Colorado § 27-81-101 - Legislative declaration.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 27-81-101 — Legislative declaration., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 27-81-101. Legislative declaration.
(1) The general assembly recognizes the character and pervasiveness of substance use disorders and that substance use disorders are serious problems. The general assembly further finds and declares that these problems have been very seriously neglected and that the social and economic costs and the waste of human resources caused by substance use disorders are massive, tragic, and no longer acceptable. The general assembly believes that the best interests of this state demand an across-the-board, locally oriented attack on the massive problems of drug abuse and substance use disorders. The attack includes prevention, education, and treatment, and this article 81 provides a base from which to launch the attack and reduce the tragic human loss.
(2) It is the policy of this state that persons with substance use disorders, persons intoxicated by alcohol, and persons under the influence of drugs should be afforded treatment so they may lead normal lives as productive members of society. The general assembly finds and declares that substance use disorders are matters of statewide concern.
Source: L. 2010: Entire article added with relocations, (SB 10-175), ch. 188, p. 732, § 2, effective April 29. L. 2017: Entire section amended, (SB 17-242), ch. 263, p. 1362, § 270, effective May 25. L. 2020: Entire section R&RE, (SB 20-007), ch. 286, p. 1392, § 11, effective July 13.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 27-82-101 as it existed prior to 2020.
Cross references: For the legislative declaration in SB 17-242, see section 1 of chapter 263, Session Laws of Colorado 2017.
ANNOTATION
Annotator's note. Since § 27-81-101 is similar to § 25-1-301 as it existed prior to the 2010 amendments to this article, relevant cases construing that provision have been included in the annotations to this section.
Compelling state interest. The state has a compelling interest in protecting an intoxicated individual and the general public from the catastrophic consequences of alcohol abuse. Carberry v. Adams County Task Force on Alcoholism, 672 P.2d 206 (Colo. 1983).
Applied in Ramos v. Lamm, 485 F. Supp. 122 (D. Colo. 1979).
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 27-81-101
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 27-81-101 cover?
Section 27-81-101 ("Legislative declaration.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 27-81-101?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 27-81-101" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 27-81-101 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.