DENVER (KDVR) — A new Colorado law expanding treatment options for individuals in the state with substance use disorders goes into effect July 1.

The law, Treatment for Substance Use Disorders, HB24-104, was sponsored by Sen. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton and approved by Gov. Jared Polis on June 6. This is one of a few new laws slated to go into effect on July 1.

“More than 1,500 of our neighbors died from a drug overdose here in Colorado last year, a heartbreaking number we must work hard to reduce,” Mullica said, in a statement. “In recent years we’ve advanced a number of policies to tackle this crisis, including this bill to expand treatment options for folks struggling with substance use disorders."

The law focuses heavily on the medication-assisted treatment pilot program, which includes FDA-regulated medications that can be provided to Colorado residents who have an opioid use disorder. The new law highlights all the policies that providers, pharmacists, insurance companies and state agencies have to follow during MAT for an individual.

This act also guarantees that individuals with substance use disorder are able to utilize telehealth for their treatment plan and have the same financial coverage as it would be for in-person services.

"I am proud of the work we've done, and I look forward to helping more Coloradans get the help and support they need to get their lives back on track," Mullica said.

The legislation originated from the Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders Study Committee, which has been extended till September 2026 as written in HB24-104.