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ColoradoHB26-14252026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Applied Behavior Analysis Services

Sponsored By: Kyle Brown (Democratic), Lindsay Gilchrist (Democratic), Lindsey Daugherty (Democratic), Scott Bright (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Health Care & Health InsuranceProfessions & OccupationsPublic Health

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Medicaid pays for ABA technicians

Medicaid pays for ABA services delivered by registered behavior technicians for eligible members. With federal approval, the state also pays for one temporary 45‑day period while a technician finishes certification, after a name‑based court record check and required trainings, and after the provider files a quarterly roster. Payment stops if the technician is not certified by day 45. Starting January 2027, the department reports each year on how this policy works.

Stronger safety rules for ABA clinics

The state sets safety rules for ABA clinics to protect children. Clinics must verify immunizations, with a short 15-day enrollment allowance no more than twice a year and at least 60 days apart, with parent notice. Restraint use needs department approval, staff training, and reporting. Staff, owners, and adult residents must pass fingerprint and child-abuse record checks. The department investigates serious complaints on-site within 48 hours. Standards must be published by July 1, 2029.

State licenses now required for ABA providers

The law requires a state license to offer applied behavior analysis in Colorado. To get licensed, you must hold a current certification and pass a fingerprint criminal check. Assistants must work under a licensed analyst and may do analyst tasks only with that supervision. Analysts must create treatment plans with measurable goals using standard assessments. The board accepts out-of-state credentials by endorsement and renews licenses only if your certification stays active. You must keep your credential, tell the board right away if it is suspended, and follow board rules. The board can deny, suspend, or revoke licenses for fraud, poor supervision, or unsafe care.

ABA clinics need licenses, fees, zoning

A facility is an ABA clinic if it serves at least three clients ages 18 months to under 21 for 4 to under 24 hours each business day. These clinics must get a state license, meet sanitary and fire rules, and follow local zoning. Facilities that newly meet the day‑treatment definition must apply by August 1, 2026, and may not operate without a license on or after August 1, 2027. The department can charge initial, provisional, and renewal license fees and will notify local governments of license events. ABA done in homes, schools, and other nonclinical settings is not subject to these clinic licensing rules. ABA clinics are added to the child‑welfare licensing framework.

State funds to launch ABA oversight

For FY 2026‑27, the state funds this program. HCPF gets $50,000 from the general fund for Medicaid computer work and expects $50,000 in federal match. DHS’s Division of Child Welfare gets $1,294,460 and about 15 new staff, and expects $176,517 in federal funds. DORA gets $261,833 from its cash fund for staff, operations, and $69,235 for legal services. The Department of Law receives $69,235 (reappropriated) for legal support.

New ABA board and penalties start 2028

The law creates the Colorado Behavior Analyst Licensing Board to run the program. Most parts of the act take effect upon passage. Beginning July 1, 2028, practicing ABA without a state license is a class 2 misdemeanor under existing sentencing rules. Article 247 is scheduled for repeal on September 1, 2031, after a sunset review.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Kyle Brown

    Democratic • House

  • Lindsay Gilchrist

    Democratic • House

  • Lindsey Daugherty

    Democratic • Senate

  • Scott Bright

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Andrew Boesenecker

    Democratic • House

  • Amy Paschal

    Democratic • House

  • Chad Clifford

    Democratic • House

  • Eliza Hamrick

    Democratic • House

  • Gretchen Rydin

    Democratic • House

  • Jennifer Bacon

    Democratic • House

  • Jamie Jackson

    Democratic • House

  • Julie McCluskie

    Democratic • House

  • Jacque Phillips

    Democratic • House

  • Karen McCormick

    Democratic • House

  • Kenny Nguyen

    Democratic • House

  • Lorena Garcia

    Democratic • House

  • Lori Goldstein

    Democratic • House

  • Lesley Smith

    Democratic • House

  • Michael Carter

    Democratic • House

  • Monica Duran

    Democratic • House

  • Meg Froelich

    Democratic • House

  • Mandy Lindsay

    Democratic • House

  • Meghan Lukens

    Democratic • House

  • Manny Rutinel

    Democratic • House

  • Naquetta Ricks

    Democratic • House

  • Regina English

    Democratic • House

  • Sean Camacho

    Democratic • House

  • Steven Woodrow

    Democratic • House

  • Tammy Story

    Democratic • House

  • Yara Zokaie

    Democratic • House

  • Cathy Kipp

    Democratic • Senate

  • Judy Amabile

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jeff Bridges

    Democratic • Senate

  • James Coleman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jessie Danielson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Julie Gonzales

    Democratic • Senate

  • Janice Marchman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kyle Mullica

    Democratic • Senate

  • Katie Wallace

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lisa Cutter

    Democratic • Senate

  • Matt Ball

    Democratic • Senate

  • Nick Hinrichsen

    Democratic • Senate

  • Tony Exum

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Governor Signed

    6/2/2026House

  2. Signed by the Speaker of the House

    5/29/2026House

  3. Signed by the President of the Senate

    5/29/2026Senate

  4. Sent to the Governor

    5/29/2026House

  5. Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    5/13/2026Senate

  6. Senate Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments

    5/12/2026Senate

  7. Senate Committee on Health & Human Services Refer Unamended to Appropriations

    5/11/2026Senate

  8. Senate Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended to Senate Committee of the Whole

    5/11/2026Senate

  9. Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Health & Human Services

    5/8/2026Senate

  10. House Third Reading Passed with Amendments - Floor

    5/7/2026House

  11. House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee, Floor

    5/6/2026House

  12. House Committee on Appropriations Refer Amended to House Committee of the Whole

    5/5/2026House

  13. House Second Reading Special Order - Laid Over Daily - No Amendments

    5/5/2026House

  14. House Committee on Finance Refer Unamended to Appropriations

    5/4/2026House

  15. House Committee on Health & Human Services Refer Unamended to Finance

    4/29/2026House

  16. Introduced In House - Assigned to Health & Human Services

    4/28/2026House

Bill Text

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