Colorado 2026 Regular Session Status: Enacted Bipartisan · 12 D · 4 R cosponsors

SB 170 — Task Force to Expand Effective Public Schools

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 April 17, 2026. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Jared Polis (Democratic) on June 04, 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.

  • 22 sponsors

    4 primary, 18 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (12 D · 4 R) — cross-party backing.

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 7 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 creates a task force to study access to effective public schools.

This act establishes a task force called the access to opportunity task force to explore ways to improve access to effective public schools. The task force is required to report its findings and recommendations to key education stakeholders by January 1, 2027, contingent on funding from donations.

What this means for you
  • Workers: The study could influence job readiness and skills training linked to educational outcomes.
  • Families: This may provide insights on improving educational opportunities for your children.

Summary

The act creates the access to opportunity task force (task force) to study and report on how to expand access to effective public schools to address opportunity gaps.     The act requires the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the education committees of the house of representatives and the senate, the governor, the state board of education, the commissioner of education, and the department of education on or before January 1, 2027. If the first meeting of the task force is not until after July 31, 2026, then the report deadline is 5 months after the task force's first meeting.     The act specifies that the task force will only conduct a study and prepare a report if the department of education receives sufficient gifts, grants, and donations.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

160 added · 165 removed

Plain-language change summary

The updated version of Bill SB 170 includes a newly defined term, "Opportunity Gaps," which highlights the disparities in educational access and outcomes among various student groups based on factors like race, socioeconomic status, and geography. Additionally, it outlines the criteria for what constitutes a "Rural Public School." These changes aim to better address the specific challenges faced by students from different backgrounds and ensure that educational resources are fairly distributed, ultimately helping to improve educational equity in Colorado.

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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.
CONCERNING CREATING A TASK FORCE TO STUDY HOW TO EXPAND ACCESS TO EFFECTIVE PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR C OLORADO STUDENTS .
CONCERNING CREATING A TASK FORCE TO STUDY HOW TO EXPAND ACCESS TO EFFECTIVE PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR COLORADO STUDENTS.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:
Be it enacted by the GeneralAssembly ofthe State ofColorado:
Accesstoopportunitytaskforce-creation-members - duties - report - definitions - repeal.
Access to opportunity taskforce - creation - members - duties - report - definitions - repeal.
(1) A S USED IN THIS SECTION , UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES :
(1) AS USED IN THIS SECTION, UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES:
(a) "DEPARTMENT " MEANS THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CREATED AND EXISTING PURSUANT TO SECTION 24-1-115.
(a) "DEPARTMENT" MEANS THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CREATED AND EXISTING PURSUANT TO SECTION 24-1-115.
________ 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.
(b) "OPPORTUNITYGAPS "MEANSDISPARITIESINSTUDENTS 'ACCESS TOEDUCATIONALOPPORTUNITIESANDDISPARITIESINACADEMICOUTCOMES , INCLUDING ,BUT NOT LIMITED TO,ACHIEVEMENT ,GROWTH ,GRADUATION RATES ,AND POSTSECONDARY READINESS ,EXPERIENCED BY GROUPS OF STUDENTS BASED ON FACTORS SUCH AS RACE ,SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS , GEOGRAPHY ,DISABILITY STATUS,AND ENGLISH LEARNER STATUS .
(b) "OPPORTUNITY GAPS" MEANS DISPARITIES IN STUDENTS' ACCESS TOEDUCATIONALOPPORTUNITIESANDDISPARITIES INACADEMICOUTCOMES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ACHIEVEMENT, GROWTH, GRADUATION RATES, AND POSTSECONDARY READINESS, EXPERIENCED BY GROUPS OF STUDENTS BASED ON FACTORS SUCH AS RACE, SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, GEOGRAPHY, DISABILITY STATUS, AND ENGLISH LEARNER STATUS.
SUCH DISPARITIESMAYBEINFLUENCEDBYDIFFERENCESINACCESSTONECESSARY SUPPORTS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM , HIGH QUALITY INSTRUCTION , STABLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS , AND QUALIFIED EDUCATORS ,ASWELLASBYSCHOOL ,DISTRICT,ANDSTATE -LEVELPOLICIES AND PRACTICES .
SUCH DISPARITIES MAY BEINFLUENCED BY DIFFERENCES INACCESS TONECESSARY SUPPORTS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM, HIGH-QUALITY INSTRUCTION, STABLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS, AND QUALIFIED EDUCATORS, AS WELL AS BY SCHOOL, DISTRICT, AND STATE-LEVEL POLICIES AND PRACTICES.
(c) "RURALPUBLICSCHOOL "MEANSAPUBLICSCHOOLIN C OLORADO THAT THE DEPARTMENT DETERMINES IS RURAL BASED ON THE GEOGRAPHIC SIZE OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE DISTANCE FROM THE NEAREST LARGE , URBANIZED AREA ,AND THE TOTAL STUDENT ENROLLMENT OFTHE SCHOOLDISTRICT IS SIX THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED OR FEWER STUDENTS .
(C) "RURALPUBLIC SCHOOL" MEANS APUBLIC SCHOOLINCOLORADO THATTHE DEPARTMENT DETERMINES IS RURAL BASED ON THE GEOGRAPHIC SIZE OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL'S SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE DISTANCE FROM THE NEAREST LARGE, URBANIZED AREA, AND THE TOTAL STUDENT ENROLLMENT OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IS SIX THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED OR FEWER STUDENTS.
(d) "S TATE BOARD " MEANS THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION CREATED AND EXISTING PURSUANT TO SECTION 1OF ARTICLE IX OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION .
(d) "STATE BOARD" MEANS THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION CREATED AND EXISTING PURSUANT TO SECTION 1 OF ARTICLE IX OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION.
(2) THE ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITY TASK FORCE IS CREATED IN THE DEPARTMENT TO STUDY HOW TO EXPAND ACCESS TO EFFECTIVE PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND PRACTICES FOR EVERY C OLORADO STUDENT .
(2) THE ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITY TASK FORCE IS CREATED IN THE DEPARTMENT TO STUDY HOW TO EXPAND ACCESS TO EFFECTIVE PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND PRACTICES FOR EVERY COLORADO STUDENT.
(3)THEACCESSTOOPPORTUNITYTASKFORCECONSISTSOFMEMBERS APPOINTED AS FOLLOWS :
(3)THEACCESSTOOPPORTUNITYTASK FORCECONSISTS OFMEMBERS APPOINTED AS FOLLOWS:
(a) THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE SHALL APPOINT THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS :
(a) THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE SHALL APPOINT THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS:
(I) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE STATE BOARD ;
(I)ONE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE STATE BOARD;
(II) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF A COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION WITH A FOCUS ON CLOSING OPPORTUNITY GAPS ;
(11) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF A COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION WITH A FOCUS ON CLOSING OPPORTUNITY GAPS;
(III) OE MEMBER WHO IS A METRO DENVER SCHOOL LEADER AT A PAGE 2-SENATE BILL 26-170 COLORADO PUBLIC SCHOOL WITH A DEMONSTRATED TRACK RECORD OF MEANINGFULLY NARROWING OPPORTUNITY GAPS ;AND (IV) O NE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF A STATEWIDE ORGANIZATION THAT REPRESENTS EDUCATORS ;
(Ill)ONE MEMBER WHO IS A METRO DENVER SCHOOL LEADER AT A PA G E 2-SENATE BILL 26-170 COLORADO PUBLIC SCHOOL WITH A DEMONSTRATED TRACK RECORD OF MEANINGFULLY NARROWING OPPORTUNITY GAPS;
(b) THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SHALL APPOINT THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS :
AND (IV) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF A STATEWIDE ORGANIZATION THAT REPRESENTS EDUCATORS;
(I) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A SCHOOL LEADER AT A RURAL PUBLIC SCHOOL ;
(b) THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SHALL APPOINT THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS:
(II) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF A STATEWIDE ORGANIZATION THAT REPRESENTS TEACHERS ;
(I) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A SCHOOL LEADER AT A RURAL PUBLIC SCHOOL;
(III) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF A STATEWIDE PARENTORGANIZATIONTHATFOCUSESONEDUCATIONPOLICYANDCLOSING OPPORTUNITY GAPS ;AND (IV) ONEMEMBERWHOISAREPRESENTATIVEOFANORGANIZATION THAT WORKS DIRECTLY WITH OR AT A FACILITY SCHOOL (c) THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MINORITY LEADER SHALL APPOINT THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS :
(11) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF A STATEWIDE ORGANIZATION THAT REPRESENTS TEACHERS;
(I) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A SCHOOL LEADER AT A PUBLIC SCHOOL IN SOUTHERN C OLORADO WITH A DEMONSTRATED TRACK RECORD OF MEANINGFULLY NARROWING OPPORTUNITY GAPS ;
(III) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF A STATEWIDE PARENTORGANIZATIONTHATFOCUSES ON EDUCATION POLICYAND CLOSING OPPORTUNITY GAPS;
(II) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF A STATEWIDE ORGANIZATION THAT REPRESENTS SUPERINTENDENTS ;AND (III) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A SCHOOL TEACHER IN A C OLORADO PUBLIC SCHOOL CLASSROOM WITH A DEMONSTRATED TRACK RECORD OF MEANINGFULLY NARROWING OPPORTUNITY GAPS ;
AND (IV) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF AN ORGANIZATION THAT WORKS DIRECTLY WITH OR AT A FACILITY SCHOOL;
(d) THE SENATE MINORITY LEADER SHALLAPPOINT THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS :
(c) THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MINORITY LEADER SHALL APPOINT THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS:
(I) O NE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF A STATEWIDE PAGE 3-SENATE BILL 26-170 ORGANIZATION THAT FOCUSES ON EDUCATION POLICY AND CLOSING OPPORTUNITY GAPS ;
(I)ONE MEMBER WHO IS A SCHOOL LEADER AT A PUBLIC SCHOOL IN SOUTHERN COLORADO WITH A DEMONSTRATED TRACK RECORD OF MEANINGFULLY NARROWING OPPORTUNITY GAPS;
(II) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF A STATEWIDE ORGANIZATION THAT REPRESENTS EDUCATORS WITH A PARTICULAR FOCUS ON EDUCATION POLICY AND CLOSING OPPORTUNITY GAPS ;AND (III) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A SCHOOL LEADER AT A COLORADO PUBLIC SCHOOL THAT IS A COMMUNITY SCHOOL AS DEFINED IN SECTION 22-32.5-103 AND THAT HAS A DEMONSTRATED TRACK RECORD OF MEANINGFULLY NARROWING OPPORTUNITY GAPS ;
(II) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF A STATEWIDE ORGANIZATION THAT REPRESENTS SUPERINTENDENTS;
(e) THE GOVERNOR SHALL APPOINT THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS :
AND (III) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A SCHOOL TEACHER IN A COLORADO PUBLIC SCHOOL CLASSROOM WITH A DEMONSTRATED TRACK RECORD OF MEANINGFULLY NARROWING OPPORTUNITY GAPS;
(I) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE GOVERNOR 'S OFFICE;
(d) THE SENATE MINORITY LEADER SHALL APPOINT THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS:
(II) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF A STATEWIDE ORGANIZATION THAT REPRESENTS CHARTER SCHOOLS ;
(I) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF A STATEWIDE PAGE 3-SENATE BILL 26-170 ORGANIZATION THAT FOCUSES ON EDUCATION POLICY AND CLOSING OPPORTUNITY GAPS;
(III) OE MEMBER WHO IS A SCHOOL LEADER AT A PUBLIC SCHOOL IN NORTHERN C OLORADO WITH A DEMONSTRATED TRACK RECORD OF MEANINGFULLY NARROWING OPPORTUNITY GAPS ;AND (IV) O NE MEMBER WHO IS A RECENT GRADUATE OF A COLORADO PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL WITH A DEMONSTRATED TRACK RECORD OF MEANINGFULLY NARROWING OPPORTUNITY GAPS ;AND (f) THE COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION,OR THEIR DESIGNEE,SHALL APPOINT ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPARTMENT WHO FOCUSES ON ADDRESSING OPPORTUNITY GAPS .
(II)ONE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF A STATEWIDE ORGANIZATION THAT REPRESENTS EDUCATORS WITH A PARTICULAR FOCUS ON EDUCATION POLICY AND CLOSING OPPORTUNITY GAPS;
(4) T HE APPOINTING AUTHORITIES SHALL MAKE THEIR INITIAL APPOINTMENTS TO THE TASK FORCE NO LATER THAN JULY 1, 2026.
AND (III) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A SCHOOL LEADER AT A COLORADO PUBLIC SCHOOL THAT IS A COMMUNITY SCHOOL AS DEFINED IN SECTION 22-32.5-103 AND THAT HAS A DEMONSTRATED TRACK RECORD OF MEANINGFULLY NARROWING OPPORTUNITY GAPS;
(5) EACHMEMBEROFTHE TASKFORCE SERVES AT THEPLEASUREOF THEIR RESPECTIVE APPOINTING OFFICIAL.
(e) THE GOVERNOR SHALL APPOINT THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS:
IF A TASK FORCE VACANCY OCCURS ,THE ORIGINAL APPOINTING AUTHORITY SHALL,WITHIN FOURTEEN DAYS AFTER THE VACANCY ,APPOINT A NEW TASK FORCE MEMBER WHO SATISFIES THE MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS OF THE VACATED SEAT.
(I) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE;
PAGE 4-SENATE BILL 26-170 (6) T ASK FORCE MEMBERS DO NOT RECEIVE COMPENSATION OR REIMBURSEMENT FOR EXPENSES .
(II) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF A STATEWIDE ORGANIZATION THAT REPRESENTS CHARTER SCHOOLS;
(7) (a) TE TASK FORCE SHALLALLOW FOR REMOTE PARTICIPATION IN EACH MEETING OF THE TASK FORCE .
(III) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A SCHOOL LEADER AT A PUBLIC SCHOOL IN NORTHERN COLORADO WITH A DEMONSTRATED TRACK RECORD OF MEANINGFULLY NARROWING OPPORTUNITY GAPS;
(b) THE COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION ,OR THEIR DESIGNEE,SHALL CONVENE THE FIRST MEETING OF THE TASK FORCE NO LATER THAN ONE MONTHAFTERTHECOMMISSIONEROFEDUCATION ,ORTHEIRDESIGNEE ,HAS DETERMINED THAT THE TASK FORCE HAS RECEIVED AN AMOUNT OF GIFTS , GRANTS ,ANDDONATIONSSUFFICIENTTOBEGINITSWORKDESCRIBEDINTHIS SECTION OR JULY 31, 2026,WHICHEVER IS LATER .
AND (IV) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A RECENT GRADUATE OF A COLORADO PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL WITH A DEMONSTRATED TRACK RECORD OF MEANINGFULLY NARROWING OPPORTUNITY GAPS;
(c) AT OR BEFORE THE FIRST TASK FORCE MEETING ,THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE SHALL APPOINT THE TASK FORCE CHAIR AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE SHALL APPOINT THE TASK FORCE VICE-CHAIR .THE CHAIR OF THE TASK FORCE SHALL CONVENE THE TASK FORCE MEETINGS AFTER THE FIRST MEETING.
AND (t) THE COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION, OR THEIR DESIGNEE, SHALL APPOINT ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPARTMENT WHO FOCUSES ON ADDRESSING OPPORTUNITY GAPS.
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(4) THE APPOINTING AUTHORITIES SHALL MAKE THEIR INITIAL APPOINTMENTS TO THE TASK FORCE NO LATER THAN JULY 1, 2026.
(5) EACH MEMBER OF THETASK FORCE SERVES AT THE PLEASURE OF THEIR RESPECTIVE APPOINTING OFFICIAL.
IF A TASK FORCE VACANCY OCCURS, THE ORIGINAL APPOINTING AUTHORITY SHALL, WITHIN FOURTEEN DAYS AFTER THE VACANCY, APPOINT A NEW TASK FORCE MEMBER WHO SATISFIES THE MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS OF THE VACATED SEAT.
PA G E 4-SENATE BILL 26-170 (6) TASK FORCE MEMBERS DO NOT RECEIVE COMPENSATION OR REIMBURSEMENT FOR EXPENSES.
(7) (aTHE TASK FORCE SHALL ALLOW FOR REMOTE PARTICIPATION IN EACH MEETING OF THE TASK FORCE.
(b)THE COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION, OR THEIR DESIGNEE, SHALL CONVENE THE FIRST MEETING OF THE TASK FORCE NO LATER THAN ONE MONTH AFTERTHE COMMISSIONEROF EDUCATION, ORTHEIRDESIGNEE, HAS DETERMINED THAT THE TASK FORCE HAS RECEIVED AN AMOUNT OF GIFTS, GRANTS, AND DONATIONS SUFFICIENTTO BEGIN ITS WORKDESCRIBED INTHIS SECTION OR JULY 31, 2026,WHICHEVER IS LATER.
(c)AT OR BEFORE THE FIRST TASK FORCE MEETING, THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE SHALL APPOINT THE TASK FORCE CHAIR AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE SHALL APPOINT THE TASK FORCE VICE-CHAIR.
THE CHAIR OF THE TASK FORCE SHALL CONVENE THE TASK FORCE MEETINGS AFTER THE FIRST MEETING.
(8) T HE DEPARTMENT SHALL CONTRACT WITH AN INDEPENDENT THIRD-PARTY ENTITY TO FACILITATE TASK FORCE MEETINGS ,ASSIST IN CONDUCTINGTHESTUDYREQUIREDPURSUANT TOSUBSECTION (10) OFTHIS SECTION ,AND PREPARE A WRITTEN REPORT SUMMARIZING THE STUDY S FINDINGS AND THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TASK FORCE ISSUED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (12) OF THIS SECTION .
(8) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL CONTRACT WITH AN INDEPENDENT THIRD-PARTY ENTITY TO FACILITATE TASK FORCE MEETINGS, ASSIST IN CONDUCTINGTHE STUDY REQUIRED PURSUANTTO SUBSECTION ( 10)OFTHIS SECTION, AND PREPARE A WRITTEN REPORT SUMMARIZING THE STUDY'S FINDINGS AND THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TASK FORCE ISSUED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (12) OF THIS SECTION.
THE INDEPENDENT THIRD-PARTY ENTITY MUST BE A PREAPPROVED VENDOR FROM THE DEPARTMENT S PRICE AGREEMENT LIST .
THE INDEPENDENT THIRD-PARTY ENTITY MUST BE A PREAPPROVED VENDOR FROM THE DEPARTMENT'S PRICE AGREEMENT LIST.
(9) T HE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROVIDE INFORMATION AND STAFF SUPPORT ,OTHERTHANTHESTAFFSUPPORTPROVIDEDBYTHETHIRD -PARTY ENTITYDESCRIBEDINSUBSECTION (8)OFTHISSECTION ,TOTHETASKFORCE ANDTHIRD PARTYENTITYUPONTHEREQUESTOFTHETASKFORCECHAIRTO THE EXTENT NECESSARY FOR THE TASK FORCE TO COMPLETE ITS DUTIES DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION.THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROVIDE THE THIRD PARTY SECURE ACCESS TO DATA CURRENTLY COLLECTED BY THE DEPARTMENT TO ALLOW THE THIRD PARTY TO COMPILE , ANALYZE ,AND PROVIDE TO THE TASK FORCE THE DATA NECESSARY TO CONSIDER THE ISSUES DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (10)OF THIS SECTIO.
(9) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROVIDE INFORMATION AND STAFF SUPPORT, OTHERTHAN THE STAFF SUPPORTPROVIDED BY THETHIRD-PARTY ENTITY DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (8)OFTHIS SECTION, TO THETASK FORCE ANDTHIRD-PARTY ENTITY UPON THE REQUEST OFTHETASK FORCECHAIRTO THE EXTENT NECESSARY FOR THE TASK FORCE TO COMPLETE ITS DUTIES DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION.
PAGE 5-SENATE BILL 26-170 (10) THE STUDY CONDUCTED BY THE TASK FORCE MUST CONSIDER :
THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROVIDE THE THIRD PARTY SECURE ACCESS TO DATA CURRENTLY COLLECTED BY THE DEPARTMENT TO ALLOW THE THIRD PARTY TO COMPILE, ANALYZE, AND PROVIDE TO THE TASK FORCE THE DATA NECESSARY TO CONSIDER THE ISSUES DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (10)OF THIS SECTION.
(a) TECURRENTSTATEOFOPPORTUNITYGAPSACROSS C OLORADO , IDENTIFYING WHERE GAPS ARE GEOGRAPHICALLY MOST PREVALENT AND PERSISTENT,AND THE DISAGGREGATED SUBGROUPS OF STUDENTS MOST IMPACTED BY THE GAPS;
P A G E 5-SEN A TEBILL 26-170 (10) THE STUDY CONDUCTED BY THE TASK FORCE MUST CONSIDER:
(b) THE C OLORADO PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND DISTRICTS WITH A DEMONSTRATEDTRACKRECORDOFCLOSINGOPPORTUNITYGAPSBASEDON ACADEMIC OUTCOMES AS A NECESSARY STARTING POINT , WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT OPPORTUNITY GAPS ARE INFLUENCED BY MULTIPLE FACTORS AND THAT THE TASK FORCE MAY CHOOSE TO CONSIDER ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF DATA THAT EMPHASIZE STUDENT SUCCESS AND WELL BEING ;
(a) THE CURRENTSTATEOFOPPORTUNITY GAPS ACROSS COLORADO, IDENTIFYING WHERE GAPS ARE GEOGRAPHICALLY MOST PREYALENT AND PERSISTENT, AND THE DISAGGREGATED SUBGROUPS OF STUDENTS MOST IMPACTED BY THE GAPS;
(c) T HE PROGRAMS , STRATEGIES,PRACTICES ,AND CONDITIONS , INCLUDING, BUT NOT NECESSARILY LIMITED TO ,CONDITIONS OF POLICY, RESOURCEALLOCATION ,COMMUNITYINVOLVEMENT SCHOOLPHILOSOPHY , AND SCHOOL CLIMATE ,OF THE SCHOOLS AND DISTRICTS IDENTIFIED IN SUBSECTION (10)(b)OF THIS SECTION THAT MOST CONTRIBUTE TO SUCCESS IN CLOSING OPPORTUNITY GAPS;
(b) THE COLORADO PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND DISTRICTS WITH A DEMONSTRATED TRACK RECORD OF CLOSING OPPORTUNITY GAPS BASED ON ACADEMIC OUTCOMES AS A NECESSARY STARTING POINT, WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT OPPORTUNITY GAPS ARE INFLUENCED BY MULTIPLE FACTORS AND THAT THE TASK FORCE MAY CHOOSE TO CONSIDER ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF DATA THAT EMPHASIZE STUDENT SUCCESS AND WELL-BEING;
(d) THE NONFINANCIAL BARRIERS THAT PREVENT EFFECTIVE SCHOOLSANDPRACTICESFROMBEINGREPLICATEDANDEXPANDEDACROSS COLORADOANDWHATPOLICYCHANGESARENECESSARYTOREMOVETHOSE BARRIERS WITHIN EXISTING RESOURCES;
(C) THE PROGRAMS, STRATEGIES, PRACTICES, AND CONDITIONS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT NECESSARILY LIMITED TO, CONDITIONS OF POLICY, RESOURCEALLOCATION, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, SCHOOLPHILOSOPHY, AND SCHOOL CLIMATE, OF THE SCHOOLS AND DISTRICTS IDENTIFIED IN SUBSECTION (10)(b)OF THIS SECTION THAT MOST CONTRIBUTE TO SUCCESS IN CLOSING OPPORTUNITY GAPS;
(e) STATES AND NEW APPROACHES TO SCHOOLS AND SCHOOLING THATHAVEDEMONSTRATEDPROMISEANDSUSTAINEDPROGRESSINCLOSING OPPORTUNITY GAPS AND WHAT POLICIES AND PRACTICES HAVE ENABLED THEM TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN CLOSING OPPORTUNITY GAPS;AND (f) H OW C OLORADO CAN REDESIGN ITS EDUCATION SYSTEM TO BETTER SUPPORT INNOVATION , CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT , AND FUTURE READY LEARNING MODELS WHILE MAINTAINING ACCOUNTABILITY FOR ACADEMIC OUTCOMES .
(d) THE NONFINANCIAL BARRIERS THAT PREVENT EFFECTIVE SCHOOLS AND PRACTICES FROM BEING REPLICATED AND EXPANDED ACROSS COLORADOANDWHATPOLICYCHANGESARENECESSARYTOREMOVETHOSE BARRIERS WITHIN EXISTING RESOURCES;
(11) (a) TE INTENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IS THAT THE COST OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS SECTION IS FUNDED ENTIRELY BY GIFTS , GRANTS , AND DONATIONS AND THAT FURTHER GIFTS , GRANTS , AND PAGE 6-SENATE BILL 26-170 DONATIONS CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE COURSE OF THE STUDY .
(e) STATES AND NEW APPROACHES TO SCHOOLS AND SCHOOLING THATHAVE DEMONSTRATEDPROMISEAND SUSTAINED PROGRESS INCLOSING OPPORTUNITY GAPS AND WHAT POLICIES AND PRACTICES HAVE ENABLED THEM TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN CLOSING OPPORTUNITY GAPS;
AND (f) How COLORADO CAN REDESIGN ITS EDUCATION SYSTEM TO BETTER SUPPORT INNOVATION, CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT, AND FUTURE-READY LEARNING MODELS WHILE MAINTAINING ACCOUNTABILITY FOR ACADEMIC OUTCOMES.
(11) (a)THE INTENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IS THAT THE COST OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS SECTION IS FUNDED ENTIRELY BY GIFTS, GRANTS, AND DONATIONS AND THAT FURTHER GIFTS, GRANTS, AND PAGE 6-SENATE BILL 26-170 DONATIONS CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE COURSE OF THE STUDY.
(b) THE DEPARTMENT MAYACCEPT ANDEXPENDGIFTS ,GRANTS OR DONATIONS FROM PRIVATE OR PUBLIC SOURCES TO IMPLEMENT THIS SECTION.T HETASKFORCESHALLNOTIMPLEMENTTHISSECTIONUNLESSTHE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES AN AMOUNT OF GIFTS ,GRANTS ,AND DONATIONS THAT THE COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION ,OR THEIR DESIGNEE , DEEMS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THIS SECTION .
(b) THE DEPARTMENT MAY ACCEPT AND EXPEND GIFTS, GRANTS, OR DONATIONS FROM PRIVATE OR PUBLIC SOURCES TO IMPLEMENT THIS SECTION.
W ITHIN THIRTY DAYS AFTER RECEIPTOFAGIFT ,GRANT ,ORDONATION ,THEDEPARTMENTSHALLPOSTON ITS WEBSITE THE SOURCE AND AMOUNT OF THE GIFT,GRANT ,OR DONATION RECEIVED IN SUPPORT OF THE TASK FORCE.
THETASK FORCESHALLNOTIMPLEMENTTHIS SECTIONUNLESSTHE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES AN AMOUNT OF GIFTS, GRANTS, AND DONATIONS THAT THE COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION, OR THEIR DESIGNEE, DEEMS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THIS SECTION.
(c) THE STUDY AND WRITTEN REPORT DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTIONS (10) AND (12)OF THIS SECTION ARE CONTINGENT ON MONEY BEING AVAILABLETOCARRYOUTTHESTUDYANDTHEWRITTENREPORT .FMONEY IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE TASK FORCE OR FOR THE THIRDPARTY ENTITY DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (8)OF THIS SECTION TO CARRY OUT THE DUTIES REQUIRED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION ,THE TASK FORCE OR THE ENTITY IS NOT REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT ITS DUTIES .
WITHIN THIRTY DAYS AFTER RECEIPT OFAGIFT, GRANT, ORDONATION, THE DEPARTMENTSHALLPOSTON ITS WEBSITE THE SOURCE AND AMOUNT OF THE GIFT, GRANT, OR DONATION RECEIVED IN SUPPORT OF THE TASK FORCE.
A CONTRACT WITH A THIRD-PARTY ENTITY CONTRACTED WITH PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (8)OF THISSECTIONTHATPROVIDESSERVICESRELATEDTOFACILITATIONANDTHE STUDY AND WRITTEN REPORT IS CONTINGENT ON GIFTS , GRANTS ,AND DONATIONS BEING AVAILABLE FOR THAT PURPOSE .
(c) THE STUDY AND WRITTEN REPORT DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTIONS (10) AND (12) OF THIS SECTION ARE CONTINGENT ON MONEY BEING AVAILABLETOCARRY OUTTHE STUDYANDTHE WRITTEN REPORT.
(12) O N OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2027,THE TASK FORCE SHALL SUBMITAWRITTENREPORTWITHFINDINGSANDRECOMMENDATIONSTOTHE EDUCATION COMMITTEES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE ,OR THEIR SUCCESSOR COMMITTEES ;THE GOVERNOR ;THE STATE BOARD ;THE COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION ;AND THE DEPARTMENT .
IF MONEY IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE TASK FORCE OR FOR THE THIRD-PARTY ENTITY DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (8)OF THIS SECTION TO CARRY OUT THE DUTIES REQUIRED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION, THE TASK FORCE OR THE ENTITY IS NOT REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT ITS DUTIES.
THE WRITTEN REPORT MUST INCLUDE A MINORITY REPORT IF ONE IS REQUESTED BY A MEMBER OF THE TASK FORCE .
A CONTRACT WITH A THIRD-PARTY ENTITY CONTRACTED WITH PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (8)OF THIS SECTIONTHATPROVIDES SERVICES RELATEDTO FACILITATIONANDTHE STUDY AND WRITTEN REPORT IS CONTINGENT ON GIFTS, GRANTS, AND DONATIONS BEING AVAILABLE FOR THAT PURPOSE.
F THE FIRST MEETING OF THE TASK FORCEISNOTUNTILAFTER JULY 31,2026,THEDEADLINETOCOMPLETETHE WRITTENREPORTREQUIREDPURSUANTTOTHISSECTIONMUSTBEADJUSTED TO ALLOW FIVE MONTHS BETWEEN THE FIRST MEETING AND THE WRITTEN REPORT DEADLINE .
(12) ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2027, THE TASK FORCE SHALL SUBMITA WRITTEN REPORT WITH FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TOTHE EDUCATION COMMITTEES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE, OR THEIR SUCCESSOR COMMITTEES;
(13) THIS SECTION IS REPEALE,EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2027.
THE GOVERNOR;
PAGE 7-SENATE BILL 26-170 SECTION 2.
THE STATE BOARD;
Safety clause.
THE COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION;
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 the support and maintenance of the departments of the state and state institutions.
AND THE DEPARTMENT.
____________________________ ____________________________ James Rashad Coleman, Sr.
THE WRITTEN REPORT MUST INCLUDE A MINORITY REPORT IF ONE IS REQUESTED BY A MEMBER OF THE TASK FORCE.
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.
IF THE FIRST MEETING OF THE TASK FORCE IS NOT UNTIL AFTERJULY 31, 2026, THE DEADLINETO COMPLETETHE WRITTEN REPORT REQUIRED PURSUANTTOTHIS SECTION MUST BEADJUSTED TO ALLOW FIVE MONTHS BETWEEN THE FIRST MEETING AND THE WRITTEN REPORT DEADLINE.
Polis GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF COLORADO PAGE 8-SENATE BILL 26-170
(13) THIS SECTION IS REPEALED, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2027.
PA G E 7-SENATE BILL 26-170 SECTION 2.
Safety clauseThe 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 the support and maintenance of the departments of the state and state institutions.
James Rashad Coleman, Sr.
~ PRESIDENT OF SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE THE SENATE OF REPRESENTATIVES v ~ ~ l l y E t e van Mourik S CRETARYOF CHIEF CLERK OF THE HOUSE THE SENATE OF REPRESENTATIVES APPROVED oy, T¼ "6d@ j 'S\,\'lf\'b':l-(o6\+ 12-A ~ 1P\,,,_ (Dae and Time) I • ·'\ r LORADO PAGE 8-SENATE BILL 26-170
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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 Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended to House Committee of the Whole

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

  8. House Committee on Finance Refer Unamended to Appropriations

  9. House Committee on Education Refer Unamended to Finance

  10. Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

  11. Introduced In House - Assigned to Education

  12. Senate Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee, Floor

  13. Senate Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended to Senate Committee of the Whole

  14. Senate Committee on Education Refer Amended to Appropriations

  15. Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Education

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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4 sponsors · 18 co-sponsors · 79 not signed on · 25 voted No

Sponsors (4)

Co-sponsors (18)

Not signed on (79)

79 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 79 →

"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 38 Yea · 27 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 34700
Republican 21700
Unaffiliated 2300
Total 382700
% of votes cast 58%42%0%0%
How each member voted (65)
Member Party Vote
Gonzalez R. — Nay
Stewart K. — Yea
Stewart R. — Yea
Winter T. — Nay
Garcia Sander — Nay
Alex Valdez Democrat Yea
Amy Paschal Democrat Yea
Andrew Boesenecker Democrat Yea
Bob Marshall Democrat Nay
Brianna Titone Democrat Yea
Cecelia Espenoza Democrat Yea
Chad Clifford Democrat Yea
Eliza Hamrick Democrat Nay
Elizabeth Velasco Democrat Yea
Emily Sirota Democrat Yea
Gretchen Rydin Democrat Yea
Jacque Phillips Democrat Yea
Jamie Jackson Democrat Yea
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 Yea
Kyle Brown Democrat Yea
Lesley Smith Democrat Yea
Lindsay Gilchrist Democrat Yea
Lisa Feret Democrat Yea
Lorena Garcia Democrat Yea
Lori Goldstein Democrat Nay
Mandy Lindsay Democrat Yea
Manny Rutinel Democrat Yea
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 Yea
Tammy Story Democrat Nay
Tisha Mauro Democrat Yea
Yara Zokaie Democrat Nay
Anthony Hartsook Republican Yea
Ava Flanell Republican Nay
Brandi Bradley Republican Nay
Carlos Barron Republican Nay
Chris Richardson Republican Nay
Dan Woog Republican Nay
Dusty Johnson Republican Nay
Jarvis Caldwell Republican Yea
Ken DeGraaf Republican Nay
Larry Don Suckla Republican Nay
Mary Bradfield Republican Nay
Matt Soper Republican Nay
Max Brooks Republican Nay
Rebecca Keltie Republican Nay
Rick Taggart Republican Nay
Ron Weinberg Republican Nay
Scott Bottoms Republican Nay
Scott Slaugh Republican Nay
Stephanie Luck Republican Nay

Official roll call →

Refer Senate Bill 26-170 to the Committee of the Whole.

Passed 8 Yea · 2 Nay · 1 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 7001
Republican 1200
Total 8201
% of votes cast 73%18%0%9%
How each member voted (11)
Member Party Vote
Andrew Boesenecker Democrat Yea
Brianna Titone Democrat Yea
Elizabeth Velasco Democrat Yea
Emily Sirota Democrat Yea
Junie Joseph Democrat Yea
Karen McCormick Democrat Yea
Kyle Brown Democrat Yea
Yara Zokaie Democrat Not Voting
Matt Soper Republican Nay
Rick Taggart Republican Yea
Scott Bottoms Republican Nay

Official roll call →

Refer Senate Bill 26-170 to the Committee on Appropriations.

Passed 9 Yea · 1 Nay · 1 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 3100
Democrat 6001
Total 9101
% of votes cast 82%9%0%9%
How each member voted (11)
Member Party Vote
Bob Marshall Democrat Yea
Brianna Titone Democrat Not Voting
Lorena Garcia Democrat Yea
Rebekah Stewart Democrat Yea
Sean Camacho Democrat Yea
Steven Woodrow Democrat Yea
Yara Zokaie Democrat Yea
Anthony Hartsook Republican Yea
Max Brooks Republican Nay
Ryan Gonzalez Republican Yea
Ty Winter Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Refer Senate Bill 26-170 to the Committee on Finance.

Passed 8 Yea · 5 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 6200
Republican 2200
Unaffiliated 0100
Total 8500
% of votes cast 62%38%0%0%
How each member voted (13)
Member Party Vote
Garcia Sander — Nay
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 Nay
Mary Bradfield Republican Nay

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 170 do?
The act creates the access to opportunity task force (task force) to study and report on how to expand access to effective public schools to address opportunity gaps.     The act requires the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the education committees of the house of representatives and the senate, the governor, the state board of education, the commissioner of education, and the department of education on or before January 1, 2027. If the first meeting of the task force is not until after July 31, 2026, then the report deadline is 5 months after the task force's first meeting.     The act specifies that the task force will only conduct a study and prepare a report if the department of education receives sufficient gifts, grants, and donations.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
Who sponsors SB 170?
SB 170 is sponsored by Adrienne Benavidez, N. Ricks, J. Phillips, M. Duran, M. Martinez, J. Bacon, Scott Bright (Republican), James Coleman (Democrat), Judy Amabile (Democrat), Jeff Bridges (Democrat), Tony Exum (Democrat), Lisa Frizell (Republican), Julie Gonzales (Democrat), Iman Jodeh (Democrat), Cathy Kipp (Democrat), Barbara Kirkmeyer (Republican), Kyle Mullica (Democrat), Lisa Cutter (Democrat), Robert Rodriguez (Democrat), Tom Sullivan (Democrat), John Carson (Republican), and William Lindstedt (Democrat).
What is the current status of SB 170?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced April 17, 2026. Enacted.
Where can I track SB 170?
Track SB 170 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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