Denver, CO —Today, Mental Health Colorado announced its priorities for the 2026 General Assembly legislative session, holding true to its fundamental principles by increasing access to care, fighting inequities and over-reliance upon the criminal justice system, and a special focus on supporting youth mental health.
“The state is moving the needle on helping Coloradans take care of their mental health, and it’s critical we keep going,” Vincent Atchity, CEO and President of Mental Health Colorado said. “The measures we have supported over the years that promote access to mental health care, especially for kids and teens, have been transformational for people who have gotten them. It’s our mission to keep pushing for greater access to high-quality support and care for all who need it. We always pride ourselves on supporting healthier minds across the lifespan for all; this year will be no different.”
To better support young people, MHC will champion Alyssa’s Act (SB 26-60), sponsored by Senators Lindsey Daugherty and Rod Pelton. The bill would make sure coaches across the state receive education in basic mental health, so they can recognize when something may be wrong and how they can help. The bill would also require coaches to inform parents when a child is removed from play and has signs and symptoms of a concussion, including possible psychological symptoms. Sports play a huge role in many young people’s lives, and can promote positive well-being, confidence, and teamwork; making sure coaches are equipped to help athletes with mental health challenges will help Colorado better confront the youth mental health crisis.
Mental Health Colorado is also in support of the following introduced bills in 2026:
- Mental Health Access (SB26-008)
- This bill adds much-needed behavioral and mental health support for adults to our healthcare system. Adults can receive 6 free counseling sessions, and this legislation creates a grant for providers providing telehealth counseling to expand access to these services.
- Behavioral Health Treatment & Justice System Impacts (HB26-1063)
- Too many individuals struggling with behavioral crises end up in our criminal justice system instead of receiving treatment. This measure will allow Medicaid reimbursement for substance-use treatment in jails and expand other requirements so those in need of emergency medical treatment can get the help they need.
- Youthful Offender System & Behavioral Health Supports (HB26-1064)
- This bill better clarifies current law so that the state agency in charge of youth offenders can better integrate trauma-informed and rehabilitative care, and better treat youth in the system who have disabilities, mental or behavioral health conditions.
- Modification to Defense of Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (SB26-014)
- In legal cases involving serious mental illness, this bill improves transparency, due-process protections, and access to community-based treatment. It clarifies standards for commitment and release and balances public safety with better mental health outcomes for individuals involved with the justice system.
- Workforce Housing and Housing Tax Credit (SB26-001)
- Lack of affordable housing has created incredible financial stress for many Coloradans that can harm mental health or force vulnerable people into unsafe living situations. This tax credit will help ease the burden of affording a home, making life a little easier for working people.
To see all legislation that Mental Health Colorado is supporting and opposing throughout the session, visit our webpage.
Mental Health Colorado is also urging a renewed focus on bipartisanship and civil discourse in the legislature this session. Bitterly divisive and personally disparaging rhetoric negatively impacts our collective mental health. By contrast, politicians who model civility in a shared pursuit of the common good, even amidst their differences of opinion, restore our confidence and contribute to our sense of well-being. Each year, MHC honors bipartisan lawmakers and advocates for their outstanding commitment to promoting healthier minds across the lifespan for all Coloradans. This year, MHC plans to recognize those who have a proven track record of promoting compassion, inclusivity, and working across the aisle.