Are you Familiar with Recent Bills that have been passed that effect our Aging Popluation? Here are a few in case you want to get involved!
The Older Coloradoans Act – This bill followed the Older Americans Act of 1965 and helped to direct and appropriate those funds on a state level.
The Colorado State Ombudsmen Program (1977) – The Department of Social Services subsumed the privately-run Ombudsman program to serve all Coloradoans.
Spousal Protection in Long-Term Care (1994) – This safeguarded older married couples from going into poverty while caring for their spouse.
Property Tax Credit Act – created a maximum amount of taxation for low-income individuals, and a corresponding property tax credit.
Elder Abuse/Care (SB13-111) – created mandatory reporting of abuse or exploitation of at-risk elders (over age 70).
Protect Seniors from Financial Abuse (HB 17-1253) - This bill required certain financial professionals to report potential financial exploitation of covered adults to the Securities Commissioner to include law enforcement in the investigation.
Dementia Diseases and Related Disabilities (HB19-1091) - updated official terminology concerning dementia to reflect both the range of dementia diseases and the impact on a person's functioning. This bill adds persons with dementia diseases and related disabilities to certain state services.
Protection from Unlawful Abandonment and Confinement (SB19-172) - This expands crimes against an at-risk person by creating new offenses for unlawful abandonment or false imprisonment of an at-risk person.
CAPS Check Program Changes (HB20-1302) - makes changes to reporting requirements for the mistreatment of at-risk adults, requires employers to provide access to their records to counties conducting investigations of allegations of mistreatment, and updates who must receive a background check through Colorado's Adult Protective Services data system.
Mobile Home Park Updates (HB20-1196) - amended statutes regarding mobile home residents’ protection against termination of lot lease, provides necessary maintenance and safety, and other protections and benefits for mobile home residents.
Colorado Revised Statute 39-3-203, Senior Property Tax Exemption of 2002 - This was a bill that became a constitutional amendment which provides a break on property taxes to people over age 60 and disabled veterans. Certain restrictions apply.
Grants for Property Tax Rent and Heat (PTC rebate)(HB19-1085) – Low-Income Colorado residents over the age of sixty-five are eligible for a property tax and rent assistance rebate grant and a heat and fuel expenses rebate grant, if they meet certain conditions.
SB21-158 –Increase Medical Providers for Senior Citizens, expanded the availability of geriatric health care providers in rural areas of the state.
HB22-1137 - Homeowners' Association Board Accountability and Transparency Concerning practices of HOAs in small claims court and limiting the collecting unpaid assessments, fees, and fines.
SB22-154 – Increasing Safety in Assisted Living Facilities
SB23 –144 - Prescription Drugs for Chronic Pain, improves access to prescription opiate medications for individuals with chronic pain.
SB23-064 – Job Application Fairness Act, removes the graduation date from applications.
Thank you CCA for all that you have done to keep up with the bills that affect our Aging Population