DENVER, CO – Today, Mental Health Colorado released its 2026 legislative report and scorecard, detailing the organization’s legislative priorities and highlighting lawmakers who championed legislation that supports every Coloradans’ well-being.
“Every year, Mental Health Colorado enters the legislative session with a simple goal: help build a Colorado where every person has the support they need to thrive before they experience a crisis,” said Vincent Atchity, President and CEO of Mental Health Colorado. “We’re proud of this year’s progress to support Coloradans’ well-being and we are grateful to the bipartisan group of legislators who continue to build healthier communities and improve health outcomes for all Coloradans.”
This year’s legislative wins included the passage of Senate Bill 26-060, known as “Alyssa’s Youth Concussion and Mental Health Protection Act,” which requires mental health education for youth sports coaches and strengthens awareness around the mental health impacts of concussions. The legislation was named in honor of Alyssa Peterson, a young Colorado athlete who died by suicide following mental health struggles after a concussion.
This year, 62 lawmakers – 44 in the House and 18 in the Senate – received perfect scores for their votes supporting policies that protect and expand mental healthcare in Colorado.
In addition to SB26-060, lawmakers were scored based on their support for the following priority bills:
- SB26-131: Sports Betting Protections: Establishes additional safeguards related to sports betting in order to reduce potential harms to young people and vulnerable populations.
- HB26-1195: Psychotherapy Artificial Intelligence Restrictions: Implements guardrails around the use of artificial intelligence in psychotherapy and behavioral health settings.
- HB26-1325: Natural Medicine: Creates the ibogaine research pilot program in the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) to research the safety and effectiveness of using ibogaine to treat mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
- SB26-113: Require Recovery Residences to Obtain BHA License: Requires recovery residences to obtain licensure through the BHA, increasing accountability and oversight for recovery housing providers.
Looking forward, Mental Health Colorado will continue working with lawmakers, advocates, providers, and impacted families to pass laws that improve access to care, decriminalize mental illness, and create healthier, more supportive communities across Colorado.
See the full report and scorecard here.