Category: High School Success

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.

Get this newsletter in your inbox every week:

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Priority legislative update

Our justice reform agenda is gaining traction as one of our priority bill advances through the legislative process. 

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 Senate Judiciary on Monday, March 23 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 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. This bill passed the Senate Finance Committee with a vote of 6-3 and is awaiting scheduling in the Senate Appropriations Committee. 

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 passed the Senate Education Committee with a vote of 4-3.  

HB26-1050 Optional Individualized Readiness Plan for School would change current education law so that local education providers are no longer required to create an individualized readiness plan for preschool or kindergarten students who score proficient on both a school readiness assessment and a kindergarten reading assessment. Instead, providing such a plan for those students becomes optional rather than mandatory. This bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday, March 25th at 1:30pm.  

Our Take: Colorado’s Budget Crunch: A Defining Moment for Our Priorities 

This week, Colorado released its latest budget forecast, setting the stage for the final decisions lawmakers will make on the state budget. The update confirms what many anticipated: this is a tight budget year and the situation is more challenging than expected.  

The forecast shows that the state’s budget shortfall has grown to nearly $1.5 billion, driven by slowing revenue growth, rising costs, and ongoing constraints from TABOR. This means lawmakers will have to make difficult decisions in the weeks ahead about what gets funded, and what doesn’t.  

From this latest forecast, a few things are clear:  

Revenue outlook: State revenue is coming in lower than previously projected, largely due to slower economic growth and declining collections in key areas like income and sales taxes. At the same time, TABOR limits how much of that revenue the state can retain and spend, even in years when collections are higher. 

Budget gap: Colorado is now facing a shortfall of nearly $1.5 billion. This gap reflects the difference between what it will cost to maintain current services and what the state is allowed to spend under existing constraints. 

Pressure on priorities: With limited resources, core priorities like education, healthcare, and public safety are all competing for funding. In years like this, even maintaining existing investments, let alone making new ones, becomes a challenge.  

Colorado is required to pass a balanced budget every year, which means when revenues shift, lawmakers must quickly adjust. Moments like this reveal what our state truly prioritizes. When budgets get tight, the risk is that investments in students, especially those who have been historically underserved, become easier to pause, delay, or scale back. But we know that pulling back on education doesn’t just impact this year’s budget; it impacts long-term outcomes for students, families, and our workforce.  

This is why it is critical that lawmakers protect and prioritize investments that directly support student success, including early literacy, ninth grade success, and the resources schools need to create strong learning environments. 

At the same time, this forecast is a reminder of the structural challenges Colorado faces. Even in years when revenue grows, policies like TABOR limit the state’s ability to make consistent, long-term investments in public education. 

As decisions are made in the coming weeks, we will be watching closely and continuing to advocate for a budget that reflects our values: one that puts students and families first and ensures every child has the opportunity to succeed, no matter the fiscal environment. 

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Take Action

Families and community members across Colorado are having important conversations about how phone use during the school day impacts learning, focus, and student wellbeing. 

To continue this conversation, we are hosting another virtual Phone-Free Schools information session on March 25 from 12-1pm, and we invite you to join us.  

During our last session, a student from Boulder Valley School District shared what it’s like to attend a bell-to-bell phone-free school and how it has affected her learning. She said: “Honestly, the impacts it made to my life is that I’m able to study better. I’m able to listen to teachers better without knowing that someone next to me is using their phone or playing video games. It’s just a lot better to be very immersed in what you’re learning, and I find that very helpful in my learning experience.“

What We’re Reading

• Colorado Sun, Colorado lawmakers reject bill that would have required police to intervene when ICE agents use excessive force 
• Colorado Sun, Colorado’s state budget shortfall grows to more than $1.5 billion, forcing legislature to make much deeper cuts 
• Chalkbeat Colorado, Six Colorado nonprofits that mobilize young people are launching a new statewide coalition 

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.

Get this newsletter in your inbox every week:

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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.  

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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
  

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.

Get this newsletter in your inbox every week:

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Priority legislative update

One of our justice reform priority bills passed an important hurdle and is one step closer to the finish line:

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 passed the House with bipartisan support on a vote of 44-20-1 and is on its way to the next chamber, the Senate. 

Legislation of Interest

SB26-068 Modify Administration of Education Assessments would direct the Colorado Department of Education to limit standardized summative assessments to only the minimum extent necessary while still effectively measuring student learning, 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 March 9th at 1:30pm.

SB26-005 Rights Violation in Immigration Enforcement Remedy would allow people to sue in Colorado state courts if they believe their federal constitutional rights were violated during civil immigration enforcement, even if the person who caused the harm wasn’t acting under “color of law” (the appearance of having legal power). The bill creates a new cause of action with a two-year time limit for starting the case and lets plaintiffs seek legal, equitable, or other appropriate relief for injuries tied to immigration enforcement activities. This bill passed the Senate on a vote of 20-11-3 and is on its way to the next chamber, the House.

HB26-1064 Youthful Offender System Updates would update the state’s youthful offender system, which is a sentencing option focused on rehabilitation for younger justice-involved individuals. The bill revises eligibility and intent language to emphasize trauma-informed care, equitable treatment, and preparation for reentry, adds requirements for evidence-based rehabilitative and life-skills programming, and expands procedural protections and reporting requirements to better support juveniles and young adults in the system. This bill passed the Senate Judiciary committee with a vote of 5-2.

SB26-115 Post-Conviction Relief for Certain Offenders updates Colorado law to expand access to post-conviction relief for eligible individuals after a criminal conviction. The bill allows certain offenders to seek sentence reconsideration or relief under specified conditions, creating an additional legal pathway for courts to review cases after sentencing. This bill passed out of Senate Judiciary with a vote of 4-3 and is awaiting scheduling in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Our Take

This week, lawmakers advanced SB26-115, a bill focused on expanding access to post-conviction relief for eligible individuals in Colorado’s justice system.

Our justice system should allow room for accountability and second chances. SB26-115 creates a clearer pathway for courts to reconsider certain sentences when circumstances warrant review, ensuring people are not permanently defined by past mistakes when growth, rehabilitation, or fairness call for reconsideration.

We believe strong communities are built when policies promote rehabilitation, stability, and opportunity. Thoughtful sentence review processes help individuals move forward, strengthen families, and support safer communities across our state.

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Take Action: Expand Fair Access to Post-Conviction Relief

Colorado has an opportunity to strengthen fairness and accountability in our justice system by passing SB26-115.

The bill is heading to the Senate floor soon, and lawmakers need to hear from YOU! 

Tell them: 

• Colorado should support fair opportunities for rehabilitation
• Courts should have tools to reconsider sentences when appropriate
• Second chances strengthen families and communities

What We’re Reading

• Chalkbeat Colorado, Colorado bill backed by students could provide kids with free passes to the zoo, museums, and more
• CPR, Highly rated teachers would be evaluated once every three years under new bill
  

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.

Get this newsletter in your inbox every week:

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Priority legislative update

In addition to one of our justice reform priority bills moving through the Capitol, we are excited to share that another policy priority was introduced: 

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 when the offense occurred before age 18 and sentencing was before age 21. This bill was introduced in the House and is awaiting scheduling in the House Judiciary Committee. 

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 on the House Floor next week for second readings.      

Legislation of Interest

SB26-068 Modify Administration of Education Assessments would direct the Colorado Department of Education to limit standardized summative assessments to only the minimum extent necessary while still effectively measuring student learning, and, if needed, to apply for a federal waiver to reduce or modify those assessment requirements. This bill was introduced in the Senate and is awaiting scheduling in the Senate Education Committee.  

SB26-005 Rights Violation in Immigration Enforcement Remedy would allow people to sue in Colorado state courts if they believe their federal constitutional rights were violated during civil immigration enforcement, even if the person who caused the harm wasn’t acting under “color of law” (the appearance of having legal power). The bill creates a new cause of action with a two-year time limit for starting the case and lets plaintiffs seek legal, equitable, or other appropriate relief for injuries tied to immigration enforcement activities. This bill is being heard for second reading in the Senate this week.  

HB26-1064 Youthful Offender System Updates would update the state’s youthful offender system, which is a sentencing option focused on rehabilitation for younger justice-involved individuals. The bill revises eligibility and intent language to emphasize trauma-informed care, equitable treatment, and preparation for reentry, adds requirements for evidence-based rehabilitative and life-skills programming, and expands procedural protections and reporting requirements to better support juveniles and young adults in the system. This bill is awaiting scheduling in the Senate Judiciary Committee. 

Our Take: Our Capitol Day of Action 

Last week, our Capitol Day of Action was a powerful reminder that policy is personal. 

Stand families from across Colorado came to the Capitol not just to observe the process — but to actively participate in it. Parents and community members met directly with lawmakers to share their lived experiences and talk about how our priority policies are shaping classrooms and communities across the state. From school funding and ninth grade success to justice reform and student well-being, they made it clear: these issues have real impact on real people. 

Throughout the day, participants met directly with lawmakers, received a tour of both the House and Senate chambers, and learned firsthand about the dynamics of how legislation is introduced, debated, amended, and passed. For many, it was their first time inside the Capitol and seeing democracy in action brought a new level of understanding to how decisions get made. 

We’re especially grateful to the legislators who took time to meet with us including Assistant Majority Leader Jen Bacon, Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, and Representatives Yara Zokaie, and Michael Carter, as well as Senator Mike Weissman & Senate President James Coleman. These conversations were thoughtful and direct 

Capitol Day wasn’t just about meetings; it was about building confidence, deepening civic understanding, and ensuring that the families most impacted by policy are at the center of the conversation. When families lead, Colorado moves forward. 

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Take Action: Close the Loophole. End Juvenile Administrative Fees. Protect Families.

The Colorado Legislature eliminated juvenile administrative fees in 2021, but without clear statutory protections, some families are still receiving charges in court. HB26-1232 closes this loophole, prevents courts from assessing or collecting these costs, and aligns courtroom practice with state policy. 

The bill will be heard in the House Judiciary Committee.

Email Committee members today and urge a YES vote to ensure families are fully protected.  

What We’re Reading

• Colorado Sun, Colorado governor wants to change a local tax benefiting schools to help the state’s budget deficit
• Chalkbeat Colorado, Denver school board could consider policy to protect students and staff from immigration enforcement
  

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.

Get this newsletter in your inbox every week:

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Priority legislative update

One of our justice reform priority bills continues to move 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 on the House Floor next week.   

Legislation of Interest

SB26-005 Rights Violation in Immigration Enforcement Remedy would allow people to sue in Colorado state courts if they believe their federal constitutional rights were violated during civil immigration enforcement, even if the person who caused the harm wasn’t acting under “color of law” (the appearance of having legal power). The bill creates a new cause of action with a two-year time limit for starting the case and lets plaintiffs seek legal, equitable, or other appropriate relief for injuries tied to immigration enforcement activities. This bill passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee and is awaiting scheduling in the Senate Appropriations Committee.  

SB26-036 Prison Population Management Measures, updates Colorado’s response to prison overcrowding by requiring earlier alerts and ongoing reporting when capacity is reached. It also speeds up safe release options, like expedited parole reviews, earned-time credits, and alternatives to incarceration, to reduce the prison population without compromising public safety. This bill was introduced in the Senate and is awaiting scheduling in the Senate Judiciary Committee.   

HB26-1050 Optional Individualized Readiness Plan for School would change current education law so that local education providers are no longer required to create an individualized readiness plan for preschool or kindergarten students who score proficient on both a school readiness assessment and a kindergarten reading assessment. Instead, providing such a plan for those students becomes optional rather than mandatory. This bill is awaiting scheduling for second reading on the House floor.  

Our Take: Colorado Shouldn’t be a corporate debt collector, help us pass HB26-1017

For many people leaving incarceration, the sentence doesn’t actually end when they walk out the door. It follows them, month after month, paycheck after paycheck, through a restitution system that can keep growing even when they do everything right. 

Kyle Giddings, Deputy Director of the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, described that reality to lawmakers. After taking responsibility for his actions and pleading guilty in 2013, he was ordered to pay restitution, not to a harmed individual, but to an insurance company. 

“I accepted that obligation. I started paying.”  

He has paid consistently for over a decade. But interest kept accumulating. 

“That means my total remaining balance is $88 thousand dollars — more than I originally owed — after more than a decade of making payments.”  

Even with a stable job and a $1,100 monthly wage garnishment, the debt keeps growing. 

“But it is not easy. And it gets harder every year.”  

His experience is not unusual; it is a structural problem. Colorado’s restitution system was designed to repair harm, yet in practice it often operates like a permanent debt collection system where payments can go to corporations instead of victims. That undermines reentry, destabilizes families, and makes public safety worse by keeping people trapped in financial crisis long after accountability has been taken. 

HB26-1017 draws a clear line: restitution should prioritize people who were harmed, not corporate reimbursement. As Giddings told legislators, “There is a meaningful difference between compensating a natural person who was harmed and reimbursing a corporation designed to manage risk.”  When people can rebuild their lives, secure housing, maintain employment, and support their families, communities are safer. Smart justice means accountability paired with a real path forward. 

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Take Action

Email your Representative and urge them to vote YES on HB26-1017. Colorado has the opportunity to move from permanent punishment to real restoration, but lawmakers need to hear from you today. 

What We’re Reading

• Chalkbeat Colorado, Colorado bill would make bilingualism endorsement available to high school graduates
• Chalkbeat Colorado, Misdemeanor convictions wouldn’t prevent some Colorado teachers from getting hired if new bill passes
• Chalkbeat Colorado, Denver school board could consider policy to protect students and staff from immigration enforcement
  

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.

Get this newsletter in your inbox every week:

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Priority legislative update

One of our justice reform priority bills is gaining momentum at 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 passed the House Judiciary Committee on February 3rd, 7-4, and will likely be heard on second reading on the House floor next week.  

Legislation of Interest

SB26-005 Rights Violation in Immigration Enforcement Remedy would allow people to sue in Colorado state courts if they believe their federal constitutional rights were violated during civil immigration enforcement, even if the person who caused the harm wasn’t acting under “color of law” (the appearance of having legal power). The bill creates a new cause of action with a two-year time limit for starting the case and lets plaintiffs seek legal, equitable, or other appropriate relief for injuries tied to immigration enforcement activities. This bill passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee with a vote of 5-2.  

HB26-1028 Second Language Educational Program for High School Students, creates a diploma endorsement for bilingualism for graduating high school students. This bill was heard in the House Education Committee on Thursday, February 5th and passed with a vote of 8-5. 

SB26-036 Prison Population Management Measures, updates Colorado’s response to prison overcrowding by requiring earlier alerts and ongoing reporting when capacity gets is being reached. It also speeds up safe release options, like expedited parole reviews, earned-time credits, and alternatives to incarceration, to reduce the prison population without compromising public safety. This bill was introduced in the Senate.  

HB26-1050 Optional Individualized Readiness Plan for School would change current education law so that local education providers are no longer required to create an individualized readiness plan for preschool or kindergarten students who score proficient on both a school readiness assessment and a kindergarten reading assessment. Instead, providing such a plan for those students becomes optional rather than mandatory. This bill is awaiting second reading on the House floor, likely next week.

Our Take: HB26-1017 Puts Accountability Where It Belongs 

Colorado’s restitution system was created to help victims recover, not to trap families in cycles of poverty after someone has already served their sentence. Yet today, large portions of restitution payments can go to insurance companies instead of directly to victims, turning a tool for healing into long-term financial punishment that follows people long after incarceration. HB26-1017 takes a common-sense step by prioritizing real victims over corporate reimbursement, so restitution works the way it was intended. 

Research and reporting have shown that restitution debt is one of the biggest barriers to successful reentry. People leaving incarceration already face steep odds, including housing barriers, limited employment opportunities, supervision fees, and the cost of rebuilding their lives. When restitution functions like lifelong debt collection rather than repair, it delays stability and increases the likelihood that someone falls back into the system. Public safety improves when people can work, support their families, and reintegrate, not when they are buried in unpayable debt. 

Kyle Giddings, Deputy Director of the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, shared his story on what this looks like in real life. After taking responsibility for what he did in 2013, he was ordered to pay $78,000 in restitution to an insurance company. After more than a decade of consistent payments, he has paid $54,000. Yet due to years of high interest, he now owes more than he initially did with a remaining balance of about $88,000. Despite a stable job and monthly wage garnishment, the debt continues to grow, demonstrating how restitution can become harmful and permanent punishment rather than accountability. 

HB26 1017 is about balance. It maintains accountability while making sure restitution actually supports recovery and stability instead of corporate repayment. For us, this is what smart justice looks like: policies that recognize harm, support victims, and give families a real chance to move forward. Colorado can choose a system focused on restoration instead of permanent punishment. 

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Take Action

Get Involved! 

At Stand Colorado, we deeply believe that policymaking is most effective when the voices of those impacted are at the center of decision-making. Want more regular updates about key bills and opportunities to engage? Follow us on social media to stay informed about ways to advocate for what matters to you!  

• Facebook

• Instagram

• TikTok

• X

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What We’re Reading

• Chalkbeat Colorado, Colorado school finance officers worry the state will once again cut education 
• Chalkbeat Colorado, Colorado ballot measure would use Pinnacol Assurance proceeds for workforce training 
  

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.

Get this newsletter in your inbox every week:

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Priority legislative update

One of our justice reform priority bills is officially scheduled for a hearing. Here’s what’s next.

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 on February 3rd in the House Judiciary Committee, upon adjournment. 

Legislation of Interest

SB26-005 Rights Violation in Immigration Enforcement Remedy would allow people to sue in Colorado state courts if they believe their federal constitutional rights were violated during civil immigration enforcement, even if the person who caused the harm wasn’t acting under “color of law” (the appearance of having legal power). The bill creates a new cause of action with a two-year time limit for starting the case and lets plaintiffs seek legal, equitable, or other appropriate relief for injuries tied to immigration enforcement activities. This bill is scheduled to be heard on February 2nd in the Senate Judiciary Committee at 1:30pm.

HB26-1064 Youthful Offender System Updates would update the state’s youthful offender system, which is a sentencing option focused on rehabilitation for younger justice-involved individuals. The bill revises eligibility and intent language to emphasize trauma-informed care, equitable treatment, and preparation for reentry, adds requirements for evidence-based rehabilitative and life-skills programming, and expands procedural protections and reporting requirements aimed at better supporting juveniles and young adults in the system. This bill was introduced in the House and is scheduled to be heard February 10th at 1:30 pm in the House Health & Human Services Committee. 

SB26-036 Prison Population Management Measures focuses on improving how the state manages prison populations when facilities become overcrowded. It requires the Department of Corrections to regularly report on compliance with prison population management mandates and expands the notification process and responsive measures when bed vacancy rates fall below 3% for an extended period, including steps to transition certain inmates, expedite parole reviews, and encourage alternatives to incarceration where appropriate. This bill was introduced in the Senate and is awaiting hearing scheduling in the Senate Judiciary Committee. 

HB26-1050 Optional Individualized Readiness Plan for School would change current education law so that local education providers are no longer required to create an individualized readiness plan for preschool or kindergarten students who score proficient on both a school readiness assessment and a kindergarten reading assessment. Instead, providing such a plan for those students becomes optional rather than mandatory. This bill was heard on January 29th in the House Education Committee and was referred back to the House.

Our Take: Our Communities Are Not a Battlefield

Colorado’s communities should be places of safety, dignity, and belonging. Yet we are collectively witnessing as across the nation, our state, families  experience unlawful home entries, racial profiling, wrongful detention including of U.S. citizens, and excessive force during civil immigration enforcement actions. These harms do not exist in isolation. They ripple through neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces, creating fear and instability that undermines community trust. What makes this reality even more troubling is that under current law, people harmed during civil immigration enforcement often have no meaningful way to seek accountability, even when their constitutional rights are violated. When constitutional protections cannot be enforced, they fail the very people they are meant to protect.

This week at the Capitol, lawmakers are considering SB26-005, legislation that draws a clear line around accountability. The bill creates a state level legal pathway for individuals whose constitutional rights are violated during civil immigration enforcement to seek relief and justice. At its core, SB26-005 affirms a fundamental principle that constitutional rights apply to everyone, regardless of immigration status.

During these unpresented times we are living through, Colorado must continue to move toward policies that protect families, uphold constitutional rights, and ensure our communities remain places of safety, dignity, and opportunity for all.

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Take Action

Get Involved! 

At Stand Colorado, we deeply believe that policymaking is most effective when the voices of those impacted are at the center of decision-making. Want more regular updates about key bills and opportunities to engage? Follow us on social media to stay informed about ways to advocate for what matters to you!  

• Facebook

• Instagram

• TikTok

• X

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What We’re Reading

• Stand Colorado, Stand Opposes Bill That Would Weaken Kindergarten Support Plans  
• Colorado Sun, Colorado lawmakers reverse course, approve funding for new prison beds
  

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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.

Get this newsletter in your inbox every week:

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Priority legislative update

Momentum is building on one of our justice reform priority policies. Read on to see where it’s headed.

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 tentatively scheduled to be heard on February 3rd in the House Judiciary Committee, upon adjournment. 

Legislation of Interest

SB26-005 Rights Violation in Immigration Enforcement Remedy would allow people to sue in Colorado state courts if they believe their federal constitutional rights were violated during civil immigration enforcement, even if the person who caused the harm wasn’t acting under “color of law” (the appearance of having legal power). The bill creates a new cause of action with a two-year time limit for starting the case and lets plaintiffs seek legal, equitable, or other appropriate relief for injuries tied to immigration enforcement activities. This bill was introduced in the Senate and is awaiting scheduling of a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee. 

HB26-1064 Youthful Offender System Updates would update the state’s youthful offender system, which is a sentencing option focused on rehabilitation for younger justice-involved individuals. The bill revises eligibility and intent language to emphasize trauma-informed care, equitable treatment, and preparation for reentry, adds requirements for evidence-based rehabilitative and life-skills programming, and expands procedural protections and reporting requirements aimed at better supporting juveniles and young adults in the system. This bill was introduced in the House and is awaiting hearing scheduling in the House Health & Human Services Committee. 

Our Take & take action

HB25-1135, legislation we advocated for last year, requires school districts develop a policy for cell phones in schools by July  2026.  School boards are having conversations now, and have an opportunity to impact the daily experience of every student in Colorado. 

The evidence is clear: bell-to-bell phone-free policies, where phones are put away for the entire school day, are the most effective and equitable approach. These policies reduce distractions, strengthen school culture, support student mental health, and give teachers the space to teach and students the space to learn.

This isn’t about punishment—it’s about creating learning environments where young people can focus, build real relationships, and develop the skills they need for life beyond the classroom.

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Take Action: be apart of the phone free schools conversation

Want to learn more or be part of the conversation? We invite parents, educators, and community members to join our Phone-Free Schools Community Information Session  to hear what we’re learning, ask questions, and explore what this could look like in districts across Colorado.

Creating phone-free schools will take collaboration—and we’re excited to keep building this movement together.

If you have time, take a look at our video on Phone Free Schools: 

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What We’re Reading

• Chalkbeat Colorado, Colorado Democrats plan ballot measure to raise money for schools
• Colorado Sun, State budget writers reject request to fund more prison beds in Colorado
  

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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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Legislation Update

With the ceremonial dust settling, the Second Session of the 75th General Assembly is now underway. Lawmakers were sworn in, committees took shape, and early legislation began surfacing; setting the stage for the real work ahead.

Priority Legislation Update: We’re excited to share that one of our priority justice reform policies was introduced this week:

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.

Other Related Legislative Updates: 

Education Smart ACT hearings were this week, which covered a broad range of topics, mostly centering on school funding and reports from the Department of Education and Early Childhood, focusing on agency goals and performance metrics. Also notable was a deep-dive panel discussion on school finance, featuring representatives from various school districts to address the current challenges and future needs of school funding and the implementation of HB24-1448. You can listen to the recording here.

State of the State Address

Governor Polis used his final State of the State to emphasize a “Colorado for All” agenda focused on affordability, opportunity, and safety, highlighting major investments that directly support families. He pointed to expanded access to free preschool and free full day kindergarten, efforts to fully fund schools including eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor, and steps to raise educator pay and strengthen early learning as foundational to long term student success.

For families’ economic stability, Polis underscored tax relief and affordability measures, including the Family Affordability Tax Credit, expansions to the earned income and child tax credits, and efforts to cut housing costs, framing these as strategies that help families stay rooted and thrive. On justice and public safety, he highlighted data showing declines in violent and property crime and emphasized prevention focused approaches, while also naming the importance of keeping communities safe and supporting systems that reduce harm.

Across the address, Polis repeatedly framed policy decisions through the lens of protecting everyday Coloradans, especially in the face of federal uncertainty, calling for a session grounded in practical solutions that strengthen schools, stabilize family finances, and advance a safer, fairer Colorado.

You can watch the recording here.

Key Legislative Committee Assignments

Our Take: our policy priorities

From school funding to youth justice, this session presents critical moments to protect progress and push for change. Lawmakers are grappling (again) with funding challenges, so that will be framing policy conversations throughout the legislative session. Below are the policy priorities guiding our advocacy this year—and how they connect to the real experiences of students, families, and communities across the state.

School Funding: Implement Year Two of the New Formula

After more than 30 years without an update, two years ago Colorado adopted a new school funding formula to better reflect student needs and the real cost of education. The formula was designed to be phased in over multiple years. Fully implementing Year two with additional funding will help protect our schools from ongoing challenges and support our students needs. 

Criminal Justice: Restitution for People, Not Insurers

Criminal restitution is intended to repair harm to people, yet current Colorado law allows insurance companies to collect restitution through criminal court. This diverts payments away from natural persons and turns sentencing into a mechanism for private debt collection. Excluding insurers from criminal restitution—while preserving their ability to recover losses through civil court—restores restitution to its original purpose of accountability, rehabilitation, and fairness.

Keeping Families Connected: Free Prison Phone Calls

Regular communication between incarcerated people and their families improves rehabilitation, reentry outcomes, and safety inside facilities. Stand Colorado has been working to provide free-phone calls for families and incarcerated individuals since 2023. Colorado took a major step forward by passing HB23-1133 to make prison phone calls free, but full implementation depends on sustained funding and prioritized implementation by the Department. , While recognizing the financial realities of the state budget, this investments supports family connection and benefits public safety and taxpayers alike – it’s important that we continue funding to keep families connected. 

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Take Action: Get Involved

Get Involved! 

At Stand Colorado, we deeply believe that policymaking is most effective when the voices of those impacted are at the center of decision-making. Want more regular updates about key bills and opportunities to engage? Follow us on social media to stay informed about ways to advocate for what matters to you!  

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What We’re Reading

• Chalkbeat Colorado, 2026 Colorado General Assembly: The people’s guide to following education issues
• Colorado Sun, Colorado lawmakers return to Capitol facing $850 million mountain of tough budget decisions
• Colorado Sun, Legislature mulls ballot measure that would ask voters to raise TABOR cap by billions primarily to fund Colorado’s schools
  

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