Panel backs shifting natural‑medicine data collection to health department; bill cleared to appropriations

Senate Health and Human Services voted 7‑2 to advance Senate Bill 297 after testimony from state health and regulatory officials, health‑care providers and researchers who said the measure would place health data collection for Colorado's regulated natural‑medicine program with the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) rather than the Department of Revenue.

Senator Ball presented the bill as the next phase of implementing Proposition 122 (the natural‑medicine initiative approved by voters). The sponsor said SB 297 transfers data‑collection and analysis responsibilities from the Department of Revenue to CDPHE, adds labeling and product‑registration provisions to clarify how regulated natural‑medicine products are distinguished from personal‑use items, permits rulemaking to restrict child‑appealing packaging, and mirrors a provision of the initiative that allows the governor to issue pardons for past simple possession convictions.

"Collecting this data is another step to fulfilling the state's responsibility under Proposition 122," said Scott Bookman, senior director for public health readiness and response at CDPHE. He told the committee CDPHE has the technical expertise to manage de‑identified health data, make the information available to researchers and the public, and analyze potential health impacts.

Allison Robinette of the Department of Revenue's natural‑medicine division said the department has identified labeling and product‑registration gaps during rule making and support transferring data duties to CDPHE while retaining licensing responsibilities with DOR.

Supporters from the clinical and advocacy communities told the committee the data collection is essential to monitor outcomes and safety as Colorado rolls out regulated psilocybin‑assisted therapy and related services. "These insights will help regulators and healing centers improve care, adapt to challenges, and ensure movement toward affordable access," said Tasha Poinsett of the Healing Advocacy Fund.

Committee members pressed witnesses about data security and sources of gifts, grants, and donations that would fund the CDPHE data project. CDPHE officials said submitted data would be de‑identified before inclusion in state databases and that the department follows Colorado information‑security policies overseen by the governor's Office of Information Technology. Witnesses said the sponsors anticipate private nonprofit funders and philanthropic organizations may provide grants; the sponsor offered and the committee adopted an amendment (L001) that tightened conflict‑of‑interest language around gifts, grants and donations to prohibit funding sources with financial interests in licensed entities from influencing collection and reporting.

After amendment L001 was adopted, the committee voted to advance SB 297 as amended to the Committee on Appropriations with a favorable recommendation; the roll call was 7 in favor, 2 opposed.

Next steps: the bill will be considered by the Appropriations Committee, where funding and fiscal impacts will be reviewed.