Welcome to Capitol Week In Review, our newsletter where we’ll cut through the noise to bring you clear, timely updates on what’s moving and what it means for educational equity and efforts to increase opportunities for Colorado families.
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Priority legislative update
Our justice reform agenda is gaining traction as both of our priority bills advance through the Capitol:
HB26- 1017 Criminal Restitution Prohibited for Insurers would change how criminal restitution works by removing insurance companies from the definition of a “victim” for restitution purposes. Under the bill, insurers could no longer collect restitution through the criminal courts when they suffer losses; instead, they could pursue those losses through civil lawsuits against offenders if necessary. This bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, March 9th at 1:30pm.
HB26-1232 Court Costs Assessed to Juveniles would prohibit Colorado courts and the state from assessing or collecting administrative fees, costs, and surcharges against juveniles involved in the justice system or their parents, guardians, or legal custodians . This bill is scheduled to be heard in the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, March 18th at 1:30pm.
Legislation of Interest
SB26-135 State Public K-12 Education Funding would refer a 2026 ballot measure asking voters to allow the state to retain revenue above the TABOR spending limit equal to the amount spent on K-12 public education, while also protecting the Family Affordability Tax Credit here in Colorado. If approved, the state could use those retained funds to increase K-12 funding by up to 2% annually for 10 years, with districts required to spend the additional money on priorities such as teacher pay, teacher retention, smaller class sizes, and expanded career and technical education (CTE). By including education funding in the official ‘math,’ the state also ensures that spending more on schools doesn’t accidentally trigger a cut to this tax credit. The Family Affordability Tax Credit will also become more stable for families even as school budgets grow. This bill was introduced and is awaiting scheduling in the Senate Finance Committee.
HB26-1291 Educator Performance Evaluation would extend educator performance evaluations to every three years in Colorado schools. This bill is scheduled to be heard in the House Education Committee on Thursday, March 12th at 1:30pm.
SB26-068 Modify Administration of Education Assessments aims to limit Colorado summative assessments and, if needed, to apply for a federal waiver to reduce or modify those assessment requirements. This bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Education Committee on Monday, March 9th at 1:30pm.
Our Take: Free Prison Phone Calls
Keeping families connected should never come at the cost of financial hardship. During a recent hearing, the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) received a staff recommendation from the Governor’s office to permanently fund prison phone calls at only 75%, a level that would force Colorado families to continue paying millions of dollars in phone fees in the first year alone just to stay connected with incarcerated loved ones.
For years, families—disproportionately Black, brown, and low-income—were charged excessive rates simply to make a phone call to someone in prison. In 2023, advocates and lawmakers worked to change that by passing legislation (HB23-1133) to make prison phone calls free in Colorado, recognizing that regular communication strengthens families, supports rehabilitation, and improves safety inside correctional facilities.
We have been part of this fight from the beginning. Since 2023, we have worked alongside partners, impacted families, and lawmakers to push for the funding necessary to fully implement free prison phone calls and ensure this policy delivers on its promise.
That’s why we were encouraged to see all four Democratic members of the JBC vote to prioritize affordability and keep families connected. Protecting this funding keeps Colorado moving toward fully free phone calls in the state prisons, an evidence-based policy that strengthens families, supports successful reentry, and improves public safety.
Take Action
Now that HB26- 1017 Criminal Restitution Prohibited for Insurers, is moving through the legislature, we are asking the Senate Judiciary committee to keep the momentum going. Colorado has the opportunity to move from permanent punishment to real restoration, but lawmakers need to hear from you today.
What We’re Reading
- CPR, Educators, lawmakers unveil bill that would untie education funding from TABOR rules
- CPR, After-school funding for more than 5,000 Colorado children at risk of being cut
- Chalkbeat Colorado, Colorado bill would tee up merger of over 100 higher education and workforce programs
- Chalkbeat Colorado, Should students spend less time testing? Some Colorado lawmakers want a statewide review
