2021 Colorado Legislation That Impacts Older Adults

For older adults and everyone in Colorado, learning and understanding the latest legislation passed in the Colorado government can help us better advocate for ourselves and our loved ones. 

Whether you are an older adult or are a family member of an older adult of the Colorado community, understanding the latest legislation is key to becoming an informed and active citizen.

In Colorado, important bills regarding older adults are passed regularly. They may include various aspects such as healthcare, elder abuse and exploitation, long-term insurance, and property tax assistance programs for older adults. While the issues surrounding aging are different across the country, the story is similar – advocacy works

Each bill listed below is designated as a Colorado House of Representatives bill (H) or a Colorado Senate bill (S). Each is a current part of 2021 legislation and may or may not be signed into law by Governor Jared Polis as of this writing.

Here are a few of the essential pieces of legislation passed this year:

Colorado Senate Legislation

Security For Colorado Seniors (SB21-290)

The Security For Colorado Seniors bill, which has been voted on and sent to Governor Polis, regards financial allocations from the Colorado General Fund. The bill was sponsored by Sen. J. Danielson, Sen. J. Buckner, Rep. M. Young, and Rep. M. Bradfield.

With passage, $15 million in General Fund dollars will be allocated to establish an area Agency on Aging grant program. This financial grant money would be directed to develop and implement various programs providing physical, mental, and emotional assistance to older Coloradans. With this increased aid, older adults can enjoy multiple increased benefits that will impact every aspect of their lives.

As of June 23, 2021, SB21-290 has been sent to Governor Polis to await being signed into law.

Increase Medical Providers For Senior Citizens (SB21-158)

The state of Colorado has been suffering from a lack of healthcare providers who can help service older adults in many state communities. 

SB21-158, “Increase Medical Providers For Senior Care,” has been created to address this issue by expanding the availability of geriatric care providers. In addition, this bill would include changes made on the Colorado Health Service Corps program administered by Public Health and Environment, which would greatly benefit citizens who need these services most.

SB21-158 was sponsored by Sen. J. Danielson, Sen. B. Pettersen, Rep. B. Titone, and Rep. M. Duran.

As of June 10, 2021, SB21-158 has been sent to Governor Polis to be signed into law.

Department of Human Services Supplemental (SB21-044)

SB21-044 is legislation sponsored by Sen. D. Moreno and Rep. J. McCluskie. The bill addresses supplemental appropriation to the Colorado Department of Human Services.

By increasing the Colorado Department of Human Services funding, older adults in Colorado can enjoy greater access to essential health services that are tailored to their unique needs.

The Colorado Department of Human Services helps older adults with critical needs such as affordable housing, transportation, nutrition, and health services – including prevention of elder abuse. The money from the settlement has been earmarked for specific uses to ensure that Colorado’s aging population can continue to thrive and lead healthy lives.

SB21-044 was signed into law by Governor Polis on March 21, 2021.

Colorado House of Representatives Legislation

Driver’s License Electronic Renewal By Seniors (HB21-1139)

HB21-1139 aims to make it easier for older adults in Colorado to renew their driver’s licenses. For many individuals, the process of renewing their license is complicated, and physical limitations can make it hard to renew their important documents to stay legal on the road.

This bill will make it easier for older adults to renew their drivers’ licenses by mail and electronic methods. Plus, HB21-1139 would allow many individuals to sign a driving log attesting that a minor driver with an instruction permit has completed a minimum number of driving hours. The bill was sponsored by Rep. J. McCluskie and Sen. B. Rankin.

As of May 24, 2021, Governor Polis had signed HB21-1139 into Colorado law.

First Responder Interactions Persons With Disabilities (HB21-1122)

With this bill, Colorado will establish a commission to improve first responder interactions with persons with disabilities. The commissioners are in the process of drafting new policies and procedures for emergency medical personnel, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and public safety agencies that will give better guidance on how these groups can best serve those who have limited mobility or sensory impairments. 

This commission will work to identify some key areas where current practices need improvement. This bill will benefit Colorado adults who may require extra care and attention from emergency medical personnel in various circumstances. The bill was sponsored by House members Rep. M. Froelich, Rep. C. Larson, Sen. C. Kolker, and Sen. J. Ginal.

As of June 17, 2021, HB21-1122 has been sent to Governor Polis to be signed into law.

The Role of the Colorado Senior Lobby

Many older adults in Colorado are surprised to find out that certain pieces of legislation have been passed on their behalf. To help older adults increase their awareness of how laws benefit them, the Colorado Center for Aging operates as a mediator. 

The Colorado Senior Lobby works on behalf of older adults to create and distribute information about the laws that may affect them. The group also works to increase advocacy skills for older adults to develop an awareness of their rights and resources in their community.

This group is led by advocates who have been through a training program in order to qualify as leaders in the organization. Their primary purpose is to help older adults understand their rights while also addressing specific issues to each individual’s needs. 

The Importance of Engagement in Older Adult Legislation

With so many bills being introduced and passed each year, older adults in Colorado must remain aware of legislation that may directly affect their lives.

To stay aware of potential legislation that may positively or negatively impact their lives, Colorado adults should remain mindful of the legislative process by engaging with various news media and legislative information.

People in Colorado are often reluctant to spend their precious time advocating for their important issues. However, this reluctance can be costly. The best way to make sure that older adults have a voice at the table is to be active at both the local and national levels.

Vintage offers individual counseling to family caregivers under the National Family Caregiver Support Act. Call today at 970-468-0295 or at efisher@nwccog.org

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