIZE PLANNING SERVICES AND PROGRAMS FOR OLDER26
C
OLORADANS WITH THE GREATEST ECONOMIC OR SOCIAL NEEDS ;27
HB22-1035
-6- (VI) ACKNOWLEDGE AND REMOVE BARRIERS TO ENSURE1
PROGRAMS, SERVICES, PROJECTS, POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND RESOURCES2
ARE INCLUSIVE OF ALL OLDER COLORADANS;3
(VII) R
ECOGNIZE THAT PREPARING ALL COLORADANS FOR THE4
DIFFERENT FACETS OF A LONGER LIFE IS PART OF THE STATE 'S5
RESPONSIBILITY; AND6
(VIII) F
ACILITATE AND ENCOURAGE JOINT PROGRAM PLANNING7
AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT AMONG STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO8
PROMOTE INNOVATION, EFFICIENCY, AND MAXIMIZE RESOURCES;9
(b) I
N ORDER TO SUPPORT OLDER COLORADANS, THE GENERAL10
ASSEMBLY FINDS THAT A CITIZEN-LED, MULTIDISCIPLINARY STAKEHOLDER11
COMMISSION, COMPRISED OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM BOTH THE PUBLIC12
AND PRIVATE SECTORS, IS NEEDED TO COORDINATE AND CONTRIBUTE TO13
GUIDING STATE PROGRAMS, SERVICES, PROJECTS, POLICIES, PROCEDURES,14
AND RESOURCES IN THE AREA OF AGING .15
SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, amend 26-11-101 as16
follows:17
26-11-101. Commission on aging - created - definition.18
(1) (a) There is hereby
created in the state department the Colorado19
commission on the aging, referred to in this article ARTICLE 11 as the20
"commission", which shall consist of seventeen members appointed by21
the governor, with the consent of the senate. Two members shall be22
appointed from each congressional district of the state, one of whom shall23
be from each major political party, and, after July 1, 1976, and thereafter24
when a vacancy occurs, one of such members shall be from west of the25
continental divide. A vacancy on the commission occurs whenever any26
member moves out of the congressional district from which he or she was27
HB22-1035
-7- appointed. Any member who moves out of such congressional district1
shall promptly notify the governor of the date of such move, but such2
notice is not a condition precedent to the occurrence of the vacancy. The3
governor shall fill the vacancy as provided in subsection (2) of this4
section. Appointments made to take effect on January 1, 1983, shall be5
made in accordance with section 24-1-135, C.R.S. No more than nine6
members of the commission shall be members of the same major political7
party. One member shall be appointed from the state at large, one member8
shall be appointed from among the membership of the senate, and one9
member shall be appointed from among the membership of the house of10
representatives. Appointments to the commission shall comply with the11
requirements of the rules and regulations of the United States department12
of health and human services promulgated pursuant to Public Law 93-29,13
known as the "Older Americans Comprehensive Services Amendments14
of 1973", as such rules and regulations appear in section 903.50 (c) of15
title 45 of the code of federal regulations. In making appointments to the16
commission, the governor is encouraged to include representation by at17
least one member who is a person with a disability, a family member of18
a person with a disability, or a member of an advocacy group for persons19
with disabilities, provided that the other requirements of this subsection20
(1) are met FOR THE PURPOSE OF COORDINATING AND GUIDING THE21
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN ON AGING , DEVELOPED22
PURSUANT TO SECTION 24-32-3406, AND OTHER STRATEGIES THE23
COMMISSION MAY IDENTIFY THAT SUPPORT OLDER COLORADANS. THE24
COMMISSION SHALL CONSIST OF NINETEEN MEMBERS WHO MUST BE25
APPOINTED AS FOLLOWS:26
(I) O
NE MEMBER FROM THE COLORADO SENATE, APPOINTED BY27
HB22-1035
-8- THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE;1
(II) O
NE MEMBER FROM THE COLORADO HOUSE OF2
REPRESENTATIVES, APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF3
REPRESENTATIVES; AND4
(III) S
EVENTEEN MEMBERS APPO INTED BY THE GOVERNOR , WITH5
THE CONSENT OF THE SENATE, AS FOLLOWS:6
(A) O
NE MEMBER FROM EACH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF THE7
STATE;8
(B) O
NE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF HIGHER9
EDUCATION OR THE COLORADO COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM ;10
(C) O
NE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF AN AREA AGENCY11
ON AGING, AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 26-11-204;12
(D) O
NE MEMBER WITH EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF WORKFORCE13
ISSUES IMPACTING OLDER COLORADANS;14
(E) O
NE MEMBER WHO REPRESENTS A LONG -TERM RESIDENTIAL15
CARE SETTING;16
(F) O
NE MEMBER WHO REPRESENTS COLORADANS LIVING WITH17
DEMENTIA;18
(G) O
NE MEMBER WHO REPRESENTS AN ORGANIZATION PROVIDING19
HOME- AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES;20
(H) O
NE MEMBER WITH EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF OR21
EXPERIENCE WITH TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES ;22
(I) O
NE MEMBER WHO REPRESENTS THE HOUSING SECTOR ; AND23
(J) O
NE MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC POLICY COMMUNITY WITH24
EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF AND EXPERIENCE WITH AGING POLICY ISSUES .25
(b) I
N MAKING APPOINTMENTS PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION26
(1)(a)(III)
OF THIS SECTION, THE GOVERNOR SHALL APPOINT NO MORE27
HB22-1035
-9- THAN A MINIMUM MAJORITY OF COMMISSION MEMBERS AFFILIATED WITH1
THE SAME POLITICAL PARTY. IN MAKING APPOINTMENTS, THE GOVERNOR2
SHALL SELECT:3
(I) M
EMBERS WHO REPRESENT DIVERSE RACIAL , CULTURAL,4
SOCIOECONOMIC, GENDER, AND ABILITY GROUPS;5
(II) F
OR THE CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT MEMBERS , AT LEAST ONE6
MEMBER WHO IS SIXTY YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER , OR WHO IS A PERSON7
LIVING WITH A DISABILITY, OR WHO HAS A FAMILY MEMBER LIVING WITH8
A DISABILITY;9
(III) A
T LEAST ONE MEMBER WHO REPRESENTS RURAL OR10
FRONTIER AREAS OF THE STATE;11
(IV) A
T LEAST ONE REPRESENTATIVE FROM A LOCAL12
GOVERNMENT; AND13
(V) A
T LEAST ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY14
IN ORDER TO CONSIDER THE POTENTIAL FOR INITIATIVES DEVELOPED IN15
THE PRIVATE, FOR-PROFIT SECTOR.16
(c) A
PPOINTMENTS TO THE COMMISSION MUST COMPLY WITH THE17
RULES PROMULGATED BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH18
AND HUMAN SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE FEDERAL "OLDER AMERICANS19
C
OMPREHENSIVE SERVICES AMENDMENTS OF 1973", PUB.L. 93-29, AS20
AMENDED.21
(2) (a) All members of the commission shall be appointed for
22
terms of four years each, commencing July 1 in the year of appointment.23
Appointments to fill vacancies shall be for the unexpired term of the24
vacated office and shall be made in the same manner as original25
appointments. Whenever a member of the senate or house of26
representatives serving as a member of the commission ceases to hold his27
HB22-1035
-10- office in the senate or house of representatives, a vacancy on the1
commission shall occur, and the governor shall fill the vacancy by the2
appointment of a similarly qualified person who at the time is holding3
office, as the case may be, in the senate or house of representatives. A4
MINIMUM MAJORITY OF THE COMMISSION MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED5
FOR AN INITIAL TERM OF TWO YEARS EACH AND THE REMAINING6
COMMISSION MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED FOR AN INITIAL TERM OF7
THREE YEARS EACH. THE GOVERNOR SHALL INDICATE WHETHER THE8
APPOINTED PERSON IS SERVING A TWO -YEAR TERM OR A THREE -YEAR9
TERM. APPOINTMENTS MADE AFTER THE EXPIRATION OF THE INITIAL TERM10
ARE THREE-YEAR TERMS. IF A VACANCY ON THE COMMISSION OCCURS , THE11
GOVERNOR SHALL APPOINT A NEW MEMBER FROM THE APPROPRIATE12
REPRESENTATIVE GROUP TO SERVE THE REMAINDER OF THE MEMBER 'S13
TERM. NO MEMBER MAY SERVE MORE THAN TWO FULL CONSECUTIVE14
TERMS.15
(b) T
HE TERMS OF PRESENT MEMBERS APPOINTED PURSUANT TO16
THIS SECTION EXPIRE ON AUGUST 31, 2022. THE GOVERNOR SHALL17
APPOINT NEW MEMBERS PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (1)(a) OF THIS SECTION18
AND THE APPOINTMENTS ARE EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2022.19
(3) F
OR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, "MINIMUM MAJORITY"20
MEANS THE LOWEST NUMBER OF MEMBERS THAT IS MORE THAN HALF OF21
ALL COMMISSION MEMBERS .22
SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, amend 26-11-102 as23
follows:24
26-11-102. Organization of commission. (1) The commission25
shall elect
AN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE from its membership, INCLUDING26
a chairman
CHAIR, a vice-chairman VICE-CHAIR, and such other officers27
HB22-1035
-11- as it deems necessary. The vice-chairman VICE-CHAIR shall act as1
chairman CHAIR in the absence OF or disability AT THE DIRECTION of the2
chairman CHAIR. The commission shall meet IN PERSON OR VIRTUALLY on3
call of the chairman CHAIR but not less than once every three months A4
MONTH. A majority of the members of the commission shall constitute5
CONSTITUTES a quorum for the transaction of business. THE EXECUTIVE6
COMMITTEE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR COORDINATING WITH THE STATE OFFICE7
ON AGING ESTABLISHED IN SECTION 26-11-202, RELEVANT STATE8
AGENCIES, AND MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY .9
(2) (a) T
HE COMMISSION MAY ESTABLISH STANDING10
SUBCOMMITTEES TO SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGIC11
ACTION PLAN ON AGING, DEVELOPED PURSUANT TO SECTION 24-32-3406,12
AND WORK RELATED TO THE LIFELONG COLORADO INITIATIVE13
ESTABLISHED IN PART 3 OF THIS ARTICLE 11. THE SUBCOMMITTEE TOPICS14
MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:15
(I) W
ORKFORCE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OLDER COLORADANS;16
(II) T
HE DIRECT-CARE WORKFORCE;17
(III) H
OUSING OPTIONS FOR OLDER COLORADANS;18
(IV) A
GE-FRIENDLY, AFFORDABLE, AND LIVABLE COMMUNITIES;19
(V) H
EALTH CARE;20
(VI) C
HRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION AND MAINTENANCE ;21
(VII) B
EHAVIORAL HEALTH;22
(VIII) L
IFELONG LEARNING;23
(IX) R
ETIREMENT SECURITY;24
(X) L
EGISLATIVE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS ;25
(XI) T
RANSPORTATION; AND26
(XII) I
NNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY .27
HB22-1035
-12- (b) EACH STANDING SUBCO MMITTEE MUST BE CHAIRED BY A1
MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION BUT MAY INCLUDE MEMBERSHIP BEYOND2
COMMISSION MEMBERS , INCLUDING MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC3
WHO VOLUNTEER TO PARTICIPATE IN A SPECIFIC SUBCOMMITTEE .4
N
ONCOMMISSION MEMBERS MAY BE CO -CHAIRS OR VICE-CHAIRS. THE5
MEMBERSHIP SELECTION PROCESS MAY BE DETERMINED IN THE6
COMMISSION BYLAWS.7
SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, amend 26-11-104 as8
follows:9
26-11-104. Director - liaison and staff. (1) Pursuant to section10
13 of article XII of the state constitution, the executive director shall11
appoint the director of the commission and such clerical and professional
12
staff as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this article. The13
director of the commission shall be the chief administrative officer for the14
commission and shall be a person who is professionally qualified to15
assume the responsibilities of the position A STATE DEPARTMENT LIAISON16
TO THE COMMISSION AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF AS NECESSARY TO17
CARRY OUT THE DUTIES OF THE POSITION . THE STATE DEPARTMENT18
LIAISON MUST BE PROFESSIONALLY QUALIFIED TO ASSUME THE19
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION, BE THE PRIMARY CONTACT FOR THE20
COMMISSION, AND COORDINATE COMMISSION -RELATED DUTIES WITH THE21
STATE DEPARTMENT AND THE COMMISSION 'S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE22
DESCRIBED IN SECTION 26-11-102 (1).23
(2) S
UBJECT TO AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS, THE COMMISSION, AT24
THE DIRECTION OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT , MAY CONTRACT WITH A25
THIRD-PARTY ORGANIZATION TO SERVE AS INDEPENDENT STAFF TO THE26
COMMISSION IN ORDER TO COORDINATE WITH THE STATE DEPARTMENT27
HB22-1035
-13- LIAISON AND THE LIAISON'S STAFF, PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT1
FOR THE COMMISSION'S PURPOSE AND DUTIES, AND CARRY OUT OTHER2
FUNCTIONS THE COMMISSION ASSIGNS .3
SECTION 5. In Colorado Revised Statutes, amend 26-11-105 as4
follows:5
26-11-105. Duties of commission - report. (1) The commission,6
through its director EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DESCRIBED IN SECTION7
26-11-102
(1); IN COORDINATION WITH THE STATE DEPARTMENT LIAISON8
TO THE COMMISSION, APPOINTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 26-11-104; AND9
IN COORDINATION WITH INDEPENDENT STAFF , CONTRACTED PURSUANT TO10
SECTION 26-11-104, shall carry out the following purposes
DUTIES:11
(a) S
ERVE AS THE PRINCIPAL ADVOCACY BODY IN THE STATE ON12
BEHALF OF OLDER COLORADANS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO13
PARTICIPATING AS AN ADVISOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND14
CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION, AND REGULATIONS MADE BY STATE AND15
FEDERAL DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES , RELATING TO PROGRAMS AND16
SERVICES THAT AFFECT OLDER COLORADANS;17
(b) C
OORDINATE AND IMPLEMENT THE STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN ON18
AGING RECOMMENDATIONS , DEVELOPED PURSUANT TO SECTION19
24-32-3406,
AND ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS THE COMMISSION20
MAKES;21
(a)
(c) Conduct, and encourage other PRIVATE AND NONPROFIT22
organizations
AND STATE AGENCIES to conduct, studies of the problems
23
of the state's older people CONDUCT RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS RELATED24
TO THE STATE'S AGING POPULATION;25
(b) (d) Assist governmental and private agencies to coordinate26
their efforts on behalf of the aging and aged OLDER COLORADANS in order27
HB22-1035
-14- that such efforts be effective and that duplication and waste of effort be1
eliminated;2
(c) (e) Promote and aid in the establishment of FEDERAL, STATE,3
REGIONAL, AND local POLICIES, programs, and services for the aging and4
aged THAT SUPPORT AND EMPOWER OLDER COLORADANS AND THEIR5
CAREGIVERS, WHO ARE EITHER PAID OR UNPAID. The commission shall6
assist governmental and private agencies by designing surveys that may7
be used locally AT THE LOCAL, REGIONAL, OR STATE LEVEL to determine8
needs of older people; by recommending the creation
OR MODIFICATION9
of
POLICIES, PROGRAMS, AND services TO MEET IDENTIFIED NEEDS; by10
collection and distribution of information on aging; and by assisting11
public and private organizations in all ways the commission may deem12
appropriate.13
(d)
(f) Conduct promotional activities and programs of public14
education on problems of the RELEVANT TO aging;15
(e) (g) Review existing programs for the aging and make16
recommendations to the governor and the general assembly for17
improvements in such programs; REVIEW EXISTING POLICIES AND18
PROGRAMS ACROSS STATE AGENCIES , AND ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1,19
2023,
AND ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1 EACH YEAR THEREAFTER, DRAFT20
AN ANNUAL REPORT OF ISSUES AND RECOMMENDATIONS DEVELOPED BY21
THE COMMISSION THAT SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIES IN22
ALIGNMENT WITH THE STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN ON AGING DEVELOPED23
PURSUANT TO SECTION 24-32-3406, THE LIFELONG COLORADO INITIATIVE24
CREATED PURSUANT TO SECTION 26-11-302, AND OTHER25
RECOMMENDATIONS THAT THE COMMISSION MAKES . THE COMMISSION26
SHALL SUBMIT THE ANNUAL REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR , EXECUTIVE27
HB22-1035
-15- DIRECTORS OF IMPACTED AGENCIES , AND THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY .1
(f) (h) Advise and make recommendations to the state department2
and the state office on aging, created pursuant to part 2 of this article, on3
the problems of and programs and services for the aging and aged.4
I
DENTIFY AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPACTED STATE AGENCIES5
ON ACUTE CONCERNS IMPACTING OLDER COLORADANS THAT ARISE DUE TO6
PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES , NATURAL DISASTERS , HISTORICAL7
DISPARITIES SUCH AS RACISM , OR OTHER ISSUES TIED DIRECTLY TO8
CURRENT EVENTS THAT REQUIRE IMMEDIATE PROBLEM SOLVING AND9
ADVOCACY;10
(g)
(i) (I) Study and make recommendations to ensure that people11
who are released from prison who are sixty-five years of age or older are12
able to access health insurance after release, including:13
(A) Health insurance options that might be available, including14
medicare, medicaid, social security, the old age pension fund, or any other15
potential options for health-care insurance, and any eligibility criteria that16
may uniquely impact a formerly incarcerated population;17
(B) Enrollment processes for each health insurance option and the18
cost for each option;19
(C) Processes the department of corrections would need to have20
in place, both prior to release and after release, to ensure people sixty-five21
years of age or older are able to enroll in affordable health insurance upon22
release;23
(D) Potential challenges, gaps, or resources needed to ensure that24
inmates sixty-five years of age or older have health insurance upon25
release; and26
(E) Any other recommendations relevant to improving health-care27
HB22-1035
-16- access for people sixty-five years of age or older after release from1
prison.2
(II) On or before January 1, 2022, the commission shall provide3
a report with its findings and recommendations pursuant to this4
subsection (1)(g) (1)(i) to the judiciary and health and insurance5
committees of the house of representatives and the judiciary and health6
and human services committees of the senate, or any successor7
committees. The department of human services STATE DEPARTMENT shall8
post the report on the Colorado commission on aging's COMMISSION'S9
website.10
(j) C
ONTRIBUTE DIRECTLY TO ADDITIONAL AND ONGOING11
ANALYSIS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN ON AGING12
DEVELOPED PURSUANT TO SECTION 24-32-3406 AND ALIGNED WITH THE13
LIFELONG COLORADO INITIATIVE ESTABLISHED IN PART 3 OF THIS ARTICLE14
11;
AND15
(k) D
EVELOP LEGISLATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROPOSALS IN16
COORDINATION WITH STATE DEPARTMENT LIAISONS AND LEGISLATIVE17
DESIGNEES AND COORDINATE ADVOCACY EFFORTS WITH APPROPRIATE18
COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS .19
(2) N
OTWITHSTANDING SECTION 24-1-136 (11)(a)(I), ON OR20
BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2023, AND ON OR BEFORE EACH JANUARY 121
THEREAFTER, IN COORDINATION WITH THE STATE OFFICE ON AGING22
CREATED IN SECTION 26-11-202 AND THE TECHNICAL ADVISORY23
COMMITTEE DESCRIBED IN SECTION 26-11-203 (1)(k), THE COMMISSION,24
THROUGH ITS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DESCRIBED IN SECTION 26-11-10225
(1),
SHALL SUBMIT TO THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY26
AN ANNUAL REPORT SUMMARIZING ITS WORK , FINDINGS, AND27
HB22-1035
-17- RECOMMENDATIONS , INCLUDING INFORMATION RELATED TO HOW THE1
WORK OF THE COMMISSION IS REDUCING HEALTH , ECONOMIC, AND SOCIAL2
DISPARITIES FOR OLDER COLORADANS. THE REPORT MUST PROVIDE3
AGE-RELATED METRICS THAT REFLECT CHANGES IN KEY PROGRAMS , AS4
WELL AS METRICS ON THE DIVERSITY OF OLDER COLORADANS ATTENDING5
THE PROGRAMS THAT INCLUDE RACE , GENDER, AND GEOGRAPHY.6
SECTION 6. In Colorado Revised Statutes, amend 26-11-203 as7
follows:8
26-11-203. Duties of the state office. (1) In addition to such9
other duties and functions as the executive director may allocate to the10
state office, the state office shall have the following duties and functions:11
(a) T
O BE THE LEADER CONCERNING AGING ISSUES ON BEHALF OF12
ALL OLDER COLORADANS WHILE ACTING IN COORDINATION WITH OTHER13
STATE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES , AS APPROPRIATE;14
(b) T
O CARRY OUT A WIDE RANGE OF FUNCTIONS RELATED TO15
ADVOCACY, PLANNING, COORDINATION, INTERAGENCY COLLABORATION ,16
INFORMATION SHARING, AND MONITORING AND EVALUATING TO DEVELOP17
AND ENHANCE A COMPREHENSIVE AND COORDINATED STATE - AND18
COMMUNITY-BASED SYSTEM TO ASSIST OLDER COLORADANS TO LEAD19
INDEPENDENT, MEANINGFUL, AND DIGNIFIED LIVES IN THE RESIDENTIAL20
SETTINGS OF THEIR OWN CHOICE;21
(a)
(c) To develop and administer a state plan on aging, which22
includes input from area agencies on aging
AND OTHER AGING23
STAKEHOLDERS, IDENTIFICATION OF GAPS IN SERVICES AND SUPPORTS FOR24
OLDER COLORADANS, RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICY CHANGES TO25
SUPPORT OLDER COLORADANS, MEASURABLE BENCHMARKS AND METRICS26
TO SUPPORT THE EVALUATION AND MONITORING OF PROGRESS , AND27
HB22-1035
-18- LONG-TERM PROJECTIONS REGARDING THE STATE 'S CHANGING1
DEMOGRAPHICS AND THE CORRESPONDING IMPACT ON STATE PROGRAMS2
AND POLICY;3
(b) (d) To establish a process that encourages local, regional, and4
statewide participation in the development stages of the state plan on5
aging, which shall be coordinated with the area agencies on aging, the6
commission established under PURSUANT TO part 1 of this article ARTICLE7
11, and other persons or entities involved in programs for older persons;8
(c) (e) To assist public and nonprofit private agencies AND THE9
FOR-PROFIT SECTOR in planning and developing programs to facilitate a10
statewide network of comprehensive, coordinated services and11
opportunities for older persons COLORADANS, giving priority to those12
agencies, programs, services, and activities that support independent13
living,
PREPARE COLORADANS FOR THEIR LATER YEARS , AND EMPOWER14
OLDER COLORADANS TO BE SELF-RELIANT AND INDEPENDENT , WHICH15
INCLUDES FOSTERING PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS WHEN APPROPRIATE ;16
(d)
(f) To study those aspects of the problems of aging necessary17
to accomplish the purpose of state policy through such activities as18
conducting research, computing statistics, and EVALUATING EMERGING19
TECHNOLOGIES AND INNOVATIONS , holding hearings, AND DRAFTING20
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS ;21
(e) (g) To maintain a clearinghouse of information related to the22
interests and needs of older persons COLORADANS and act as a referral23
service for the dissemination of said THE information;24
(f) (h) To assess the need for services to be provided to the older25
population within the state and determine the extent to which the state's26
service delivery system serves said THAT population, with particular27
HB22-1035
-19- emphasis on older persons COLORADANS with the greatest economic and1
social needs,
AS WELL AS EMPOWERING OLDER COLORADANS TO PLAN FOR2
THE NEEDS OF INCREASED LIFE EXPECTANCY ;3
(g)
(i) To encourage and support the involvement of volunteers4
and seek ways to utilize the private sector to assume greater responsibility5
in meeting the needs of older persons; and CAPITALIZE ON THE6
OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT OLDER COLORADANS AND THEIR FAMILIES ;7
(h) (j) To designate area agencies on aging to assist the state office8
in carrying out its functions in specified geographic areas within the state;9
(k) T
O CONVENE AND COORDINATE A TECHNICAL ADVISORY10
COMMITTEE COMPRISED OF KEY STATE DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVES ,11
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ,12
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT , DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER13
EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CARE POLICY AND FINANCING ,14
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION , DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND15
ENVIRONMENT, AND DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL AFFAIRS TO DIRECT THE16
IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS AND STRATEGIES PROVIDED IN17
THE STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN ON AGING DEVELOPED PURSUANT TO18
SECTION 24-32-3406 AND RECOMMENDATIONS THE COMMISSION MAKES19
AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 26-11-105; AND20
(l) T
O COORDINATE WITH THE TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE21
AND COMMISSION TO DEVELOP , MAINTAIN, AND MAKE PUBLICLY22
AVAILABLE ON THE STATE DEPARTMENT 'S WEBSITE A COLLECTION OF23
AVAILABLE DATA SETS; METRICS SPECIFIC TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF24
STRATEGIES IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN ON AGING25
DEVELOPED PURSUANT TO SECTION 24-32-3406 AND THE LIFELONG26
C
OLORADO INITIATIVE CREATED PURSUANT TO SECTION 26-11-302; AND27
HB22-1035
-20- OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS THAT THE COMMISSION MAKES AS SET FORTH1
IN SECTION 26-11-105.2
SECTION 7. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add part 3 to article3
11 of title 26 as follows:4
PART 35
LIFELONG COLORADO INITIATIVE6
26-11-301. Definitions. A
S USED IN THIS PART 3, UNLESS THE7
CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES :8
(1) "E
XECUTIVE COMMITTEE" MEANS THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE9
ELECTED BY THE COMMISSION IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 26-11-102.10
(2) "L
IFELONG COLORADO INITIATIVE" MEANS THE LIFELONG11
C
OLORADO INITIATIVE CREATED IN SECTION 26-11-302 TO LEAD THE12
DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF STATE , REGIONAL, AND LOCAL13
STRATEGIES THAT SUPPORT AGING AND ASSIST OLDER COLORADANS TO14
LEAD INDEPENDENT , MEANINGFUL, AND DIGNIFIED LIVES IN15
AGE-APPROPRIATE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING WITHIN THEIR16
COMMUNITIES.17
(3) "S
TATE OFFICE" MEANS THE STATE OFFICE ON AGING WITHIN18
THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES CREATED IN SECTION 26-11-202.19
(4) "S
TRATEGIC ACTION PLAN ON AGING" MEANS THE STRATEGIC20
ACTION PLAN ON AGING DEVELOPED PURSUANT TO SECTION 24-32-3406.21
(5) "T
ECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE " MEANS THE TECHNICAL22
ADVISORY COMMITTEE CONVENED IN THE STATE OFFICE PURSUANT TO23
SECTION 26-11-203.24
26-11-302. Lifelong Colorado initiative - created - reporting.25
(1) T
HERE IS CREATED THE LIFELONG COLORADO INITIATIVE WITHIN THE26
STATE OFFICE. THE PURPOSE OF THE LIFELONG COLORADO INITIATIVE IS27
HB22-1035
-21- TO:1
(a) R
EPRESENT STATE, REGIONAL, AND LOCAL STRATEGIES THAT2
SUPPORT AGING AND ASSIST OLDER COLORADANS TO LEAD INDEPENDENT ,3
MEANINGFUL, AND DIGNIFIED LIVES IN THEIR OWN HOMES AND4
COMMUNITIES;5
(b) R
EPRESENT THE CONTINUED GOALS , PRIORITIES, AND6
STRATEGIES ALIGNED WITH THE STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN ON AGING AND7
OTHER STRATEGIES DEVELOPED THROUGH ONGOING WORK IN THE PUBLIC ,8
PRIVATE, AND NONPROFIT SECTORS THAT SUPPORT OLDER COLORADANS;9
(c) L
EAD THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGE -FRIENDLY, LIVABLE10
COMMUNITIES; AND11
(d) A
LIGN THE STATE DEPARTMENT'S POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND12
IMPLEMENTATION THROUGH A DEMOGRAPHIC LENS THAT SUPPORTS AGING13
ACROSS AN INDIVIDUAL'S LIFE.14
(2) P
URSUANT TO SECTION 26-11-203 (1)(k), THE STATE OFFICE15
SHALL CONVENE THE TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE NO LATER THAN16
S
EPTEMBER 1, 2022, AND MEET AT LEAST QUARTERLY. THE DUTIES OF THE17
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE INCLUDE , BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:18
(a) I
DENTIFYING STATE DEPARTMENT PRIORITIES THAT OVERLAP19
WITH THE GOALS AND STRATEGIES PROVIDED IN THE STRATEGIC ACTION20
PLAN ON AGING AND RECOMMENDATIONS THE COMMISSION MAKES AS SET21
FORTH IN SECTION 26-11-105;22
(b) C
OORDINATING WITH RESPECTIVE AGENCIES AND23
STAKEHOLDERS TO INITIATE POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION24
OF APPROPRIATE STRATEGIES;25
(c) D
EVELOPING TRACKABLE GOALS AND METRICS FOR STRATEGIES26
AND PROGRAMS AND REPORTING ON PROGRESS , WHICH MUST BE MADE27
HB22-1035
-22- PUBLICLY AVAILABLE PURSUANT TO SECTION 26-11-203 (1)(l); AND1
(d) S
UPPORTING THE STATE OFFICE AND COMMISSION WITH2
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND TRACKING IMPLEMENTATION AND3
PROGRESS OF THE GOALS AND STRATEGIES PROVIDED IN THE STRATEGIC4
ACTION PLAN ON AGING AND RECOMME NDATIONS THE COMMISSION MAKES5
AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 26-11-105.6
(3) T
HE TECHNICAL ADVISORY CO MMITTEE SHALL COORDINATE7
WITH AGENCIES AND THE COMMISSION ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE8
STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN ON AGING .9
(4) T
HE STATE OFFICE, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE COMMISSION10
AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE , SHALL COORDINATE WITH THE11
STATE DEPARTMENT TO INCLUDE IN ITS REPORT TO THE COMMITTEES OF12
REFERENCE, PURSUANT TO THE "SMART MEASUREMENT FOR13
A
CCOUNTABLE, RESPONSIVE, AND TRANSPARENT (SMART)14
G
OVERNMENT ACT" HEARING REQUIRED BY SECTION 2-7-203,15
INFORMATION FROM THE STATE OFFICE REGARDING THE PROGRESS AND16
BARRIERS SPECIFIC TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGIC ACTION17
PLAN ON AGING.18
(5) T
HE STATE OFFICE; THE TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ;19
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ; AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT LIAISON20
APPOINTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 26-11-104 SHALL MEET QUARTERLY TO21
ENSURE THAT THE PERSPECTIVES OF OLDER COLORADANS AND THE22
STATE'S PERSPECTIVE REMAIN ALIGNED TO COORDINATE PROGRESS IN THE23
DEVELOPMENT OF STATE PROGRAMS AND POLICY .24
SECTION 8. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 26-11-205, amend25
(1) introductory portion as follows:26
26-11-205. Area agency on aging advisory council. (1) Each27
HB22-1035
-23- area agency on aging, designated pursuant to section 26-11-203, (1)(h),1
shall designate an advisory council consisting of a representative body of2
laypersons and service providers which WHO represent the interests of3
older persons within the planning and service area. Said THE advisory4
council shall:5
SECTION 9. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 26-11-205.7, amend6
(2) as follows:7
26-11-205.7. Community long-term care study - older8
Coloradans study cash fund - strategic plan - authority to implement.9
(2) If the study conducted pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection (1)10
SUBSECTION (1)(a) of this section concludes that increasing funding for11
community-based services as provided in the older Coloradans program12
would result in cost savings, by July 1, 2011, subject to the receipt of13
sufficient moneys MONEY pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection (1)14
SUBSECTION (1)(b) of this section, the state department shall report to the15
members of the health and human services committees of the senate and16
house of representatives, or any successor committees, and to the17
members of the joint budget committee a long-term strategic18
implementation plan, developed in cooperation with the area agencies on19
aging designated pursuant to section 26-11-203, (1)(h), that identifies the20
expected needs for services and recommends potential funding sources.21
SECTION 10. Safety clause. The general assembly hereby finds,22
determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate23
preservation of the public peace, health, or safety.24
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