summary
Introduced
01/28/2026
01/28/2026
In Committee
01/28/2026
01/28/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
The bill requires the department of public health and environment (department) to do the following in relation to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and other epilepsy-related mortalities: ! Gather and provide to families and health-care practitioners information on sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and other epilepsy-related mortalities; ! Ensure that all death investigation professionals are aware of the latest epilepsy-related death investigation recommendations from a nationally recognized and reputable organization of medical examiners and a nationally recognized and reputable organization of medicolegal death investigators; ! Conduct a statewide public health campaign to expand public awareness of and educate the public about epilepsy and its associated mortality risks; and ! Report all epilepsy-related deaths to a sudden unexpected death in epilepsy registry. The bill also requires that investigations regarding the cause and manner of a death suspected to be or determined to be caused by epilepsy or a seizure must include a determination of whether the death was a direct result of a seizure or epilepsy. If there is a determination that the cause and manner of an individual's death was consistent with the definition of known or suspected sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, a death investigation professional shall ensure that the individual's death certificate identifies epilepsy as the contributing cause or suspected cause of death.
AI Summary
This bill, also known as "Lincoln's Law," aims to increase awareness and understanding of epilepsy-related deaths, particularly Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), which is the most common cause of premature death for individuals with epilepsy. The Department of Public Health and Environment will be responsible for gathering and providing evidence-based information on SUDEP and other epilepsy-related mortalities to families and healthcare practitioners, ensuring this information is easily accessible. Furthermore, the department must ensure that all death investigation professionals, such as coroners and medical examiners, are aware of the latest recommendations for investigating epilepsy-related deaths from nationally recognized organizations. To address a lack of public knowledge, the bill mandates a statewide public health campaign to educate the public about epilepsy and its associated mortality risks, including how to mitigate these risks. Crucially, investigations into deaths suspected to be caused by epilepsy or seizures must now determine if the death was a direct result of the condition, and if SUDEP is identified as the cause or suspected cause, it must be clearly stated on the death certificate. Finally, all epilepsy-related deaths will be reported to a SUDEP registry to improve data collection and understanding of these tragic events.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Senate Health & Human Services Committee Hearing (13:30:00 3/5/2026 Old Supreme Court) (on 03/05/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-077 |
| BillText | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/111019/download |
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