The general assembly hereby finds and declares that obtaining access to appropriate community-based organizations and governmental agencies providing for human services is a critical first step for many individuals and families of Colorado to receiving the help and assistance they need. In 2000, in recognition of the need to promote effective access to human services, the federal communications commission reserved the threedigit telephone number of 2-1-1 for access to community health and human services information. The public utilities commission approved the use of a 2-1-1 number for Colorado in October of 2002. The public utilities commission assigned the 2-1-1 dial code to the Colorado 2-1-1 collaborative. The 2-1-1 human services referral service is dedicated to providing individuals and families with referral information to obtain nonemergency services such as food assistance, shelter, job assistance, and low-cost health care, for those in need. Due to the importance of the human services referral system and the need to assure that this system is enabled in all areas of the state of Colorado, the general assembly hereby finds and declares that the 2-1-1 human services referral service providers should receive protection of immunity that is similar to the protection afforded to the 9-1-1 emergency service.
Source: L. 2004: Entire part added, p. 12, § 1, effective February 20. L. 2020: Entire part amended, (HB 20-1197), ch. 114, p. 476, § 2, effective June 22.