Colorado 2026 Regular Session Status: Enacted Bipartisan · 23 D · 1 R cosponsors

HB 1259 — Department of Early Childhood Clean-Up

Last action — Governor Signed

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

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 19, 2026. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Jared Polis (Democratic) on May 05, 2026.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 98% · high confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

High

How often bills like it became law.

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 48 sponsors

    3 primary, 45 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (23 D · 1 R) — cross-party backing.

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 6 recorded votes so far.

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

Summary

The act makes changes and clarifications in the provisions related to the department of early childhood (department). The act:Eliminates the scheduled repeal of licensing exemptions for certain in-home child care arrangements in which the children are related to the caregiver, are siblings, or number fewer than five;Updates provisions related to early care and education provider reimbursement for services performed before final eligibility determinations in the Colorado child care assistance program;Lowers the age limit for children served by the early childhood mental health consultation program from 8 years old to 6 years old and adjusts that program's reporting requirements;Clarifies the sources of money appropriated to the universal preschool program;Requires the department to keep confidential identifying records and facts regarding children and their relatives;Clarifies that child care facilities approved, certified, or licensed by tribal governments are exempt from the department's licensing rules; andAdjusts the membership requirements and duties of the early childhood leadership commission and subcommittee membership requirements for the rules advisory council.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

147 added · 157 removed

Plain-language change summary

The recently revised HB 1259 includes changes aimed at improving early childhood services in Colorado. Key updates involve clarifying existing licensing exemptions, enhancing reimbursement rates for early childhood education providers, modifying funding provisions for the universal preschool program, and adjusting membership and duties of advisory bodies related to early childhood. These changes are significant as they aim to streamline services, ensure better funding, and support early childhood education, ultimately benefiting children and families across the state.

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NOTE:
HOUSE BILL 26-1259 BYREPRESENTATIVE(S)Sirota,Bacon,Boesenecker, Camacho,Carter, Duran, Froelich, Garcia, Gilchrist, Goldstein, Joseph, Lieder, Lindsay, Lukens, Nguyen, Phillips, Story, Taggart, Valdez, Willford, Zokaie, McCluskie, Brown, Jackson, Mabrey;
This bill has been prepared for the signatures of the appropriate legislative officers and the Governor.
also SENATOR(S) Marchman and Bridges, Amabile, Ball, Benavidez, Bright, Cutter, Daugherty, Exum, Gonzales J., Hinrichsen, Jodeh, Kipp, Kirkmeyer, Kolker, Lindstedt,Mullica,Roberts, Snyder, Sullivan, Wallace, Weissman, Coleman.
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 CHANGING REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES, AND, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, CLARIFYING OR EXTENDING SPECIFIED EXISTING LICENSING EXEMPTIONS, UPDATING EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION PROVIDER REIMBURSEMENT, MODIFYING CERTAIN EXISTING FUNDING PROVISIONS FOR THE UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL PROGRAM, CLARIFYING CERTAIN EXISTING PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS, AND ADJUSTING THE MEMBERSHIP OR DUTIES OF SPECIFIED EARLY CHILDHOOD ADVISORY BODIES.
HOUSE BILL 26-1259 BYREPRESENTATIVE(S)Sirota,Bacon,Boesenecker,Camacho,Carter, Duran, Froelich, Garcia, Gilchrist, Goldstein, Joseph, Lieder, Lindsay, Lukens, Nguyen, Phillips, Story, Taggart, Valdez, Willford, Zokaie, McCluskie, Brown, Jackson, Mabrey;
Be it enacted by the GeneralAssembly ofthe State ofColorado:
also SENATOR(S) Marchman and Bridges, Amabile, Ball, Benavidez, Bright, Cutter, Daugherty, Exum, Gonzales J., Hinrichsen, Jodeh, Kipp, Kirkmeyer,Kolker,Lindstedt,Mullica,Roberts,Snyder,Sullivan,Wallace, Weissman, Coleman.
C ONCERNING CHANGING REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES, AND , IN CONNECTION THEREWITH , CLARIFYING OR EXTENDING SPECIFIED EXISTING LICENSING EXEMPTIONS ,UPDATING EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION PROVIDER REIMBURSEMENT , MODIFYING CERTAIN EXISTING FUNDING PROVISIONS FOR THE UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL PROGRAM ,CLARIFYING CERTAIN EXISTING PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS , AND ADJUSTING THE MEMBERSHIP OR DUTIES OF SPECIFIED EARLY CHILDHOOD ADVISORY BODIES .
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:
In Colorado Revised Statutes, 26.5-1-105, amend ________ Capital letters or bold & italic numbers indicate new material added to existing law;
In Colorado Revised Statutes, 26.5-1-1amend Capital letters or bold & italic 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.
(2)(f) as follows:
(2)(t) as follows:
(2) (f) The executive director may create issue-specific subcommittees of the council that must include membersA MEMBER of the council and may include representatives from other state agencies, representatives of local and tribal agencies or other local leaders in early childhood and family support issues, and issue experts.
(2) (t) The executive director may create issue-specific subcommittees ofthe council that must include members AMEMBERofthe council and may include representatives from other state agencies, representatives of local and tribal agencies or other local leaders in early childhood and family support issues, and issue experts.
InColoradoRevisedStatutes,26.5-1-302,amend(1), (2) introductory portion, (2)(d) introductory portion, (2)(d)(VII), (2)(d)(VIII), and (4);
InColoradoRevised Statutes, 26.5-1-302, amend ( 1), (2) introductory portion, (2)(d) introductory portion, (2)(d)(VII), (2)(d)(VIII), and (4);
and add (2)(b.5) and (2)(d)(IX) as follows:
anadd (2)(b.5) and (2)(d)(IX) as follows:
(1) Thereiscreatedinthedepartmenttheearlychildhoodleadership commission.
(1) There is created inthe departmentthe earlychildhood leadership commission.
The commission is a type 2 entity, as defined in section 24-1-105, and exercises its powers and performs its duties and functions underthedepartmentof earlychildhood.Thepurposeofthecommissionis to ensure and advance a comprehensive service delivery system for pregnant women and children from birth to eight years of ageOLD using data to improve decision-making, alignment, and coordination among federally funded and state-funded services and programs for pregnant women and young children and their families.
The commission is a type 2 entity, as defined in section 24-1-105, and exercises its powers and performs its duties and functions under the department ofearly childhood.
At a minimum, the comprehensive service delivery system for pregnant women and children andtheirfamiliesmustincludeservicesintheareasofprenatalhealth;child health;
The purpose ofthe commission is to ensure and advance a comprehensive service delivery system for pregnant women and children from birth to eight years of age OLD using data to improve decision-making, alignment, and coordination among federally funded and state-funded services and programs for pregnant women and young children and their families.
At a minimum, the comprehensive service delivery system for pregnant women and children andtheirfamilies must include services in the areas ofprenatal health;
child health;
andily support, INCLUDING SUPPORT FOR FAMILY ECONOMIC MOBILITY ;
and family support, INCLUDING SUPPORT FOR FAMILY ECONOMIC MOBILITY;
(2) The commission consists of up to twenty-one TWENTY -TWO members as follows:
(2) The commission consists of up to twenty-one TWENTY-TWO members as follows:
(b.5) T HE COMMISSIONER OF THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATION OR THE COMMISSIONER 'S DESIGNEE ;
(b.5) THE COMMISSIONER OF THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATIONORTHECOMMISSIONER'S DESIGNEE;
(d) Nomorethanfourteenpersonsappointedbythegovernorwhich PAGE 2-HOUSE BILL 26-1259 persons WHO collectively have the following expertise, affiliations, or backgrounds:
(d) No more than fourteen persons appointed bythe governor whieh PAGE 2-HOUSE BILL 26-1259 persons W HO collectively have the following expertise, affiliations, or backgrounds:
(VII) Members of the business community;
(VII) Members ofthe business community;
and (VIII) Representatives of the local public health communityAND (IX) P ERSONS WITH EXPERTISE IN FAMILY SUPPORTS ,INCLUDING FAMILY ECONOMIC MOBILITY .
and (VIII) Representatives ofthe local public health community;
(4) The governor shall appoint three persons from among the members of the commission one representing business interests, one representingprivate,nonprofitentities,andonerepresentingpublicentities, WHO REPRESENT A WIDE RANGE OF EXPERTISE , AFFILIATIONS , OR BACKGROUNDS to serve as co-chairs of the commission.
AND (IX) PERSONS WITH EXPERTISE INFAMILY SUPPORTS, INCLUDING FAMILYECONOMICMOBILITY.
(4) The governor shall appoint three persons from among the members of the commission one 1ep1esenting business interests, one 1ep1esentingptivate,nonprofitentities,andone Iep1esentingpublicentities, W HO REPRESENT A WIDE RANGE OF EXPERTISE, AFFILIATIONS, OR BACKGROUNDS to serve as co-chairs ofthe commission.
The co-chairs may appoint working groups and subcommittees to assist the commission in its work or to address specificissues.Theworkinggroupsandsubcommittees,atthediscretionof the co-chairs, may consist of any combination of members of the commission and other persons from the community.
The co-chairs may appoint working groups and subcommittees to assist the commission in its work or to address specificissues.
Theworkinggroups and subcommittees, atthe discretion of the co-chairs, may consist of any combination of members of the commission and other persons from the community.
InColoradoRevisedStatutes,26.5-1-303,amend(1) introductory portion, (1)(f)(II), (1)(f)(III), (2)(a), and (2)(b);
InColoradoRevised Statutes, 26.5-1-303, amend ( l) introductory portion, (l)(f)(II), (l)(f)(III), (2)(a), and (2)(b);
and add (1)(f)(IV) and (2)(c) as follows:
aadd (l)(f)(IV) and (2)(c) as follows:
(1) In addition to anyther duties specified in law, the commission has the following duties:
(1) In addition to any other duties specified in law, the commission has the following duties:
(II) Increasing participation in and access to child care and early education programs;
(11) Increasing participation in and access to child care and early education programs;
AND (IV) M AINTAINING A COMPREHENSIVE AND COHESIVE SYSTEM OF PAGE 3-HOUSE BILL 26-1259 EARLY CHILDHOOD SUPPORTS ACROSS VARIOUS DOMAINS .
AND (IV) MAINTAININGACOMPREHENSIVEANDCOHESIVESYSTEMOF PAGE 3-HOUSE BILL 26-1259 EARLYCHILDHOODSUPPORTSACROSSVARIOUSDOMAINS.
(a) Membersoftheearlychildhoodcouncilsestablishedpursuantto section 26.5-2-203;
(a) Members ofthe earlychildhoodcouncils establishedpursuantto section 26.5-2-203;
and (b) Any Other boards, commissions, and councils that address services and supports for pregnant women and young children;AND (c) OTHERSTATEANDLOCALAGENCIESINVOLVEDINTHEDELIVERY OF EARLY CHILDHOOD OR HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAMS OR SERVICES .
and (b) Any Other boards, commissions, and councils that address services and supports for pregnant women and young children;
AND (C)OTHERSTATEANDLOCALAGENCIESINVOLVEDINTHEDELIVERY OFEARLYCHILDHOODORHUMANSERVICESPROGRAMSORSERVICES.
Social-emotionallearningprogramsgrantprogram - created - implementation partner - application - selection - funding - rules.
Social-emotional learning programs grant program - created - implementation partner - application - selection - funding - rules.
(II) Be identified by the university of Colorado as a proven, evidence-based RESEARCH -BASED intervention to support healthy youth development;
(II) Be identified by the universicy of Colorado as a proven, evidence-based RESEARCH-BASED intervention to support healthy youth development;
and (III) Have been previously implemented with success by early childhood program providers;
and (111) Have been previously implemented with success by early childhood program providers;
in Colorado;and SECTION 5.
in Colorado, and SECTION 5.
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(2) The purpose of the program is to:
(2) The purpose ofthe program is to:
(b) Support and provide guidance and training, through visits with mental health consultants in the program, to families, expecting families, caregivers, and providers across a diversity of DIVERSE settings in addressing the healthy social-emotional developmental needs of children andfamiliesduringtheprenatalperiodthrougheightyearsofage SIXYEARS OLD ;
(b) Support and provide guidance and training, through visits with mental health consultants in the program, to families, expecting families, caregivers, and providers across a diversity of DIVERSE settings in addressing the healthy social-emotional developmental needs of children andfamilies duringtheprenatalperiodthrougheightyears ofage SIXYEARS OLD;
SECTION6.
SECTION 6.
InColoradoRevisedStatutes,26.5-3-703,amend(1) introductory portion and (1)(e) as follows:
InColorado Revised Statutes, 26.5-3-703, amend (1) introductory portion and (1)(e) as follows:
Modelofearlychildhoodmentalhealthconsultation - standards and guidelines - qualifications.
Model ofearlychildhood mental health consultation - standards and guidelines - qualifications.
(1) On or before July 1, 2022, The department shall design and develop, in consultation with the stakeholders listed in section 26.5-3-702 (1)(b), a model of consultation for the program that includes qualifications for mental health consultants, job expectations, expected outcomes, and guidance on ratios between mental health consultants and the settings they support, referred to in this section as "the model".
(1) On or befure July 1, 2022, The department shall design and develop, in consultation with the stakeholders listed in section 26.5-3-702 (I)(b), a model ofconsultation for the program that includes qualifications for mental health consultants, job expectations, expected outcomes, and guidance on ratios between mental health consultants and the settings they support, referred to in this section as "the model".
The model must include standardsandguidelinestoensuretheprogramisimplementedeffectively, withprimaryconsiderationgiventoevidence-basedservices.Thestandards and guidelines must include:
The model must include standards and guidelines to ensure the program is implemented effectively, withprimaryconsiderationgiventoevidence-basedservices.
(e) Guidanceonthediversesettingsinwhichandtypesofproviders with whommental health consultants in the programmaywork to meet the varied needs of children and families from prenatal through eight years of age SIX YEARS OLD .
Thestandards and guidelines must include:
The model must include provisions that ensure that mentalhealthconsultantsintheprogrammayworkwithadiversity DIVERSE RANGE of professionals and caregivers, including, but not limited to, early childcareandeducationteachersandproviders,elementaryschoolteachers andadministrators,homevisitors,childwelfarecaseworkers,publichealth professionals, and health-care professionals, including settings providing prenatal and postpartum care.
(e) Guidance onthe diverse settings inwhich and types ofproviders with whom mental health consultants in the program may work to meet the varied needs ofchildren and families from prenatal through eight years of age SIX YEARS OLD.
The model must include provisions that ensure that mentalhealthconsultants intheprogrammayworkwithadiversity DIVERSE RANGE ofprofessionals and caregivers, including, but not limited to, early childcare andeducationteachers andproviders, elementaryschoolteachers and administrators, home visitors, childwelfare caseworkers, public health professionals, and health-care professionals, including settings providing prenatal and postpartum care.
(d) Child development through eight years of age SIX YEARS OLD ;
(d) Child development through eight years ofage SIX YEARS OLD;
InColoradoRevisedStatutes,26.5-3-706,amend(2) introductory portion as follows:
In ColoradoRevised Statutes, 26.5-3-706, amend (2) introductory portion as follows:
(2) Notwithstanding section 24-1-136 (11)(a)(I), the department shall, beginning in 2023 and continuing every two years thereafter THROUGH 2027, in its presentation to the joint budget committee of the general assembly, as well as its presentation to its committee of reference at the hearing held pursuant to section 2-7-203 (2)(a) of the "State Measurement for Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent (SMART) Government Act" in January2027 JANUARY 2028, report on the following issues:
(2) Notwithstanding section 24-1-136 (1l)(a)(I), the department shall, beginning in 2023 and continuing every two years thereafter THROUGH 2027, in its presentation to the joint budget committee of the general assembly, as well as its presentation to its committee ofreference at the hearing held pursuant to section 2-7-203 (2)(a) of the "State Measurement for Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent (SMART) Government Act" in January 2027 JANUARY 2028, report on the following issues:
(2) (b) In verifying an application received pursuant to this section, the countydepartment shall confirm that the applicant meets the eligibility requirementsforreceivingpublic CHILDCARE assistancespecifiedinsection 26-2-111 (1) THIS PART 1.
(2) (b) In verifying an application received pursuant to this section, the county department shall confirm that the applicant meets the eligibility requirements forreceivingpublic CHILDCARE assistancespecifiedinsection 26-2-111 (1) THIS PART 1.
PAGE 6-HOUSE BILL 26-1259 (3) (a) Subject to available appropriations, Pursuant to rules promulgated ADOPTED for implementation of this part 1, and except as provided in subsection (3)(b) of this section, a county shall provide child care assistance for a family transitioning off the works program due to employment or job training without requiring the family to apply for low-income child care but shall redetermine the family's eligibility within twelve months after the transition.
PAGE 6-HOUSE BILL 26-1259 (3) (a) Subject to available apprnpriations, Pursuant to rules promulgated ADOPTED for implementation of this part 1, and except as provided in subsection (3)(b) ofthis section, a county shall provide child care assistance for a family transitioning off the works program due to employment or job training without requiring the family to apply for low-income child care but shall redetermine the family's eligibility within twelve months after the transition.
(b) A family that transitions off the works program must not be automatically transitioned to CCCAP pursuant to subsection (3)(a) of this section if either of the following conditions apply:
(b) A family that transitions off the works program must not be automatically transitioned to CCCAP pursuant to subsection (3)(a) ofthis section ifeither ofthe following conditions apply:
(II) Thefamilyisleavingtheworksprogramduetoemploymentand will be at an income level that exceeds the income eligibility limit for the CCCAP MAXIMUMFEDERALELIGIBILITYLEVELOFEIGHTY -FIVEPERCENTOF THE STATE MEDIAN INCOME FOR A FAMILY OF THE SAME SIZE .
(II) The family is leavingtheworksprogram dueto employmentand will be at an income level that exceeds the income eligibility limit for the CCCAP MAXIMUM FEDERALELIGIBILITY LEVELOF EIGHTY-FIVE PERCENTOF THE STATE MEDIAN INCOME FOR A FAMILY OF THE SAME SIZE.
(10) An earlycare and education provider or countymayconduct a pre-eligibility determination for child care assistance for a family to facilitate the determination process.
(10) An early care and education provider or county may conduct a pre-eligibility determination for child care assistance for a family to facilitate the determination process.
The earlycare and education provider shall submit its pre-eligibility documentation to the county for final determination of eligibility for child care assistance.
The early care and education provider shall submit its pre-eligibility documentation to the county for final determination of eligibility for child care assistance.
The early care and education provider or county may provide services to the family prior to final determination of eligibility, and the countyshall reimburse a provider forsuch THE servicesonlyifthecountydeterminesthefamilyiseligiblefor services and there is no need to place the family on a waiting list.
The early care and education provider or county may provide services to the family prior to final determination ofeligibility, and the county shall reimburse aprovider forst:tehTHE services only ifthe county determines the family is eligible for services and there is no need to place the family on a waiting list.
If the family is found ineligible for services, the county shall not reimburse RECOVER MONEY PAID TO the earlycare and education provider OR FAMILY for any services provided during the period between its THE EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION PROVIDER S pre-eligibility determination and the county's final determination of eligibility.
If the family is found ineligible for services, the county shall not reimburse RECOVER MONEY PAID TO the early care and education provider OR FAMILY for any services provided during the period between itsTHE EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION PROVIDER'S pre-eligibility determination and the county's final determination of eligibility.
Colorado universal preschool program - created - eligibility-workforcedevelopmentplan-programfunding-legislative declaration - rules.
Colorado universal preschool program - created - eligibility-workforcedevelopmentplan-program funding- legislative declaration - rules.
(6) To preserve the general assembly's historic commitment to PAGE 7-HOUSE BILL 26-1259 preschool program funding, the general assembly shall appropFROMe THE GENERAL FUND OR THE STATE EDUCATION FUND CREATED IN SECTION OF ARTICLE IX OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION to the department for the Colorado universal preschool program:
(6) To preserve the general assembly's historic commitment to PAGE 7-HOUSE BILL 26-1259 preschool program funding, the general assembly shall appropriate FROM THE GENERAL FUND OR THE STATE EDUCATION FUND CREATED IN SECTION OF ARTICLE I X OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION to the department for the Colorado universal preschool program:
(6.5) THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY MAY APPROPRIATE MONEY FOR THE PURPOSESOFSUBSECTION (6)OFTHISSECTIONFROMTHESTATEEDUCATION FUND CREATED IN SECTION 17OF ARTICLE IX OFTHE STATE CONSTITUTION .
(6.5) THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY MAY APPROPRIATE MONEY FOR THE PURPOSESOFSUBSECTION ( 6)OFTHIS SECTIONFROM THE STATE EDUCATION FUND CREATED IN SECTION 17 OF ARTICLE IX OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION.
THEGENERALASSEMBLYDECLARESTHAT FORPURPOSESOFSECTION 17OF ARTICLE IX OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION,THE APPROPRIATIONS REQUIRED IN SUBSECTION (6)OF THIS SECTION ARE AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF EXPANDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS AND MAY THEREFORERECEIVEFUNDINGFROMTHESTATEEDUCATIONFUNDCREATED IN SECTION17 (4)OF ARTICLE IXOF THE STATE CONSTITUTION .
THE GENERALASSEMBLY DECLARES THAT, FORPURPOSES OF SECTION 17 OF ARTICLE IX OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION, THE APPROPRIATIONS REQUIRED IN SUBSECTION (6)OF THIS SECTION ARE AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF EXPANDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS AND MAY THEREFORE RECEIVE FUNDING FROM THE STATE EDUCATION FUND CREATED IN SECTION 17(4)OF ARTICLE IX OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION.
(7) EXCEPTASREQUIREDBYACOURT -ISSUEDSUBPOENAORORDER , A PRESCHOOL PROVIDER AND THE DEPARTMENT SHALL KEEP ALL IDENTIFYING RECORDS REGARDING CHILDREN AND ALL IDENTIFYING FACTS LEARNED ABOUT CHILDREN AND THEIR RELATIVES CONFIDENTIAL .
(7) EXCEPT AS REQUIRED BY A COURT-ISSUED SUBPOENA ORORDER, A PRESCHOOL PROVIDER AND THE DEPARTMENT SHALL KEEP ALL IDENTIFYING RECORDS REGARDING CHILDREN AND ALL IDENTIFYING FACTS LEARNED ABOUT CHILDREN AND THEIR RELATIVES CONFIDENTIAL.
N OTWITHSTANDINGANYPROVISIONOFPART 2OFARTICLE 72 OFTITLE 24TO THE CONTRARY ,THE DEPARTMENT AND THE PRESCHOOL PROVIDER SHALL NOT RELEASE INDIVIDUAL CHILD -LEVEL DATA THAT ALLOWS FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF A SPECIFIC CHILD OR RELATIVE ;
NOTWITHSTANDINGANY PROVISION OFPART 2OFARTICLE 72OFTITLE 24TO THE CONTRARY, THE DEPARTMENT AND THE PRESCHOOL PROVIDER SHALL NOT RELEASE INDIVIDUAL CHILD-LEVEL DATA THAT ALLOWS FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF A SPECIFIC CHILD OR RELATIVE;
EXCEPT THAT INDIVIDUAL CHILD-LEVEL DATA THAT ALLOWS FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF A SPECIFIC CHILD OR RELATIVE MAY BE RELEASED TO THE PERSON IN INTEREST,AS DEFINED IN SECTION24-72-202.
EXCEPT THAT INDIVIDUAL CI-IILD-LEVEL DATA THAT ALLOWS FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF A SPECIFIC CHILD OR RELATIVE MAY BE RELEASED TO THE PERSON IN INTEREST, AS DEFINED IN SECTION24-72-202.
In Colorado Revised Statutes, 26.5-5-304, amend (1)(b);
In Colorado Revised Statute26.5-5-304,amend (l)(b );
and repeal (1)(f)(IV) as follows:
arepeal (l)(f)(IVas follows:
Application of part - definition.
Application ofpart - definition.
(1) This part 3 does not apply to:
(1) This part3does not apply to:
(b) A child care facility that is approved, certified, or licensed by any other state agency,BY A TRIBAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OR AGENCY , or by a federal government department or agency, that has standards for operation of the facilityand inspects or monitors the facility;
(b) A child care facility that is approved, certified, or licensed by any other state agency, BY A TRIBAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OR AGENCY, or by a federal government department or agency, that has standards for operation o f the facility and inspects or monitors the facility;
(f) (IV) This subsection (1)(f) is repealed, effective September 1, PAGE 8-HOUSE BILL 26-1259 2026.
(f) (IV) This subsection (l)(t) is repealed, effective September 1, PAGE 8-HOUSE BILL 26-1259 z0z-6:
(4) Everyfacilitylicensedunder PURSUANTTO thispart3shallkeep and maintain such records as the department may prescribe PRESCRIBES pertaining to the admission, progress, health, and discharge of children under the care of the facility, and shall report relative thereto THE RECORDS to the department whenever called for, upon forms prescribed by the department.
(4) Every facility licensedtmder PURSUANTTOthis part3shall keep and maintain sueh records as the department may presctibe PRESCRIBES pertaining to the admission, progress, health, and discharge of children under the care of the facility, and shall report relative thereto ON THE RECORDSto the department whenever called for, upon forms prescribed by the department.
EXCEPT AS REQUIRED BY A COURT -ISSUED SUBPOENA OR ORDER , the facility and the department shall keep IDENTIFYING records regarding children and allIDENTIFYING facts learned about children and their relatives confidential.
EXCEPTAS REQUIREDBYACOURT-ISSUED SUBPOENAOR ORDER, the facility and the department shall keep all IDENTIFYINGrecords regarding children and all IDENTIFYING facts learned about children and their relatives confidential.
NITHSTANDING ANY PROVISION OF PART 2 OF ARTICLE 72 OF TITLE 24 TO THE CONTRARY ,THE DEPARTMENT AND THE FACILITYSHALLNOTRELEASEINDIVIDUALCHILD LEVELDATATHATALLOWS FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF A SPECIFIC CHILD OR RELATIVE ;
NOTWITHSTANDINGANYPROVISIONOFPART2 OFARTICLE72 OFTITLE24 TOTHECONTRARY,THEDEPARTMENTANDTHE FACILITYSHALLNOTRELEASEINDIVIDUALCHILD-LEVELDATATHATALLOWS FORTHEIDENTIFICATIONOFASPECIFICCHILDORRELATIVE;
EXCEPT THAT INDIVIDUAL CHILD -LEVEL DATA THAT ALLOWS FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF A SPECIFIC CHILD OR RELATIVE MAY BE RELEASED TO THE PERSON IN INTEREST ,AS DEFINED IN SECTION 24-72-202.
EXCEPTTHAT INDIVIDUALCHILD-LEVELDATATHATALLOWSFORTHEIDENTIFICATIONOF A SPECIFIC CHILD OR RELATIVE MAY BE RELEASED TO THE PERSON IN INTEREST, ASDEFINEDINSECTION24-72-202.
SECTION14.
SECTION 14.
InColoradoRevisedStatutes,19-1-103,amend(86) as follows:
InColoradoRevised Statutes, 19-1-103, amend (86) as follows:
(86) (a) "Institutional abuse", as used in part 3 of article 3 of this title 19, means anyA case of abuse, as defined in subsection (1) of this section, that occurs in anyA public or private facility in the state that provides child care out of the home, supervision, or maintenance.
(86) (a) "Institutional abuse", as used in part 3 of article 3 ofthis title 19, means any A case of abuse, as defined in subsection (1) of this section, that occurs in any A public or private facility in the state that provides child care out of the home, supervision, or maintenance.
except that, to the extent the school system provides extended dayservices, abuse that occurs while such THE services are provided is institutional abuse.
except that, to the extent the school system provides extended day services, abuse that occurs while sueh THE services are provided is institutional abuse.
(c) As used in this subsection (86), "facility" means a residential childcarefacility,specializedgroupfacility, fostercarehome,orany other facility licensed pursuant to part 9 of article 6 of title 26;
(c) As used in this subsection (86), "facility" means a residential child care facility, specializedgroup facility, foster care home, orany other facility licensed pursuant to part 9 ofarticle 6 oftitle 26;
noncertified kinship care providers that provide care for children with an openchildwelfarecasewhoareinthelegalcustodyofacountydepartment of human or social services;
noncertified kinship care providers that provide care for children with an open childwelfare casewho are inthe legal custody ofacounty department of human or social services;
or a facility or community placement, as described in section 19-2.5-1502, for a juvenile committed to the custody of the department of human services.
or a facility or community placement, as described in section 19-2.5-1502, for ajuvenile committed to the custody of the department of human services.
except that section 26.5-4-204 (6) introductory portion, Colorado Revised Statutes, as amended in section11of this act, and section 26.5-4-204 (6.5), Colorado Revised Statutes, as enacted in section 11 of this act, take effect July 1, 2027.
except that section 26.5-4-204 (6) introductory portion, Colorado Revised Statutes, as amended in section 11 ofthis act, and section 26.5-4-204 (6.5), Colorado Revised Statutes, as enacted in section 11 ofthis act, take effect July 1, 2027.
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 10-HOUSE BILL 26-1259 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 IO-HOUSE BILL 26-1259 the support and maintenance of the departments of the state and state institutions.
____________________________ ____________________________ Julie McCluskie James Rashad Coleman, Sr.
J u l ~ James Rashad Coleman, Sr.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE PRESIDENT OF OF REPRESENTATIVES THE SENATE ____________________________ ____________________________ Vanessa Reilly Esther van Mourik CHIEF CLERK OF THE HOUSE SECRETARY OF OF REPRESENTATIVES THE SENATE APPROVED________________________________________ (Date and Time) _________________________________________ Jared S.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE PRESIDENT OF OF REPRESENTATIVES THE SENATE Vanessa Reilly Esther van Mourik CHIEF CLERK OF THE HOUSE SECRETARY OF OF REPRESENTATIVES THE SENATE APPROVED O VTve&J~ V'{\°1£-t\.202.k,o,.__~ :o o fl'\-.
Polis GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF COLORADO PAGE 11-HOUSE BILL 26-1259
(Date anl:l Time) PAGE 11-HOUSE BILL 26-1259
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Action History

  1. Governor Signed

  2. Signed by the Speaker of the House

  3. Signed by the President of the Senate

  4. Sent to the Governor

  5. House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass

  6. Senate Third Reading Passed with Amendments - Floor

  7. Senate Third Reading Laid Over to 04/01/2026 - No Amendments

  8. Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments - Committee

  9. Senate Committee on Education Refer Amended to Senate Committee of the Whole

  10. Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Education

  11. House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

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

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

  14. Introduced In House - Assigned to Education

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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3 sponsors · 45 co-sponsors · 53 not signed on · 22 voted No

Sponsors (3)

Co-sponsors (45)

Not signed on (53)

53 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 53 →

"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

REPASS

Passed 44 Yea · 19 Nay · 2 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 40001
Republican 21700
Unaffiliated 2201
Total 441902
% of votes cast 68%29%0%3%
How each member voted (65)
Member Party Vote
Gonzalez R. — Not Voting
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 Yea
Brianna Titone Democrat Yea
Cecelia Espenoza Democrat Yea
Chad Clifford Democrat Yea
Eliza Hamrick Democrat Yea
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 Yea
Mandy Lindsay Democrat Yea
Manny Rutinel Democrat Yea
Matthew Martinez Democrat Yea
Meg Froelich Democrat Yea
Meghan Lukens Democrat Yea
Michael Carter Democrat Yea
Monica Duran Democrat Yea
Naquetta Ricks Democrat Yea
Regina English Democrat Not Voting
Sean Camacho Democrat Yea
Sheila Lieder Democrat Yea
Steven Woodrow Democrat Yea
Tammy Story Democrat Yea
Tisha Mauro Democrat Yea
Yara Zokaie Democrat Yea
Anthony Hartsook Republican Nay
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 Nay
Ken DeGraaf Republican Nay
Larry Don Suckla Republican Nay
Mary Bradfield Republican Yea
Matt Soper Republican Nay
Max Brooks Republican Nay
Rebecca Keltie Republican Nay
Rick Taggart Republican Yea
Ron Weinberg Republican Nay
Scott Bottoms Republican Nay
Scott Slaugh Republican Nay
Stephanie Luck Republican Nay

Official roll call →

CONCUR

Passed 45 Yea · 18 Nay · 2 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 40001
Republican 21700
Unaffiliated 3101
Total 451802
% of votes cast 69%28%0%3%
How each member voted (65)
Member Party Vote
Gonzalez R. — Not Voting
Stewart K. — Yea
Stewart R. — Yea
Winter T. — Nay
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 Yea
Eliza Hamrick Democrat Yea
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 Yea
Mandy Lindsay Democrat Yea
Manny Rutinel Democrat Yea
Matthew Martinez Democrat Yea
Meg Froelich Democrat Yea
Meghan Lukens Democrat Yea
Michael Carter Democrat Yea
Monica Duran Democrat Yea
Naquetta Ricks Democrat Yea
Regina English Democrat Not Voting
Sean Camacho Democrat Yea
Sheila Lieder Democrat Yea
Steven Woodrow Democrat Yea
Tammy Story Democrat Yea
Tisha Mauro Democrat Yea
Yara Zokaie Democrat Yea
Anthony Hartsook Republican Nay
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 Nay
Ken DeGraaf Republican Nay
Larry Don Suckla Republican Nay
Mary Bradfield Republican Yea
Matt Soper Republican Nay
Max Brooks Republican Nay
Rebecca Keltie Republican Nay
Rick Taggart Republican Yea
Ron Weinberg Republican Nay
Scott Bottoms Republican Nay
Scott Slaugh Republican Nay
Stephanie Luck Republican Nay

Official roll call →

BILL

Passed 44 Yea · 18 Nay · 3 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 40001
Republican 11701
Unaffiliated 3101
Total 441803
% of votes cast 68%28%0%5%
How each member voted (65)
Member Party Vote
Gonzalez R. — Yea
Stewart K. — Yea
Stewart R. — Yea
Winter T. — Nay
Garcia Sander — Not Voting
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 Yea
Eliza Hamrick Democrat Yea
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 Yea
Mandy Lindsay Democrat Yea
Manny Rutinel Democrat Yea
Matthew Martinez Democrat Yea
Meg Froelich Democrat Yea
Meghan Lukens Democrat Yea
Michael Carter Democrat Yea
Monica Duran Democrat Yea
Naquetta Ricks Democrat Not Voting
Regina English Democrat Yea
Sean Camacho Democrat Yea
Sheila Lieder Democrat Yea
Steven Woodrow Democrat Yea
Tammy Story Democrat Yea
Tisha Mauro Democrat Yea
Yara Zokaie Democrat Yea
Anthony Hartsook Republican Nay
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 Nay
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 Yea
Ron Weinberg Republican Nay
Scott Bottoms Republican Nay
Scott Slaugh Republican Nay
Stephanie Luck Republican Not Voting

Official roll call →

Refer House Bill 26-1259 to the Committee of the Whole.

Passed 7 Yea · 4 Nay · 2 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 6002
Republican 0400
Unaffiliated 1000
Total 7402
% of votes cast 54%31%0%15%
How each member voted (13)
Member Party Vote
Garcia Sander — Yea
Eliza Hamrick Democrat Yea
Jacque Phillips Democrat Yea
Jennifer Bacon Democrat Not Voting
Katie Stewart Democrat Yea
Lindsay Gilchrist Democrat Yea
Matthew Martinez Democrat Not Voting
Meghan Lukens Democrat Yea
Tammy Story Democrat Yea
Anthony Hartsook Republican Nay
Ava Flanell Republican Nay
Dusty Johnson Republican Nay
Mary Bradfield Republican Nay

Official roll call →

Subjects

education
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Frequently asked questions

What does HB 1259 do?
The act makes changes and clarifications in the provisions related to the department of early childhood (department). The act:Eliminates the scheduled repeal of licensing exemptions for certain in-home child care arrangements in which the children are related to the caregiver, are siblings, or number fewer than five;Updates provisions related to early care and education provider reimbursement for services performed before final eligibility determinations in the Colorado child care assistance program;Lowers the age limit for children served by the early childhood mental health consultation program from 8 years old to 6 years old and adjusts that program's reporting requirements;Clarifies the sources of money appropriated to the universal preschool program;Requires the department to keep confidential identifying records and facts regarding children and their relatives;Clarifies that child care facilities approved, certified, or licensed by tribal governments are exempt from the department's licensing rules; andAdjusts the membership requirements and duties of the early childhood leadership commission and subcommittee membership requirements for the rules advisory council.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
Who sponsors HB 1259?
HB 1259 is sponsored by Adrienne Benavidez, M. Weissman, K. Wallace, T. Sullivan, M. Snyder, D. Roberts, K. Mullica, W. Lindstedt, C. Kolker, B. Kirkmeyer, C. Kipp, I. Jodeh, N. Hinrichsen, J. Gonzales, T. Exum, L. Daugherty, L. Cutter, J. Coleman, S. Bright, M. Ball, J. Amabile, L. García, J. Marchman, J. Bridges, Emily Sirota (Democrat), Jennifer Bacon (Democrat), Andrew Boesenecker (Democrat), Kyle Brown (Democrat), Sean Camacho (Democrat), Monica Duran (Democrat), Meg Froelich (Democrat), Lindsay Gilchrist (Democrat), Lori Goldstein (Democrat), Jamie Jackson (Democrat), Junie Joseph (Democrat), Sheila Lieder (Democrat), Meghan Lukens (Democrat), Julie McCluskie (Democrat), Kenny Nguyen (Democrat), Jacque Phillips (Democrat), Rick Taggart (Republican), Alex Valdez (Democrat), Jenny Willford (Democrat), Yara Zokaie (Democrat), Mandy Lindsay (Democrat), Javier Mabrey (Democrat), Michael Carter (Democrat), and Tammy Story (Democrat).
What is the current status of HB 1259?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 19, 2026. Enacted.
Where can I track HB 1259?
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