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May 31, 2023 SB 23-004
Legislative Council Staff
Nonpartisan Services for Colorado’s Legislature
Final Fiscal Note
Drafting Number:
Prime Sponsors:
LLS 23-0584
Sen. Marchman;
Jaquez Lewis
Rep. Michaelson Jenet;
Young
Date:
Bill Status:
Fiscal Analyst:
May 31, 2023
Signed into Law
John Armstrong | 303-866-6289
john.armstrong@coleg.gov
Bill Topic: EMPLOYMENT OF SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Summary of
Fiscal Impact:
☐ State Revenue
☐ State Expenditure
☐ State Transfer
☐ TABOR Refund
☐ Local Government
☒ School District
The bill allows school districts to employ licensed mental health professionals who are
not licensed by the Department of Education. The bill minimally increases workload
for school districts.
Appropriation
Summary:
No appropriation is required.
Fiscal Note
Status:
The fiscal note reflects the enacted bill.
Summary of Legislation
The bill allows school districts and charter schools to employ licensed school-based therapists who
are not licensed by the Department of Education. These therapists may be supervised by either a
mentor in the professional field in which they are licensed or by a school district administrator. School
districts must conduct a fingerprint-based criminal history background check of these additional
employees. Therapists that provide services to students with an Individualized Education Plan must
have qualifications consistent with the student’s plan. Therapists should not replace special services
providers.
School District
The bill allows school districts and charter schools to hire additional licensed school-based therapists,
provided they comply with fingerprinting, background check requirements, and Individualized
Education Plan requirements. Any additional outreach and intake work for new employees is
expected to be minimal.
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May 31, 2023 SB 23-004
Effective Date
The bill was signed into law by the Governor and took effect on May 4, 2023.
State and Local Government Contacts
Education Human Services Information Technology
Regulatory Agencies
The revenue and expenditure impacts in this fiscal note represent changes from current law under the bill for each
fiscal year. For additional information about fiscal notes, please visit: leg.colorado.gov/fiscalnotes.