HB 25-1026: Repeal Copayment for Department of Corrections Inmate Health Care

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Current law requires the department of corrections (department) to assess a copayment for inmate-initiated visits to providers of medical, dental, mental health, and optometric care services. Current law permits a waiver or reduction of the copayment under a range of circumstances. The department's current administrative regulations assess fees when an inmate fails to attend or refuses a scheduled health-care appointment. The act eliminates the copayment and prohibits the department from assessing a fee when an inmate fails to attend or refuses a health-care appointment. The department is required to report during its 2026 "SMART Act" hearing on the number of times in the previous year that an inmate failed to attend a scheduled health-care appointment or requested an appointment when the request was not relevant to an actual medical condition. The act reduces appropriations to the department by a net of $165,682, which includes an increase of $157,179 appropriated from the general fund and a decrease of $322,861 from cash funds. VETOED by Governor 5/29/2025(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 32

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. May 29, 2025Governor Vetoed
2. May 13, 2025Signed by the Speaker of the House
3. May 13, 2025Signed by the President of the Senate
4. May 13, 2025Sent to the Governor
5. May 1, 2025House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
6. April 30, 2025Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
7. April 29, 2025Senate Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended to Senate Committee of the Whole
8. April 29, 2025Senate Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee
9. April 23, 2025Senate Committee on Judiciary Refer Amended to Appropriations
10. April 21, 2025Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Judiciary
11. April 16, 2025House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
12. April 15, 2025House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee, Floor

Showing 12 most recent of 16 actions. Full history