Committee advances bill to let CDHS use state e‑filing to speed forensic and appeals documents

Representative Morrow told the Health and Human Services Committee that House Bill 26‑13‑43 would modernize how the Colorado Department of Human Services and the Office of Appeals exchange critical court and administrative documents by granting CDHS access to the state's existing e‑filing system.

Amanda Edwards, director of forensic services, said forensic teams currently transmit over 6,200 forensic evaluation reports by email in fiscal year 2023–24 and estimated e‑filing would automate those exchanges, eliminating manual downloads and transcriptions. Edwards testified the department projects savings of approximately 4,388 staff hours (about $175,000) and said the change would reduce procedural delays that can affect defendants' rights to timely treatment.

Leah Ikhnahan, an administrative law judge with the Office of Appeals, said the office currently sends roughly 4,000–6,000 paper mailings annually and that an opt‑in electronic service would cut waste and speed delivery while preserving mailed service for parties who do not consent.

Committee members asked about the fiscal note; witnesses said some savings are operational and staffing related and that fiscal analysts are sometimes reluctant to assign dollar figures. Vice Chair Leader moved the bill to Appropriations and the committee voted unanimously to refer HB 26‑13‑43 for further consideration.

Next steps: HB 26‑13‑43 was referred to the Committee on Appropriations.