Criminal Justice Reform Archives

Statement on Veto of HB25-1026

Criminal Justice Reform | 05/30/2025

Stand for Children

Last evening, Governor Polis vetoed HB25-1026 Repeal Co-payment for Department of Corrections (DOC) Inmate Health Care, legislation we championed that stopped the DOC from charging medical fees to incarcerated individuals seeking healthcare, separate from what is billed to insurance and already provided by the state. He also issued an executive order concerning how people in Colorado state prisons are charged for health care services and ordering a review of these fees. Below is our response to the veto of HB25-1026 and the executive order.

“We are disappointed by Governor Polis’ veto of HB25-1026, legislation passed with bipartisan support, to end burdensome and unnecessary medical fees for people in Colorado prisons. While $5 may not sound like much, given the median wage in Colorado prisons, that’s the equivalent of charging someone earning the median wage, a co-pay of more than $900 to see a doctor.

While the Executive Order takes modest steps towards accountability, it does not eliminate the critical barriers these fees create. It does not guarantee the elimination of these harmful fees, and it doesn’t address the problematic lack of transparency that lawmakers uncovered around how these fees are applied, collected, or used. We will continue to work with lawmakers, advocates, and impacted families to hold DOC accountable and to push for lasting change that removes financial barriers to care.”

Capitol Week In Review: Week 16

Capitol Week in Review | 05/2/2025

Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

Welcome to Capitol Week In Review, our newsletter keeping you informed about policy concerning educational equity and criminal justice reform. You will also hear from us about opportunities to engage in advocacy on topics important to you.

Get this newsletter in your inbox every week:

Legislation of Interest

We’re excited to share promising progress updates on a couple of our priority bills:

As we near the end of the legislative session, things are moving fast! Check out the latest progress updates on our priority bills:

HB25-1320, School Finance Act, extends the transition to Colorado’s new school funding formula by one year, now fully implementing it in 2031-32. This bill increases funding for education by nearly $256 million. This bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Education Committee on April 30th at 1:30pm.

HB 25-1026, Repeal Co-payment for Department of Corrections (DOC) Inmate Health Care, stops the Department of Corrections from charging medical fees to incarcerated individuals seeking healthcare, separate from what is billed to insurance and already provided by the state. This bill passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee and is awaiting to be scheduled in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

HB 25-1146, Juvenile Detention Bed Caps,was drastically amended with a “strike below” that changed this bill to overhaul juvenile detention funding in Colorado.
The bill increases the number of emergency detention beds in the Division of Youth Services from 22 to 39, allows more flexibility in when the beds can be used, and requires the development of a pilot program for body cameras to be worn in youth detention facilities. More importantly, the bill now creates a grant program for youth deflection and diversion services; it will provide competitive grants for three years to implement a mixed-delivery system of trauma-informed health and development deflection programs for youth. In total, this package for youth justice and diversion comes with an appropriation totaling $10.8 million to the Department of Human Services and the Department of Public Safety. This bill passed third reading in the House and is now scheduled to be heard in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on May 1st at 1:30pm.

HB25-1192, Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement, mandates that Colorado high school students successfully complete a financial literacy course before graduating. Additionally, the bill requires students to practice either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA). This bill passed second reading in the House and is scheduled to be heard in the House on April 28th for third reading.

SB25-315 Postsecondary & Workforce Readiness Programs, consolidates four existing postsecondary and workforce readiness (PWR) programs into a streamlined two-part structure to expand access and reduce administrative burdens. It creates a Start-Up Fund ($14M) to replace the ASCENT program and reward districts for postsecondary credits, credentials, and work-based learning outcomes. This bill was introduced in the Senate and awaiting a hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

HB25-1274 Healthy School Meals for All Program, refers two ballot issues to the voters in November to allow the state retain a portion of TABOR refunds and to increase taxes by $95 million annually by increasing state taxable income to support the healthy school meals for all program. This bill passed the Senate Finance Committee with a vote of 6-3.

HB25-1153, Statewide Government Language Access Assessment, requires a statewide language access assessment across Colorado’s principal departments to evaluate and improve services for non-English speakers. The assessment will review language access needs, existing resources, and expenditures. A final report with recommendations is due by December 31, 2026. This bill is awaiting scheduling in the Senate State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee.

Our Take: Colorado’s new $43 billion budget

This week, Colorado lawmakers finalized the state’s $43 billion budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Despite facing tight financial constraints, the legislature prioritized education in historic ways — offering long-overdue wins for students, families, and educators across the state.

The biggest headline? For the first time in over a decade, schools will receive full funding under the new state’s formula, marking a turning point in how Colorado invests in its children.

Here’s what else this landmark budget delivers for education:

Total program funding will increase by $256 million, which will mean more resources in classrooms, smaller class sizes, and critical staff like counselors and specialists.
Higher per-pupil funding, especially important for schools in low-income communities and those serving students with the greatest needs.
$3.4 million in one-time funds to support reading intervention training for K-3 teachers

While these investments are worth celebrating, they didn’t come easy. Lawmakers made tough decisions in a tight budget year — but they made it clear that education is a top priority.

Still, this is not the finish line. Equity, transparency, and sustained community involvement must guide how these dollars are spent. This budget is a critical step forward — and a reminder that Colorado’s students deserve nothing less than our full commitment.

Take Action: Urge the senate education committee to pass the school finance act

Bipartisan bill, HB25-1320, School Finance Act, is being heard in the Senate Education Committee on April 30th. It increases funding for education by $256 million and ensures support for students experiencing poverty, English language learners, students with special needs, and students in small and rural districts.

HB25-1320 addresses fiscal challenges faced by our state while also prioritizing funding for students by:

We need your help to make sure lawmakers vote YES on HB25-1320 and uphold Colorado’s commitment to fully and equitably funding public education. Please send your email today!

Email the senate education committee members now!

What We’re Reading

The Colorado Sun, Colorado legislature passes $43.9 billion budget that cuts transportation, social programs to fund rising health care costs
Chalkbeat, Colorado’s 2025-26 budget has more money for schools, but it’s less than was promised

Capitol Week In Review: Week 15

Capitol Week in Review | 05/2/2025

Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

Get this newsletter in your inbox every week:

Legislation of Interest

We’re excited to share promising progress updates on a couple of our priority bills:

HB 25-1026, Repeal Co-payment for Department of Corrections (DOC) Inmate Health Care, stops the Department of Corrections from charging medical fees to incarcerated individuals seeking healthcare, separate from what is billed to insurance and already provided by the state. This bill passed third reading in the House and is awaiting scheduling in the Senate Judiciary committee.

HB 25-1146, Juvenile Detention Bed Caps, was adjusted by a “strike below” amendment which has changed this bill to overhaul juvenile detention funding in Colorado. Starting in 2025-26, $1.98 million annually will support alternatives to detention, while the $1.36 million requirement for emergency beds is repealed. The detention bed cap rises to 254 in 2025-26, then adjusts to 125% of projected need starting in 2026-27, excluding youth charged with class 1 felony-level acts. The Division of Criminal Justice must report detention projections, and the General Assembly must fund beds accordingly. This bill passed the House Appropriations Committee with a vote of 9-2.

SB25-208, Department of Corrections Inmate Phone Costs, proposes adjustments to the Department of Corrections’ (DOC) responsibility for covering inmate phone call costs. Under current law, the DOC is required to cover 100% of these costs starting July 1, 2025. This bill mandates that requirement by mandating the DOC to cover 75% of inmate phone call costs beginning July 1, 2025, and then increasing to 100% coverage on and after July 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill appropriates $1,436,165 from the general fund to the DOC for inmate telephone calls. This bill is off to the Governor’s desk!

HB25-1135 Communication Devices in Schools, requires all public and charter schools in Colorado to establish policies on student use of communication devices during school hours by July 1, 2026. These policies must specify any restrictions and exceptions for device use throughout the school day. The bill is off to the Governor’s desk!

SB25-200 Dyslexia Screening and READ Act Requirements, updates Colorado’s READ Act to include stronger screening for dyslexia by 2025-26. This bill passed the House Education committee with a vote of 12-1.

SB25-155 Legislation Inside Advisory Council, establishes the Legislation Inside Advisory Council to advise the Colorado General Assembly on issues affecting incarcerated individuals. The council will contract with a nonprofit for support, define its membership, and outline duties, including reporting during the Department of Corrections’ annual “SMART Act” presentation. Additionally, an advisory review committee will recommend up to three bills each interim session. This bill passed second reading in the Senate.

Our Take: SB25-208 Heads to the governor: keeping families together

Colorado is on the cusp of a significant criminal justice reform milestone. Senate Bill 25-208 (SB25-208), which ensures the full implementation of free prison phone calls by July 2026, has passed both chambers of the legislature and now awaits Governor Jared Polis’ signature.

This legislation builds upon the foundation laid by HB23-1133, legislation we championed that passed in 2023, to eliminate the financial burden of prison communication. Under HB23-1133, call costs were reduced by 25% in the first year, 35% in the second year, with the goal of making all calls free by July 1, 2025. SB25-208 adjusts this timeline, requiring the Department of Corrections to cover 75% of call costs starting July 2025 and 100% by July 2026.

Research consistently shows that regular communication between incarcerated individuals and their families leads to better outcomes both during incarceration and upon reentry into the community, thereby reducing recidivism.

Prior to HB23-1133, Colorado families paid over $8.8 million to stay connected with incarcerated loved ones. The financial burden of prison phone calls has disproportionately impacted Black, brown, and low-income families.

As we await Governor Polis’ signature, we thank the many advocates that worked alongside us to bring this policy to reality Together, we are fostering stronger communities and a more just Colorado.

Take Action: EEliminate Medical Co-Pays for Incarcerated People: Support HB25-1026

Our priority bill, HB 25-1026, Repeal Co-payment for Department of Corrections (DOC) Inmate Health Care, would eliminate medical co-pays for incarcerated individuals in Colorado—fees that currently range from $3 to $5 per visit. While that might seem small, incarcerated people earn just $0.69 to $1.81 per day, making access to basic healthcare a major financial burden. It’s the equivalent of charging a $900 co-pay to someone earning minimum wage.

The Senate Judiciary Committee members are considering this bill next week- Ask them to eliminate needless and inefficient fees!

Email the senate judiciary committee members now!

What We’re Reading

The Colorado Sun, Supreme Court allows Trump to cut teacher-training money. How might it affect Colorado?
Chalkbeat, Colorado delays rules aimed at ensuring high-quality preschool — again
Chalkbeat, Colorado lawmakers reject bill on child care chains backed by private equity

Capitol Week In Review: Week 14

Capitol Week in Review | 04/14/2025

Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

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Legislation of Interest

We’re excited to share several priority bill updates:

HB 25-1214, Appropriate Use of Prison Beds, reforms sentencing and parole by requiring courts to review key information before sentencing and notifying them when individuals near parole eligibility are sentenced. It expands treatment options to certified recovery residences, removes payment requirements for mandated treatment after positive drug or alcohol tests, and presumes parole for low-risk inmates with mandated monthly status reports. This bill passed out of the House Finance Committee with a 7-6 vote.

HB 25-1116, Department of Corrections Search Court Records Before Offender Release, is off the Governor to sign! This bill would ensure the Department of Corrections regularly checks for outstanding warrants on inmates and notifies them, courts, and public defenders. It encourages timely resolution, including virtual court appearances, to prevent legal issues from delaying reentry.

SB25-208, Department of Corrections Inmate Phone Costs, proposes adjustments to the Department of Corrections’ (DOC) responsibility for covering inmate phone call costs. Under current law, the DOC is required to cover 100% of these costs starting July 1, 2025. This bill modifies that requirement by mandating the DOC to cover 75% of inmate phone call costs beginning July 1, 2025, and then increasing to 100% coverage on and after July 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill appropriates $1,436,165 from the general fund to the DOC for inmate telephone calls. This bill is passed third reading in the House.

SB25-001, Colorado Voting Rights Act , strengthens protections against voter discrimination, expands multilingual ballot access, improves accessibility for tribal and disabled voters, and creates a statewide election data office. The bill is scheduled to be heard in the House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee on April 14th at 1:30pm.

HB 25-1204 Colorado Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), aligns with federal ICWA while adding stronger state protections. It ensures tribal involvement in child welfare cases, prioritizes placement with family or tribe, and mandates reporting and oversight starting in 2027. This bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Health & Human Services Committee on April 23rd upon adjournment.

Our Take: HB25- 1116 Heads to the Governor: Advancing Justice with Stand’s Relentless Advocacy

We are thrilled to announce that HB25-1116, a bipartisan bill aimed at reducing re-incarceration by ensuring individuals in the Department of Corrections (DOC) custody address outstanding warrants or pending cases before release, has passed both chambers of the Colorado legislature and is now awaiting the Governor’s signature.

This legislation mandates the DOC to conduct comprehensive searches of court records at key points during an offender’s incarceration to identify any unresolved legal matters. By proactively addressing these issues, the bill seeks to facilitate smoother reintegration into the community and prevent unnecessary re-incarceration due to overlooked legal obligations.

We have been a steadfast advocate for HB25-1116, working tirelessly to advance this critical reform. Our efforts included organizing community support, providing testimony, and engaging with legislators to highlight the importance of this bill in promoting fair and safe reintegration for returning community members.

The passage of HB25-1116 represents a significant step forward in our commitment to criminal justice reform and the well-being of our communities. . We appreciate the support of the many advocates who engaged along the way to getting this bill passed.

Take Action: Eliminate Medical Co-Pays for Incarcerated People: Support HB25-1026

The House of Representatives is considering this bill – Ask them to Eliminate Needless and Inefficient Fees.

Email House representatives now!

What We’re Reading

The Colorado Sun, Supreme Court allows Trump to cut teacher-training money. How might it affect Colorado?
Chalkbeat, Colorado delays rules aimed at ensuring high-quality preschool — again
Chalkbeat, Colorado lawmakers reject bill on child care chains backed by private equity

Capitol Week In Review: Week 13

Capitol Week in Review | 04/5/2025

Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

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Legislation of Interest

We’re excited to share several new priority bills and important updates to key priority legislation:

SB25-208, Department of Corrections Inmate Phone Costs, proposes adjustments to the Department of Corrections’ (DOC) responsibility for covering inmate phone call costs. Under current law, the DOC is required to cover 100% of these costs starting July 1, 2025. This bill modifies that requirement by mandating the DOC to cover 75% of inmate phone call costs beginning July 1, 2025, and then increasing to 100% coverage on and after July 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill appropriates $1,436,165 from the general fund to the DOC for inmate telephone calls. This bill is scheduled to be heard in the House Appropriations Committee on April 8th.

HB 25-1116, Department of Corrections Search Court Records Before Offender Release
, is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 7th at 1:30pm. This bill would ensure the Department of Corrections regularly checks for outstanding warrants on inmates and notifies them, courts, and public defenders. It encourages timely resolution, including virtual court appearances, to prevent legal issues from delaying reentry.

HB 25-1146, Juvenile Detention Bed Caps, proposes increasing Colorado’s juvenile detention bed cap for the 2025-26 fiscal year and, in subsequent years, setting the cap at 125% of the projected average daily juvenile detention population. The bill also mandates annual appropriations to fund these beds. We are in strong opposition; after several delays, this bill will be heard in the Health and Human Services Committee on April 8th at 1:30pm. We are not asking for testimony as there will likely be a compromise.

SB25-200 Dyslexia Screening and READ Act Requirements, updates Colorado’s READ Act to include stronger screening for dyslexia by 2025-26. This bill passed second readings in the Senate.

HB25-1147 Fairness & Transparency in Municipal Court, aligns municipal courts with state legal standards by ensuring sentencing parity, improving access to indigent defense, and enhancing transparency in court proceedings, passed the Senate and is off to the Governor’s desk!

HB 25-1204 Colorado Indian Child Welfare Act, aligns with federal ICWA while adding stronger state protections. It ensures tribal involvement in child welfare cases, prioritizes placement with family or tribe, and mandates reporting and oversight starting in 2027. This bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Health & Human Services Committee on April 23rd upon adjournment.

Our Take: Let’s talk budget- where we were, where we are, and where we are going!

Last week, the long-anticipated Colorado state budget—also known as the “long bill”—was introduced. But if you thought that was the end of the ride, think again. The real action kicked off this week, and it’s been a whirlwind in the State Capitol. As you will recall, Colorado is facing a $1.2 billion shortfall, so legislators have been hard at work identifying ways to balance the budget.

We started with the budget being presented to the Committee of the Whole, where lawmakers dug into the details and debated priorities. From there, it moved into the Senate Appropriations Committee, where amendments and negotiations shaped the next version.

Next came the public caucuses, giving lawmakers from both parties the chance to share their positions and concerns more openly. Then we hit second readings, a critical moment where the Senate debated the bill on the floor—sometimes line by line. It has now passed third readings and is now in the House, bringing the bill one step closer to final passage.

And now, we wait until we get to the final vote on the long bill—arguably the biggest budget moment of the year.

Stay tuned. The twists and turns aren’t over yet, and this budget will shape funding for schools, healthcare, transportation, and so much more across our state.

Take Action: Let’s Ensure Fair and Safe Reintegration for Returning Community Members!

HB25-1116, a bill that seeks to reduce the likelihood of re-incarceration by ensuring that offenders in the custody of the Department of Corrections (DOC) address any outstanding warrants or pending cases before their release, is being heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 7th at 1:30pm.

HB25-1116 will:

ensure that before an individual leaves prison, the DOC conducts thorough checks for any outstanding in-state or out-of-state warrants or pending cases in Colorado courts.
gives individuals the opportunity to address legal matters before they return home.
require the DOC to notify the individual, a public defender liaison, and the relevant court in case an outstanding warrant or pending case is identified.

Email the Senate Judiciary COmmittee!

What We’re Reading

The Colorado Sun, Minimal cuts next year: School funding proposal promises districts more stable funding — for now
Chalkbeat, Colorado House Speaker’s school finance plan seeks a compromise on enrollment-averaging

Capitol Week In Review: Week 12

Capitol Week in Review | 03/28/2025

Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

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Legislation of Interest

We’re excited to announce that two of our key criminal justice reform policies passed their own legislative hurdles:

HB 25-1081, Reporting Statistics on Restitution, was signed into law by the Governor this week! As you may recall, this bill requires enhanced data collection on restitution demographics, prioritizing transparency and accountability. It seeks to address systemic inequities by revealing who owes restitution, who receives payment, and any potential barriers in the process.

SB25-200 Dyslexia Screening and READ Act Requirements, aims to enhance early elementary education in Colorado by making school readiness assessments optional and allowing, rather than requiring, individualized readiness plans for preschool and kindergarten students. It mandates that parental communications about READ plans include information on dyslexia characteristics when applicable. This bill is being heard in the Senate Education Committee on March 31st at 1:30pm.

HB25-1147 Fairness & Transparency in Municipal Court, aligns municipal courts with state legal standards by ensuring sentencing parity, improving access to indigent defense, and enhancing transparency in court proceedings, is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 31st at 1:30pm.

HB25-1148 Criminal Protection Order & Protection Order Violation, revises Colorado’s criminal protection orders by clarifying required elements and limiting conditions to victim safety. It ensures courts inform defendants of penalties for violations and restricts substance-use prohibitions to relevant cases. Courts must review orders at case resolution, and officers get discretion in enforcing certain violations. This bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 31st at 1:30pm.

Our Take: Protecting Progress, Funding Colorado’s Future: Supporting the Forthcoming 2025 School Finance Act

Last year, our state made historic progress by eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor and updating the school funding formula for the first time in 30 years. These changes promised much-needed resources for students in poverty, English learners, and students with special needs. However, with a $1.2 billion budget shortfall, this progress seemed at risk.

Fortunately, the newly released state budget proposal protects K-12 funding, ensuring no cuts to public schools despite fiscal challenges. The forthcoming 2025 School Finance Act builds on this commitment by increasing school funding while

At a time of financial uncertainty, this proposal strikes a fair balance between the state’s budget constraints and its promise to fully and equitably fund public education. Our schools cannot afford to go backward—and this budget ensures they won’t.

Take Action: Let’s Ensure Sustainable and Equitable Funding for Colorado Public Schools, Act Now!

Your voice is crucial in safeguarding Colorado’s commitment to public education. Here’s how you can make a difference:

Encourage legislators to back the 2025 School Finance Act Proposal, which maintains progress while ensuring fiscal responsibility.

Let’s stand together for stable, equitable school funding—no compromises, no setbacks.

What We’re Reading

The Colorado Sun, Colorado lawmakers finalize budget proposal. Here’s what they cut to close $1.2B gap — and what they didn’t.
CPR News, New school funding proposal in Colorado would soften the cuts for K-12

Capitol Week In Review: Week 11

Capitol Week in Review | 03/21/2025

Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

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Legislation of Interest

We’re excited to announce that one of our key criminal justice reform policies is scheduled for it’s hearing next week. In addition, there has been another scheduling update, read below for more information:

HB 25-1214, Appropriate Use of Prison Beds, reforms sentencing and parole by requiring courts to review key information before sentencing and notifying them when individuals near parole eligibility are sentenced. It expands treatment options to certified recovery residences, removes payment requirements for mandated treatment after positive drug or alcohol tests, and presumes parole for low-risk inmates with mandated monthly status reports. A public defender liaison will also address outstanding warrants for eligible inmates. This bill is being heard in the House Judiciary Committee on March 26th at 1:30pm.

SB25- 190, Offender Release from Custody, aims to improve processes for releasing offenders from custody. It allows individuals to remain in jail overnight to facilitate connections with service providers and revises eligibility criteria for special needs parole, particularly for inmates aged 55 or older with severe cognitive impairments. Additionally, the bill mandates a study on options for releasing aging and seriously ill offenders to appropriate care facilities or alternative programs better suited to their medical needs. This bill is being heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 26th at 1:30pm.

HB25-1293, Drug Overdose Education & Opioid Antagonists in Schools, mandates the State Board of Education to incorporate standards into high school health education that address drug overdose risks, recognition, prevention, and response. Additionally, it permits educational institutions to seek external funding to maintain and administer opioid antagonists. This bill passed out of the House Education Committee with a vote of 13-0.

Our Take:

Last year, our state made historic progress by eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor and updating the school funding formula for the first time in 30 years. These changes promised much-needed resources for students in poverty, English learners, and students with special needs. However, with a $1.2 billion budget shortfall, this progress is at risk.

The draft 2025 School Finance Act (that isn’t introduced yet) offers a responsible solution by ensuring funding increases for schools while:

Our schools cannot afford to go backward. This proposal strikes a fair balance between the state’s fiscal constraints and its commitment to fully and equitably funding public education.

Take Action: Let’s Ensure Sustainable and Equitable Funding for Colorado Public Schools, Act Now!

We need your voice to help protect Colorado’s commitment to public education. Here’s how you can help:

Urge legislators to support the 2025 School Finance Act Proposal, which balances progress with fiscal responsibility.

Colorado’s students deserve progress. Let’s demand stable, equitable funding for our public schools—no exceptions, no excuses.

What We’re Reading

Capitol Week In Review: Week 9

Capitol Week in Review | 03/10/2025

Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

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Legislation of Interest

We’re excited to share a celebratory update and a scheduling update on our key criminal justice reform policies.

HB 25-1116, Department of Corrections Search Court Records Before Offender Release, was passed by the House unanimously and is on its way to the Senate chamber! This bill would ensure the Department of Corrections regularly checks for outstanding warrants on inmates and notifies them, courts, and public defenders. It encourages timely resolution, including virtual court appearances, to prevent legal issues from delaying reentry.

HB 25-1146, Juvenile Detention Bed Caps, proposes increasing Colorado’s juvenile detention bed cap for the 2025-26 fiscal year and, in subsequent years, setting the cap at 125% of the projected average daily juvenile detention population. The bill also mandates annual appropriations to fund these beds. We are in opposition and it been has delayed to be heard in the Health and Human Services Committee for March 18th.

HB25-1192, Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement, mandates that Colorado high school students successfully complete a financial literacy course. Additionally, the bill requires students to submit either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA). The bill includes an opt-out provision for families who choose not to complete these applications. This bill passed out the House Education Committee on March 6th with a vote of 8-5.

HB25-1167, Alternative Education Campuses, enhances support for Colorado’s Alternative Education Campuses (AECs) by prioritizing them for state grants, allowing high-risk students (21 and under) in enrollment counts, requiring reports on AEC trends, and protecting their designation from single-year enrollment drops. This bill passed the House Education Committee on March 5th with a vote of 12-1.

Our Take:

Legislators just took a major step toward empowering students with essential life skills! HB25-1192, the bill that would make financial literacy a high school graduation requirement, has officially passed the House Education Committee—a huge victory for students, families, and communities across the state.

This bill is more than just an education reform; it’s a game-changer for future generations. By ensuring students graduate with a strong understanding of budgeting, credit, loans, saving, and financial planning, HB25-1192 equips young people with the tools they need to navigate real-world financial challenges. For too long, financial literacy has been an afterthought in our education system, leaving many young adults unprepared for managing their finances. With student debt rising and financial insecurity affecting many families, this bill helps bridge the gap, ensuring every Colorado student enters adulthood prepared to make informed financial decisions.

The support in the House Education Committee proves that financial literacy is a bipartisan priority. Now, as HB25-1192 moves forward, we must continue to push for its passage to ensure all students—regardless of background—have access to the knowledge they need for financial independence and success.

Take Action: Prioritize Financial Literacy for COlorado Students

Colorado students deserve the skills to thrive after high school, but many graduate without essential financial literacy to navigate adulthood. House Bill 25-1192 seeks to change that by requiring all students to complete a financial literacy course and submit the FAFSA or CASFA form to access potential financial aid opportunities. The bill passed the House Education Committee recently. Email your representative and ask them to support this bill when it comes to the floor.

What We’re Reading

Capitol Week In Review: Week 8

Capitol Week in Review | 02/28/2025

Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

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Legislation of Interest

We’re excited to share a celebratory update on one of our key criminal justice reform policies.

HB 25-1081, Reporting Statistics on Restitution, was passed by the Senate and is on its way to the Governor’s desk! This bill requires enhanced data collection on restitution demographics, prioritizing transparency and accountability. It seeks to address systemic inequities by revealing who owes restitution, who receives payment, and any potential barriers in the process.

HB25-1274 Healthy School Meals for All Program, refers two ballot issues to the voters in November to allow the state retain a portion of TABOR refunds and to increase taxes by $95 million annually by increasing state taxable income to support the healthy school meals for all program. It is scheduled to be heard in the House Education Committee on March 6th at 1:30pm.

SB25-047 Enforcement of Federal Immigration Law, aims to reinstate provisions from the repealed SB06-090, enhancing cooperation between local government and federal immigration authorities, bringing back the “show me your papers” policy. This bill was introduced in the Senate State, Veterans, & Military Committee on February 25th and failed to pass.

Our Take: HB25-1081 Reporting Statistics on Restitution: On It’s Way To The Governor’s Desk

We are thrilled to announce the passage of House Bill 25-1081, a significant step toward enhancing transparency and accountability in Colorado’s judicial system. This legislation mandates that, beginning with the Judicial Department’s 2026 “SMART Act” hearing, the state court administrator will report detailed statistics on restitution payments received and owed over the previous five fiscal years. This initiative aims to provide a clearer picture of restitution dynamics, revealing who owes restitution, who receives payment, and any potential barriers in the process.

The bill, championed by Representatives Matthew Martinez and Matt Soper, along with Senator Mike Weissman, reflects a bipartisan commitment to justice and transparency. Its successful passage underscores the collaborative efforts of our legislators to address critical issues within our legal framework. We are grateful to the sponsors and supporters of HB25-1081 for their dedication to improving our state’s judicial processes. This law represents a meaningful advancement in our ongoing efforts to uphold justice and support victims’ rights in Colorado.

Take Action: Ensure Financial Success for Colorado Students!

The House Education Committee is considering this bill, and they need to hear from YOU. Urge legislators to support HB25-1192 and help empower our students with the knowledge they need to build a financially secure future.

What We’re Reading

Chalkbeat, Colorado voters may get another say in funding free school meals for all
Colorado Sun, Dozens of school leaders urge Colorado House speaker to adopt new funding formula despite error
Colorado Sun, Rural Colorado schools already hurting for resources could be choked by proposed funding cuts

Capitol Week In Review: Week 7

Capitol Week in Review | 02/23/2025

Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

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Legislation of Interest

We’re excited to share that we have added two criminal justice reform policies to our priorities. Make sure to read “Our Take” to learn more about one of these policies and our stance on it.

HB 25-1214, Appropriate Use of Prison Beds, reforms sentencing and parole by requiring courts to review key information before sentencing and notifying them when individuals near parole eligibility are sentenced. It expands treatment options to certified recovery residences, removes payment requirements for mandated treatment after positive drug or alcohol tests, and presumes parole for low-risk inmates with mandated monthly status reports. A public defender liaison will also address outstanding warrants for eligible inmates. This bill was introduced in the House.

HB 25-1146, Juvenile Detention Bed Cap, proposes increasing Colorado’s juvenile detention bed cap from 215 to 254 for the 2025-26 fiscal year and, in subsequent years, setting the cap at 125% of the projected average daily juvenile detention population. The bill also mandates annual appropriations to fund these beds. We are in opposition and is scheduled to be heard in the Health and Human Services Committee on March 4th.

SB25-001, Colorado Voting Rights Act establishes the Colorado Voting Rights Act (CVRA) and updates election-related statutes in four key areas: (1) Election and voting provisions for Indian tribes. (2) Enhanced voting services for individuals with disabilities. (3) Improved language access in election processes. (4) Strengthened election-related data collection practices. It passed with a vote of 3-2 out of the Senate Committee on State, Veterans, and Military Affairs.

HB25-1167, Alternative Education Campuses, enhances support for Colorado’s Alternative Education Campuses (AECs) by prioritizing them for state grants, allowing high-risk students (21 and under) in enrollment counts, requiring reports on AEC trends, and protecting their designation from single-year enrollment drops. This bill is scheduled to be heard in the House Education Committee on March 5th upon adjournment.

HB25-1192, Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement, mandates that Colorado high school students successfully complete a financial literacy course in the 11th or 12th grade as a condition for graduation. Additionally, the bill requires students to submit either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA). The bill includes an opt-out provision for families who choose not to complete these applications. This bill is scheduled to be heard in the House Education Committee on February 27th at 1:30p.

HB25-1135, Communication Devices in Schools, requires all public and charter schools in Colorado to establish policies on student use of communication devices during school hours by July 1, 2026. These policies must specify any restrictions and exceptions for device use throughout the school day. The bill passed the House Education Committee with a vote of 12-1 and passed second reading in the House.

Our Take: More Detention Beds Won’t Fix a Broken System

Stand firmly opposes HB25-1146 as it reinforces the school-to-prison pipeline rather than investing in mental health care, rehabilitation, and community-based solutions that keep youth out of the justice system.

HB 25-1146 proposes increasing the juvenile detention bed cap, despite evidence that the real issue isn’t space- it’s a lack of services. Youth are being held past their release dates due to underfunded treatment facilities, lack of foster placements, and transportation gaps, not a shortage of detention beds.

Each bed costs $174,000 per year, diverting funds from education and community-based programs that prevent incarceration. Tying future bed cap increases to projections creates an unpredictable financial burden with no clear funding plan.

HB 25-1146 is not the solution—real support is. Colorado’s youth deserve better than more cells. It’s time to invest in their future, not in unnecessary detention.

Take Action: Urge Policymakers to OPPOSE HB25-1446, Juvenile Detention Bed Cap

The House Health and Human Services committee is hearing HB25-1146, on Tuesday March 4th.

Tell the House Health and Human Services Committee to vote NO on HB 25-1146! Detention should be a last resort, not a default solution. Colorado must invest in rehabilitation, education, and community support, ensuring that our youth have the resources to grow, heal, and build a brighter future.