Bill > HB1026

This bill eliminates copayments and fees for healthcare services provided to inmates in Colorado's Department of Corrections. Drawing from legal and public health research, the bill argues that charging inmates for medical, dental, mental health, and optometric services creates barriers to essential healthcare, potentially endangering both inmates and the broader community. Specifically, the bill prohibits the Department of Corrections from charging inmates for medical visits, missed appointments, or healthcare service requests. It references the U.S. Supreme Court's Estelle v. Gamble decision, which established that incarcerated individuals have a constitutional right to healthcare, and cites 2024 research demonstrating how medical charges can prevent inmates from seeking necessary treatment. The bill also requires the Department of Corrections to report on appointment attendance and healthcare service requests in its annual "SMART ACT" hearing. Additionally, the bill makes corresponding budgetary adjustments, reducing cash fund appropriations related to inmate medical fees and providing a general fund appropriation to offset potential administrative changes. The legislation aims to support inmate health, facilitate community reentry, and ultimately contribute to public safety by ensuring unobstructed access to healthcare services.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1026