Colorado 2026 Regular Session Status: Enacted Bipartisan · 3 R · 1 D cosponsors

SB 145 — Charter School Involvement in Local Ballot Questions

Last action — Governor Signed

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed Senate
  4. ✓
    Passed House
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced March 20, 2026. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Jared Polis (Democratic) on May 28, 2026.

Odds of enactment

High chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a high chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 98% · high confidence

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 20 sponsors

    4 primary, 16 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (3 R · 1 D) — cross-party backing.

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 10 recorded votes so far.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

In plain language

The bill requires school districts to involve charter schools in capital construction ballot questions.

This legislation mandates that school districts solicit input from charter schools regarding their capital construction needs when planning ballot questions. If a charter school's proposal is not included, the district must explain why and allow the school to address any issues.

What this means for you
  • Families: This could impact families by potentially improving the facilities available to their children's charter schools based on their specific needs.

Summary

The act requires a school district that is considering submitting to its voters a ballot question concerning capital construction to solicit proposals from its charter schools about their capital construction needs. The act specifies the solicitation process requirements and requires the school district to notify a charter school that submitted a proposal whether the school district will include the charter school's capital construction needs in the school district's ballot question or questions. If the school district decides not to include the charter school's capital construction needs in the ballot question, the notification must include the school district's reasons for the exclusion and must include an opportunity for the charter school to address issues raised by the school district.     If the school district and charter school mutually agree to the content of the charter school's proposal, a school district that voluntarily submits to its voters a ballot question for the charter school's capital construction needs is not required to comply with the required solicitation process.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

161 added · 173 removed

Plain-language change summary

The latest version of SB 145 now emphasizes the importance of transparency and stakeholder involvement in the planning of school district bond measures. It highlights that voters deserve clear information about how bond funds are allocated and which schools benefit, ultimately aimed at ensuring fair funding for all public school students. This change matters because it aims to empower voters and school communities, promoting informed decision-making and reinforcing the principle that every student should have equitable access to educational resources.

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NOTE:
This bill has been prepared for the signatures of the appropriate legislative officers and the Governor.
To determine whether the Governor has signed the bill or taken other action on it, please consult the legislative status sheet, the legislative history, or the Session Laws.
alsoREPRESENTATIVE(S)BoeseneckerandGilchrist,Bradley,Caldwell, Duran,GarciaSander,GonzalezR.,Keltie,Marshall,Phillips,Richardson, Ricks, Slaugh, Stewart K., Woog, McCluskie.
alsoREPRESENTATIVE(S)BoeseneckerandGilchrist,Bradley,Caldwell, Duran, Garcia Sander, GonzalezR., Keltie, Marshall, Phillips, Richardson, Ricks, Slaugh, Stewart K., Woog, McCluskie.
C ONCERNING CHARTER SCHOOL INVOLVEMENT IN LOCAL BALLOT QUESTIONS .
CONCERNING CHARTER SCHOOL INVOLVEMENT IN LOCAL BALLOT QUESTIONS.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:
Be it enacted by the GeneralAssembly ofthe State ofColorado:
________ Capital letters or bold & italic numbers indicate new material added to existing law;
Capital letters or&bitalic numbers indicate new material added to existing law;
dashes through words or numbers indicate deletions from existing law and such material is not part of the act.
dashes through words or numbers indicate deletionsfrom existing law andsuch material is notpart of the act.
(d) Inordertomakeinformedchoices,votersneedanddeserveclear information on how bond proposals were developed, which schools were included, and why;
(d) Inordertomake informedchoices,voters need and deserve clear information on how bond proposals were developed, which schools were included, and why;
(2) Therefore, it is the intent of the general assembly to improve transparencyandinclusioninhowthesebondsareplanned,communicated, and more equitably allocated across all students, regardless of the type of public school they attend.
(2) Therefore, it is the intent of the general assembly to improve transparency and inclusion in howthese bonds are planned, communicated, and more equitably allocated across all students, regardless of the type of public school they attend.
In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-30.5-403, amend (1);
In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-30.5-403, amend (1);and add (1.5) as follows:
and add (1.5) as follows:
(1) "Board of education" or "board" means a school district board of education.
(1) "Board of education" 0t "board" means a school disttict board of education.
"ADDITIONAL MILL LEVY " MEANS A MILL LEVY AUTHORIZED BY SECTION 22-54-108.7.
"ADDITIONALMILLLEVY" MEANSAMILLLEVYAUTHORIZED BYSECTION22-54-108.7.
(1.5) "B OARD OF EDUCATION " OR "BOARD " MEANS A SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION .
(1.5) "BOARD OF EDUCATION" OR "BOARD" MEANS A SCHOOL DISTRICTBOARDOFEDUCATION.
In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-30.5-404, amend (1)(b), (3), and (4);
In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-30.5-404, amend (l)(b), (3), and (4)repeal (l)(c);
repeal (1)(c);
andadd (2.5) as follows:
and add (2.5) as follows:
Needs-basedinclusionofcharterschoolsindistrict bond elections - eligibility - allocation of bond revenues.
Needs-based inclusion ofcharterschools in district bond elections - eligibility - allocation of bond revenues.
(1) (b) (I) A school district shall allow for representation bycharter schools on the school district's long-range planning committee and any committee established by the school district to assess and prioritize the district's capital construction needs and shall notify charter schools of the committee's meeting schedule.
(1) (b) (I) A school district shall allow for reptesentabyocharter schools on the school district's long-range planning committee and any committee established by the school district to assess and prioritize the district's capital construction needs and shall notify charter schools ofthe committee's meeting schedule.
Charter schools shall cooperate in determiningthepersonorpersonswhowillrepresenttheinterestsofcharter PAGE 2-SENATE BILL 26-145 schools on the committee.
Charter schools shall cooperate in determiningtheperson01persons who will1ep1esenttheinterests ofcharter PAGE 2-SENATE BILL 26-145 schools on the committee.
A DISTRICTS LONG -RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE ,IF ONE EXIST,AND ANY OTHER COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED BY THE DISTRICT TO ASSESS OR PRIORITIZE THE DISTRICT S CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION NEEDS SHALL :
A DISTRICT'S LONG-RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE, IF ONE EXISTS, AND ANY OTHER COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED BY THE DISTRICT TO ASSESS OR PRIORITIZE THE DISTRICT'S CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION NEEDS SHALL:
(A) M AINTAINATLEASTONEMEMBERSHIPSEATONTHECOMMITTEE FOR A CHARTER SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVE .
(A)MAINTAIN AT LEASTONEMEMBERSHIP SEATONTHECOMMITTEE FOR A CHARTER SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVE.
(B) C LEARLY NOTIFY THE CHARTER SCHOOLS OF THE COMMITTEE S MEETING SCHEDULE .
(B) CLEARLY NOTIFY THE CHARTER SCHOOLS OF THE COMMITTEE'S MEETING SCHEDULE.
(II) I A COMMITTEE OR BODY THAT IS NOT THE BOARD DEVELOPS A LIST OF CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE BOARD TO INCLUDE IN THE DISTRICT 'S BALLOT QUESTION OR QUESTIONS , IT MUST SOLICIT AND GIVE EQUITABLE CONSIDERATION TO CHARTER SCHOOLS ' CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION NEEDS .
(II)IF A COMMITTEE OR BODY THAT IS NOT THE BOARD DEVELOPS A LIST OF CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE BOARD TO INCLUDE IN THE DISTRICT'S BALLOT QUESTION OR QUESTIONS, IT MUST SOLICIT AND GIVE EQUITABLE CONSIDERATION TO CHARTER SCHOOLS' CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION NEEDS.
(c) Each school district that is considering submitting anyquestion of contracting bonded indebtedness to the eligible electors of the district at an upcoming election shall invite each charter school chartered by the district to participate in discussions regarding the possible submission of such a question at the earliest possible time but no later than June 1 of the applicable election year, and each school district is encouraged to voluntarily include funding for the capital construction needs of charter schools in the district's questions of contracting bonded indebtedness without requiring a charter school to comply with the capital construction plan submission process set forth in subsection (3) of this section.
(c) Each school district that is conside1ing submitting any question ofcontracting bonded indebtedness to the eligible electo1s ofthe distdet at an upcoming election shall invite each charte1 school charte1by the dist1ict to participate in discussioms regarding the possible submission of such a question at the eadiest possible time but no latex th1nofthe applicable electionyeat, and each school dist1ict is encomaged to "oluntadly include funding fox the capital constmction:
(2.5) A DISTRICT IS ENCOURAGED TO VOLUNTARILY SUBMIT A BALLOTQUESTIONFORAPPROVALOFASPECIALMILLLEVYORINCLUDETHE FUNDINGFORTHECHARTERSCHOOL SCAPITALCONSTRUCTIONNEEDSINTHE DISTRICT'S BALLOT QUESTION OR QUESTIONS FOR APPROVAL OF BONDED INDEBTEDNESS OR FOR APPROVAL OF AN ADDITIONAL MILL LEVY .
needs of charter schools in the distIict's questions of cont1acting bonded indebtedness without equiting a eharte1 school to comply with the capital constIuction plan submission p1ocess set forth in subsection (3) ofthis section:
F A DISTRICT VOLUNTARILY SUBMITS A BALLOT QUESTION OR QUESTIONS PURSUANT TO THIS SUBSECTION (2.5)AND THE DISTRICT AND THE CHARTER SCHOOL MUTUALLY AGREE TO THE CONTENT OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL S PROPOSAL ,THENCOMPLIANCEWITHSUBSECTION (3)OFTHISSECTIONISNOT REQUIRED .
(2.5) A DISTRICT IS ENCOURAGED TO VOLUNTARILY SUBMIT A BALLOTQUESTION FORAPPROVAL OF A SPECIAL MILL LEVY OR INCLUDETHE FUNDINGFORTHECHARTERSCHOOL'S CAPITALCONSTRUCTIONNEEDS INTHE DISTRICT'S BALLOT QUESTION OR QUESTIONS FOR APPROVAL OF BONDED INDEBTEDNESS OR FOR APPROVAL OF AN ADDITIONAL MILL LEVY.
PAGE 3-SENATE BILL 26-145 (3) (a) A charter school that seeks to have its capital construction needs included as part of a ballot question to be submitted by the board of education of its chartering school district to the voters of the district or that seeks to obtain funding for its capital construction needs through the imposition of a special mill levy pursuant to section 22-30.5-405 or an additional mill levy pursuant to section 22-54-108.7 shall submit a capital construction plan to the board of education of its chartering school district.
IF A DISTRICT VOLUNTARILY SUBMITS A BALLOT QUESTION OR QUESTIONS PURSUANTTO THIS SUBSECTION (2.5AND THE DISTRICT AND THE CHARTER SCHOOL MUTUALLY AGREE TO THE CONTENT OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL'S PROPOSAL,THEN COMPLIANCE WITH SUBSECTION (3)OFTHIS SECTION IS NOT REQUIRED.
PAGE 3-SENATE BILL 26-145 (3) (a) A charter school that seeks to have its capital construction needs included as part ofa ballot question to be submitted by the board of education ofits chartering school district to the voters ofthe district or that seeks to obtain funding for its capital construction needs through the imposition of a special mill levy pursuant to section 22-30.5-405 or an additional mill levy pursuant to section 22-54-108.7 shall submit a capital constructionplan to the board ofeducation ofits charteritrg school district.
A DISTRICT THAT IS CONSIDERING SUBMITTING TO THE DISTRICT 'S VOTERS A BALLOT QUESTIONORQUESTIONS THAT CONCERN CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION SHALL SOLICIT PROPOSALS FROM EACH CHARTER SCHOOL ABOUT THEIR CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION NEEDS .
A DISTRICT THAT IS CONSIDERING SUBMITTING TO THE DISTRICT'S VOTERS A BALLOT QUESTION ORQUESTIONS THAT CONCERN CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION SHALL SOLICIT PROPOSALS FROM EACH CHARTER SCHOOL ABOUT THEIR CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION NEEDS.
(b) T HE SOLICITATION DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (3)(a)OF THIS SECTION MUST :
(b) THE SOLICITATION DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (3)(a) OF THIS SECTION MUST:
(I) BE IN WRITING ;
(I) BE IN WRITING;
(II) BE MADE AS EARLY AS PRACTICABLE ,BUT NO LATER THAN ONE HUNDRED TWENTY DAYS BEFORE APPROVING THE BALLOT QUESTION OR QUESTIONS TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE DISTRICT S VOTERS ;
(II)BE MADE AS EARLY AS PRACTICABLE, BUT NO LATER THAN ONE HUNDRED TWENTY DAYS BEFORE APPROVING THE BALLOT QUESTION OR QUESTIONS TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE DISTRICT'S VOTERS;
AND (III) NCLUDETHEDEADLINEFORTHECHARTERSCHOOLTORESPOND TOTHE SOLICITATION ,WHICHMUST BE NO EARLIER THANFORTY -FIVE DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THE SOLICITATION .
AND (Ill)INCLUDETHE DEADLINEFORTHECHARTERSCHOOLTO RESPOND TO THE SOLICITATION, WHICH MUST BE NO EARLIERTHAN FORTY-FIVE DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THE SOLICITATION.
(c) A CHARTERSCHOOL 'SPROPOSALDESCRIBEDINSUBSECTION (3)(a) OF THIS SECTION MUST INCLUDE :
(c) ACHARTERSCHOOL'SPROPOSALDESCRIBEDINSUBSECTION (3)(a) OF THIS SECTION MUST INCLUDE:
(a) (I) A statement of reasons why the capital construction PROPOSED to be financed by bonded indebtedness, or a special MILL LEVY , or AN additional mill levy is necessary;
W (I) A statement of reasons why the capital construction PROPOSED to be financed by bonded indebtedness, -oa special MILL LEVY, or AN additional mill levy is necessary;
(b) (II) A description of the capital construction PROPOSED to be financed by bonded indebtedness or revenues from a special MILL LEVY or AN additional mill levy;
th} (II) A description of the capital constructionPROPOSED to be financed by bonded indebtedness or revenues from a special MILL LEVY or AN additional mill levy;
(c) (III) A description of the architectural, functional, and constructionstandardsthatmeetapplicablestatebuildingcoderequirements and are to be applied to each facility that is the subject of theROPOSED capital construction project;
te} (III) A description of the architectural, functional, and constructionstandardsthatmeetapplicablestatebuildingcoderequirements and are to be applied to each facility that is the subject of tPROPOSED capital construction project;
PAGE 4-SENATE BILL 26-145 (d) (IV) An estimate of the total cost of completing the capital construction PROPOSED to be financed bybonded indebtedness or a special or additional mill levy and, if any moneysMONEY other than proceeds of bondedindebtednessoraspecialoradditionalmilllevyandinterestearned on such THE proceeds are ISto be used to finance the PROPOSED capital construction, a breakdown of the moneys MONEY that will be used to finance thePROPOSED capital construction;
PAGE 4-SENATE BILL 26-145 W (IV) An estimate o f the total cost o f completing the capital construction PROPOSEDto be financed by bonded indebtedness or a special or additional mill levy and, i f anmoneys MONEY other than proceeds of bonded indebtedness or aspecial or additional mill levy and interest earned on sueh THE proceeds are IS to be used to finance the PROPOSED capital construction, a breakdown o f the moneys MONEY that will be used to finance the PROPOSED capital construction;
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(e)(V) An estimate of the amount of time needed to complete the PROPOSED capital construction;
te} (V) An estimate o f the amount o f time needed to complete the PROPOSED capital construction;
(f)(VI) Astatementaddressingwhether PROPOSED constructionand renovation,paymentofoverruncosts,andothercapitalconstructionproject issues are toOULD be managed by the charter school or the district, with costsformanagementtobenegotiatedbythecharterschoolandthedistrict;
ffl(VI) A statement addressing whetherPROPOSEDconstruction and renovation, paymento foverrun costs, and othercapital constructionproject issues are-to WOULD be managed by the charter school or the district, with costs for managementto be negotiatedby the charter school and the district;
(g)(VII) A statement of reasons why revenue sources other than bondedindebtedness,or aspecial MILLLEVY ,orAN additionalmilllevyare inadequate to fully finance theROPOSED capital construction;
(g} (VII) A statement o f reasons why revenue sources other than bonded indebtedness, or a special MILLLEVY, or AN additional mill levy are inadequate to fully finance the PROPOSED capital construction;
and (h)(VIII) A statement of the charter school's preferred means of obtaining moneys MONEY .
and W (VIII) A statement o f the charter school's preferred means o f obtaining moneys MONEY.
(d) ATAPUBLICMEETINGOFTHEBOARDORLONG -RANGEPLANNING COMMITTEE ,OR , IF NO LONG -RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE EXISTS ,A MEETING OF ANY OTHER COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED BY THE DISTRICT TO ASSESSORPRIORITIZE THEDISTRICT 'SCAPITALCONSTRUCTIONNEEDSTHAT OCCURS NO LATER THAN FORTY -FIVE DAYS BEFORE APPROVING A BALLOT QUESTIONORQUESTIONSTOBE SUBMITTEDTOTHE DISTRICT 'S VOTERS ,THE CHARTERSCHOOLSHALLPRESENTITSPROPOSALDESCRIBEDINSUBSECTION (3)(a)OFTHISSECTION ,INCLUDINGTHEPROPOSALCONTENTSDESCRIBEDIN SUBSECTION (3)(c)OF THIS SECTION .
(d) AT APUBLICMEETINGOFTHEBOARDORLONG-RANGEPLANNING COMMITTEE, OR, IF NO LONG-RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE EXISTS, A MEETING OF ANY OTHER COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED BY THE DISTRICT TO ASSESSORPRIORITIZETHEDISTRICT'S CAPITAL CONSTRUCTIONNEEDSTHAT OCCURS NO LATER THAN FORTY-FIVE DAYS BEFORE APPROVING A BALLOT QUESTIONORQUESTIONSTOBESUBMITTEDTOTHEDISTRICT'S VOTERS, THE CHARTERSCHOOLSHALLPRESENTITSPROPOSALDESCRIBEDIN SUBSECTION (3)(a) OFTHIS SECTION, INCLUDINGTHEPROPOSALCONTENTSDESCRIBEDIN SUBSECTION (3)(c)OFTHIS SECTION.
(4) (a) (I) The board of education of a school districtl review a capital construction planEVERY PROPOSAL submitted by a charter school pursuant to subsection (3) of this section.
(4) (a)(I)The board o f education ofa school district shall review a capital constmction plan EVERY PROPOSAL submitted by a charter school pursuant to subsection (3) o f this section.
and determine the priorityof the charter school capital construction need in relation to the capital construction needs of other schools in the district.
and determine the pdodty o f the charter school capital constmction need in telation to the capital cmtstmction needs o f other schools in the district.
If the charter school's capital construction plan remedies shortcomings in the charter school's facilities identified in the financial assistance priorityassessment of public PAGE 5-SENATE BILL 26-145 school facilities created pursuant to section 22-43.7-108, or, when the assessment created pursuant to section 22-43.7-108 is no longer valid, in another assessment using similar criteria for all schools in the district, The board of education shall prioritize a charter school's capital construction needs in theschool district'slong-rangeplanandincludethose needs in the current ballot question in the upcoming election if the charter school's facilityneeds receive a higher priorityassessment than the other schools in the district.
I f the charter school's capital construction plan remedies shortcomings in the charter school's facilities identified in the financial assistance pdodty assessment o fpublic PAGE 5-SENATE B ILL 26-145 school facilities c1eated pmsuant to section 22-43.7-108, 01, when the assessment c1eated pmsuant to section 22-43.7-108 is no longet valid, in another assessment using similar ctiteria for all schools in the disttict, The board of education shall prioritize a charter school's capital construction needs in the school district's long-range plan and include those needs in the cunent ballot question in the upcoming election if the charter school's facility needs receive a higher priority assessment than the other schools in the district.
(II) Notwithstandingtheprovisionsofthissubsection(4)concerning the prioritization of a charter school's capital construction plan and inclusion in a district ballot question for approval of bonded indebtedness, the board of education of a school district and a charter school may agree to an alternative financial plan that addresses a charter school's facilities needs,includingretiringfinancialobligationsorbondspreviouslyissuedfor the benefit of the charter school.
(II) Notwithstandingtheprovisionsofthissubsection(4) concerning the ptiotitization of a chattet school's capital construction plan and inclusion in a district ballot question fot apptoval ofbonded indebtedness, the board of education of a school distdct and a charter school may agree to an altetna.tive financial plan that addtesses a charter school's facilities needs, including Ietitingfinancial obligationsor bondspreviously issuedfot the benefit ofthe chartet school.
(III) (A) Nothing in this subsection (4) shall require REQUIRES a school district to prioritize the capital construction plan of a charter school that is on probation with the district or that has been WAS INITIALLY authorized within the previous five THREE years.
(Ill)(A) Nothing in this subsection (4) shall tequire REQUIRES a school district to prioritize the capital construction plan ofa charter school that is on probation with the district or that has been w AS INITIALLY authorized within the previous five THREE years.
(B) Theboardofeducationofaschooldistrict mayrequireacharter schooltocertifythatschoolconstructiontobefinancedwithbondproceeds in accordance with this section will remediate a shortcoming in the charter school's facilities identified pursuant to section 22-43.7-108, and that any construction will conform to any construction guidelines established pursuant to SECTION 22-43.7-107.
(B) The boardofeducation ofa school district may require a charter schoolto certifythatschool constructionto be financed with bondproceeds in accordance with this section will Iemediate a shortcoming in the charter school's facilities identified pursuant to section 22-43.7-108, and that any construction will conform to any construction guidelines established pursuant to SECTI<?N 22-43.7-107.
(C) Notwithstandingtheprovisionsofsub-subparagraph(A)ofthis subparagraph (III) The board of education of a school districtand a charter school may agree to reserve or escrow funds for the benefit of the charter school.
(C) Notwithstandingthe provisions ofsub-subparngraph (A) ofthis subpatagraph (III) The board ofeducation ofa school disttict and a charter school may agree to reserve or escrow funds for the benefit ofthe charter school.
(IV) The board of education shall notify the charter school in writingwhethertheschooldistricthasprioritizedthecharterschool'scapital construction needs for inclusion in the ballot question at the upcoming electionnolaterthansixtydayspriortothedatebywhichtheschooldistrict is required to certify the ballot question to the county clerk and recorder.
(IV) The board of education shall notify the charte1 school in writing whether theschool dist1icthasp1ioritizedthecharter school's capital construction needs for inclusion in the ballot question at the upcoming electionno later than sixty days prior to the datby whichthe school district is requited to certify the ballot question to the county clerk and recorder.
PAGE 6-SENATE BILL 26-145 (b) (I) If the board has prioritized the charter school capital construction needs pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection (4) for inclusion in the ballot question at the upcoming election, the board shall include the charter school's capital construction inthesameballotquestion being submitted by the district for approval of bonded indebtedness in accordance with subsection (5) of this sectionO LATER THAN THIRTY DAYS BEFORE APPROVING THE BALLOT QUESTION OR QUESTIONS TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE DISTRICT S VOTERS , THE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT SHALL NOTIFY IN WRITING EVERY CHARTER SCHOOL THAT SUBMITTED A PROPOSAL PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (3)OF THIS SECTION OF THE BOARD'S DECISION CONCERNING WHETHER TO SUBMIT A BALLOT QUESTION FOR APPROVAL OF A SPECIAL MILL LEVY OR INCLUDE THE FUNDING FOR THE CHARTER SCHOOL S CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION NEEDS IN THE DISTRICT 'S BALLOTQUESTIONORQUESTIONSFORAPPROVALOFBONDEDINDEBTEDNESS OR FOR APPROVAL OF AN ADDITIONAL MILL LEVY .
PAGE 6-SENATE BILL 26-145 (b) (I) ff-the board has ptioritized the charter school capital eonstmction needs pmsuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection (4) for inclusion in the ballot question at the upcoming election, the board shall include the chartet school's capital constmction in the same ballot question being submitted by the disttict for approval of bonded indebtedness in accordance with subsection (5) of this section.
(II) ITHEBOARDDECIDESNOT TOSUBMIT ABALLOT QUESTIONFOR APPROVAL OF A SPECIAL MILL LEVY OR INCLUDE THE FUNDING FOR THE CHARTER SCHOOL S CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION NEEDS IN THE DISTRICT 'S BALLOTQUESTIONORQUESTIONSFORAPPROVALOFBONDEDINDEBTEDNESS OR FOR APPROVAL OF AN ADDITIONAL MILL LEVY ,THE NOTIFICATION DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (4)(b)(IOF THIS SECTION MUST INCLUDE THE BOARD 'S REASONS FOR THE EXCLUSION ,WHICH MUST BE SPECIFIC AND RELATED TO THE MERITS OF THE PROPOSAL ,AND MUST INCLUDE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE CHARTER SCHOOL TO ADDRESS ANY ISSUES RAISED BY THE BOARD .
LATER THAN THIRTY DAYS BEFORE APPROVING THE BALLOT QUESTION OR QUESTIONS TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE DISTRICT'S VOTERS, THE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT SHALL NOTIFY IN WRITING EVERY CHARTER SCHOOL THAT SUBMITTED A PROPOSAL PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (3)OF THIS SECTION OF THE BOARD'S DECISION CONCERNING WHETHER TO SUBMIT A BALLOT QUESTION FOR APPROVAL OF A SPECIAL MILL LEVY OR INCLUDE THE FUNDING FOR THE CHARTER SCHOOL'S CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION NEEDS IN THE DISTRICT'S BALLOTQUESTION ORQUESTIONS FORAPPROVALOFBONDED INDEBTEDNESS OR FOR APPROVAL OF AN ADDITIONAL MILL LEVY.
THE BOARD 'S REASONS FOR THE EXCLUSION THAT ARE REQUIREDTOBEINCLUDEDINTHENOTIFICATIONDESCRIBEDINSUBSECTION (4)(b)(IARE FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY .
(II)IF THE BOARD DECIDES NOT TO SUBMITA BALLOT QUESTION FOR APPROVAL OF A SPECIAL MILL LEVY OR INCLUDE THE FUNDING FOR THE CHARTER SCHOOL'S CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION NEEDS IN THE DISTRICT'S BALLOTQUESTION ORQUESTIONS FORAPPROVALOF BONDED INDEBTEDNESS OR FOR APPROVAL OF AN ADDITIONAL MILL LEVY, THE NOTIFICATION DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (4)(b)(IOF THIS SECTION MUST INCLUDE THE BOARD'S REASONS FOR THE EXCLUSION, WHICH MUST BE SPECIFIC AND RELATED TO THE MERITS OF THE PROPOSAL, AND MUST INCLUDE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE CHARTER SCHOOL TO ADDRESS ANY ISSUES RAISED BY THE BOARD.
(c) If the board has not prioritized the charter school's capital construction needs for inclusion in the ballot question at the upcoming election,theboardshallprovidethecharterschoolwithawrittenstatement specifying the reasons for excluding the needs, and the charter school shall have an opportunity to address any issues raised by the boaO LATER THANTHIRTYDAYSAFTERTHEBOARDSELECTSTHECAPITALCONSTRUCTION PROJECTS THAT ARE INCLUDED FOR A BALLOT QUESTION OR QUESTIONS TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE DISTRICT S VOTERS ,THE BOARD SHALL POST IN A PROMINENT ANDREADILYACCESSIBLE LOCATIONONTHE BOARD 'SWEBSITE A DOCUMENT THAT :
THE BOARD'S REASONS FOR THE EXCLUSION THAT ARE REQUIRED TO BE INCLUDED INTHENOTIFICATION DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (4)(b)(IARE FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
PAGE 7-SENATE BILL 26-145 (I) OUTLINES THE PROCESS THAT THE BOARD COMPLETED TO CONSIDERTHECAPITALCONSTRUCTIONNEEDSOFALLOFITSSCHOOLS ;AND (II)ORALLPROJECTSCONSIDERED ,WHETHERTHEBOARDCHOSETO PRIORITIZETHEPROJECTTOINCLUDEFORABALLOTQUESTIONORQUESTIONS ORNOT ,DESCRIBESINDETAILTHEREASONINGFORCHOOSINGTOPRIORITIZE OREXCLUDEEACHCAPITALCONSTRUCTIONPROJECTTHATWASCONSIDERED FOR A BALLOT QUESTION OR QUESTIONS SECTION 4.
(c) If the board has not prioritized the charter school's capital construction needs for inclusion in the ballot question at the upcoming election, the board shall provide the charter school with a written statement specifyingthe reasons for excluding the needs, and the charter school shall have an opportunity to address any issues raibydthe board.
NoLATER THANTHIRTY DAYS AFTERTHEBOARD SELECTSTHECAPITALCONSTRUCTION PROJECTS THAT ARE INCLUDED FOR A BALLOT QUESTION OR QUESTIONS TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE DISTRICT'S VOTERS, THE BOARD SHALL POST IN A PROMINENT AND READILY ACCESSIBLE LOCATION ON THE BOARD'S WEBSITE A DOCUMENT THAT:
PAGE 7-SENATE BILL 26-145 (I) OUTLINES THE PROCESS THAT THE BOARD COMPLETED TO CONSIDERTHE CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION NEEDS OF ALL OF ITS SCHOOLS;
AND (II)FOR ALLPROJECTS CONSIDERED, WHETHERTHE BOARDCHOSETO PRIORITIZETHEPROJECTTO INCLUDE FORA BALLOTQUESTIONORQUESTIONS ORNOT, DESCRIBES IN DETAILTHE REASONING FORCHOOSINGTO PRIORITIZE OREXCLUDEEACH CAPITALCONSTRUCTION PROJECTTHAT WAS CONSIDERED FOR A BALLOT QUESTION OR QUESTIONS.
SECTION 4.
The general assembly finds, determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety or for appropriations for PAGE 8-SENATE BILL 26-145 the support and maintenance of the departments of the state and state institutions.
The general assembly finds, determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate preservation ofthe public peace, health, or safety or for appropriations for PAGE 8-SENATE BILL 26-145 the support and maintenance of the departments of the state and state institutions.
____________________________ ____________________________ James Rashad Coleman, Sr.
James Rashad Coleman, Sr.
Julie McCluskie PRESIDENT OF SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE THE SENATE OF REPRESENTATIVES ____________________________ ____________________________ Esther van Mourik Vanessa Reilly SECRETARY OF CHIEF CLERK OF THE HOUSE THE SENATE OF REPRESENTATIVES APPROVED________________________________________ (Date and Time) _________________________________________ Jared S.
PRESIDENT OF SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE THE SENATE OF REPRESENTATIVES Est van Mourik v ~ V~ lly SECRETARY OF CHIEF CLERK OF THE HOUSE THE SENATE OF REPRESENTATIVES PAGE 9-SENATE BILL 26-145
Polis GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF COLORADO PAGE 9-SENATE BILL 26-145
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Action History

  1. Governor Signed

  2. Signed by the President of the Senate

  3. Signed by the Speaker of the House

  4. Sent to the Governor

  5. House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

  6. House Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments

  7. House Second Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments

  8. House Committee on Education Refer Unamended to House Committee of the Whole

  9. Introduced In House - Assigned to Education

  10. Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

  11. Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments - Committee

  12. Senate Committee on Education Refer Amended - Consent Calendar to Senate Committee of the Whole

  13. Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Education

Sponsors

  • Garcia Sander · Cosponsor
  • D. Woog · Cosponsor
  • K. Stewart · Cosponsor
  • S. Slaugh · Cosponsor
  • N. Ricks · Cosponsor
  • C. Richardson · Cosponsor
  • J. Phillips · Cosponsor
  • J. McCluskie · Cosponsor
  • B. Marshall · Cosponsor
  • R. Keltie · Cosponsor
  • R. Gonzalez · Cosponsor
  • M. Duran · Cosponsor
  • J. Caldwell · Cosponsor
  • B. Bradley · Cosponsor
  • L. Gilchrist · Primary
  • A. Boesenecker · Primary
  • Scott Bright · Primary
  • Cathy Kipp · Primary
  • John Carson · Cosponsor
  • Lisa Frizell · Cosponsor

Sponsorship breakdown

Export CSV (upgrade) →

4 sponsors · 16 co-sponsors · 81 not signed on · 11 voted No

Sponsors (4)

Co-sponsors (16)

  • Garcia Sander
  • D. Woog
  • K. Stewart
  • S. Slaugh
  • N. Ricks
  • C. Richardson
  • J. Phillips
  • J. McCluskie
  • B. Marshall
  • R. Keltie
  • R. Gonzalez
  • M. Duran
  • J. Caldwell
  • B. Bradley
  • John Carson Republican
  • Lisa Frizell Republican

Not signed on (81)

81 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 81 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

BILL

Passed 52 Yea · 11 Nay · 2 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 301100
Republican 17002
Unaffiliated 5000
Total 521102
% of votes cast 80%17%0%3%
How each member voted (65)
Member Party Vote
Gonzalez R. — Yea
Stewart K. — Yea
Stewart R. — Yea
Winter T. — Yea
Garcia Sander — Yea
Alex Valdez Democrat Yea
Amy Paschal Democrat Yea
Andrew Boesenecker Democrat Yea
Bob Marshall Democrat Yea
Brianna Titone Democrat Yea
Cecelia Espenoza Democrat Yea
Chad Clifford Democrat Nay
Eliza Hamrick Democrat Nay
Elizabeth Velasco Democrat Yea
Emily Sirota Democrat Yea
Gretchen Rydin Democrat Yea
Jacque Phillips Democrat Yea
Jamie Jackson Democrat Nay
Javier Mabrey Democrat Yea
Jennifer Bacon Democrat Yea
Jenny Willford Democrat Yea
Julie McCluskie Democrat Yea
Junie Joseph Democrat Yea
Karen McCormick Democrat Yea
Kenny Nguyen Democrat Nay
Kyle Brown Democrat Yea
Lesley Smith Democrat Yea
Lindsay Gilchrist Democrat Yea
Lisa Feret Democrat Yea
Lorena Garcia Democrat Nay
Lori Goldstein Democrat Nay
Mandy Lindsay Democrat Yea
Manny Rutinel Democrat Nay
Matthew Martinez Democrat Yea
Meg Froelich Democrat Nay
Meghan Lukens Democrat Yea
Michael Carter Democrat Yea
Monica Duran Democrat Yea
Naquetta Ricks Democrat Yea
Regina English Democrat Yea
Sean Camacho Democrat Yea
Sheila Lieder Democrat Nay
Steven Woodrow Democrat Nay
Tammy Story Democrat Nay
Tisha Mauro Democrat Yea
Yara Zokaie Democrat Yea
Anthony Hartsook Republican Yea
Ava Flanell Republican Yea
Brandi Bradley Republican Yea
Carlos Barron Republican Yea
Chris Richardson Republican Yea
Dan Woog Republican Yea
Dusty Johnson Republican Yea
Jarvis Caldwell Republican Yea
Ken DeGraaf Republican Yea
Larry Don Suckla Republican Yea
Mary Bradfield Republican Not Voting
Matt Soper Republican Yea
Max Brooks Republican Yea
Rebecca Keltie Republican Yea
Rick Taggart Republican Yea
Ron Weinberg Republican Yea
Scott Bottoms Republican Not Voting
Scott Slaugh Republican Yea
Stephanie Luck Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Refer Senate Bill 26-145 to the Committee of the Whole.

Passed 11 Yea · 2 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 6200
Republican 4000
Unaffiliated 1000
Total 11200
% of votes cast 85%15%0%0%
How each member voted (13)
Member Party Vote
Garcia Sander — Yea
Eliza Hamrick Democrat Nay
Jacque Phillips Democrat Yea
Jennifer Bacon Democrat Yea
Katie Stewart Democrat Yea
Lindsay Gilchrist Democrat Yea
Matthew Martinez Democrat Yea
Meghan Lukens Democrat Yea
Tammy Story Democrat Nay
Anthony Hartsook Republican Yea
Ava Flanell Republican Yea
Dusty Johnson Republican Yea
Mary Bradfield Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Refer Senate Bill 26-145, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole and with a recommendation that it be placed on the consent calendar.

Passed 7 Yea · 0 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 4000
Republican 3000
Total 7000
% of votes cast 100%0%0%0%
How each member voted (7)
Member Party Vote
Cathy Kipp Democrat Yea
Chris Kolker Democrat Yea
Janice Marchman Democrat Yea
Jeff Bridges Democrat Yea
Janice Rich Republican Yea
Lisa Frizell Republican Yea
Scott Bright Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

education
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

What does SB 145 do?
The act requires a school district that is considering submitting to its voters a ballot question concerning capital construction to solicit proposals from its charter schools about their capital construction needs. The act specifies the solicitation process requirements and requires the school district to notify a charter school that submitted a proposal whether the school district will include the charter school's capital construction needs in the school district's ballot question or questions. If the school district decides not to include the charter school's capital construction needs in the ballot question, the notification must include the school district's reasons for the exclusion and must include an opportunity for the charter school to address issues raised by the school district.     If the school district and charter school mutually agree to the content of the charter school's proposal, a school district that voluntarily submits to its voters a ballot question for the charter school's capital construction needs is not required to comply with the required solicitation process.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
Who sponsors SB 145?
SB 145 is sponsored by Garcia Sander, D. Woog, K. Stewart, S. Slaugh, N. Ricks, C. Richardson, J. Phillips, J. McCluskie, B. Marshall, R. Keltie, R. Gonzalez, M. Duran, J. Caldwell, B. Bradley, L. Gilchrist, A. Boesenecker, Scott Bright (Republican), Cathy Kipp (Democrat), John Carson (Republican), and Lisa Frizell (Republican).
What is the current status of SB 145?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced March 20, 2026. Enacted.
Where can I track SB 145?
Track SB 145 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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