Today the House Judiciary Committee heard HB 25-1116 Department of Corrections Search Court Records Before Offender Release. The bill requires the department of corrections to search all information available to the department to determine whether an offender held at a correctional facility is subject to an outstanding warrant or if the offender has a pending case in a Colorado court. Claudia Carrillo, a Program Food System coordinator and Stand Advocacy Fellow prepared testimony in support of HB25-1116 that was read during the hearing by our State Organizer, Natalie Perez. Below are those remarks.

“My name is Claudia Carrillo, and I am here to ask you to vote YES on HB25-1116 because this is about fairness, second chances, and fixing a broken system. 

Inmates are more than just prisoners—they are someone’s child, sibling, parent, or grandparent. They are human beings who deserve the chance to move forward, not be held back by bureaucratic obstacles they don’t even know exist. Life incarcerated is already incredibly difficult. Depending on where they’re placed, some inmates might have access to programs that help with reentry, but many don’t. On top of everything they’re already struggling with, having outstanding warrants they are unaware of only sets them up to fail before they even get a chance to start over. 

I saw this firsthand with my aunt’s experience. When she was incarcerated, she had to give custody of her children to my grandmother. When she was released, she expected to immediately regain custody, but the process was much harder than she anticipated. Her children—U.S. citizens—had to remain in Mexico with my grandmother until she could find a stable job that would accept her. She worked tirelessly, first finding a small rental, then eventually securing a three-bedroom home so she could bring her children back. 

After overcoming every obstacle, rebuilding her life, and providing for her children, she was blindsided by an outstanding warrant from 20 years ago. Just when she thought she had finally created stability, she was suddenly at risk of going back — losing everything she had worked so hard to rebuild. 

When someone goes to prison, they are already facing the consequences of their actions, yet their struggles don’t stop there. They fight battles we don’t see, and the last thing they need is another legal hurdle standing in their way. How can we expect people to successfully reintegrate into society if they walk out of prison only to be arrested again for something they were never even told about? 

That’s why HB25-1116 matters. This bill would require the Department of Corrections to regularly check for outstanding warrants or pending cases and notify inmates—rather than allowing them to find out years later, when they have already worked so hard to reintegrate, like in my aunt’s case. 

At the end of the day, this is about fairness. People who have served their time deserve a real chance at rebuilding their lives. They shouldn’t walk out of prison only to be thrown right back in because of unresolved legal issues they never even knew existed. 

Let’s fix this. Let’s make sure people know their rights, have the support they need, and get a real chance at moving forward. 

I urge you to vote YES on HB25-1116. “

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.


HB 25-1026, Repeal Co-payment for Department of Corrections (DOC) Inmate Health Care, which stops the DOC from charging medical fees to incarcerated individuals seeking healthcare, separate from what is billed to insurance and already provided by the state, passed the House Judiciary Committee with a vote of 8-3!
HB 25-1081, Reporting Statistics on Restitution, is scheduled to be heard this Tuesday, January 28th in the House Judiciary Committee. The 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. 

SB25-001, Colorado Voting Rights Act, was introduced in the Senate and 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.

SB25-004, Regulating Child Care Center Fees, limits the amount licensed child care centers can charge for various deposits and fees to no more than $25. It is scheduled to be heard in the Business, Labor, & Technology Committee on February 4th.

HB25-1013, Department of Corrections Visitation Rights, was introduced in the House and establishes social visitation as a right for individuals confined in correctional facilities. 

HB25-1049, Communications Rights for Persons in Custody, ensures individuals in custody can make and receive private, unrecorded legal telephone calls at no cost or use private, unrecorded audiovisual conferencing. Under current law, individuals in custody have the right to consult with an attorney. It passed the House Judiciary Committee with a 9-1 vote and now moves to the House Appropriations Committee.  

Colorado is celebrating increases in high school graduation rates, with 84.2% of students graduating in 2024, the state’s highest rate in more than a decade. At the same time, dropout rates declined to 1.9%. Colorado Education Commissioner, Susana Córdova, said, “While we are seeing promising progress, we are continuing to see our students of color and our students with the highest needs graduating below our statewide rates.” 

In a Colorado Public Radio story, Englewood Public Schools Superintendent Joanna Polzin attributed growth in their graduation rates to several strategies, including their focus on ninth grade success and their partnership with the Colorado Center for High School Success (CHSS). 

This year, one of our top priorities is to protect funding for the Ninth Grade Success Grant Program allowing more Colorado schools to implement the proven 9th grade success approach that changes the trajectory for high school students across Colorado by reducing absenteeism and dropouts and increasing on-time graduation. 


HB23-1133, passed in 2023, ensures free communication in Colorado’s prisons to keep families connected. The law phases in funding over three years, cutting call costs by 25% in year one, 35% in year two, and making all calls free by July 1, 2025. However, the Joint Budget Committee is now considering cutting funding to only cover 50% of costs this year, jeopardizing full implementation. Delays in implementing this policy risk undermining efforts to reduce recidivism and support families. Let’s work together to protect this critical progress! Contact members of the Joint Budget Committee, and ask them to prioritize funding needed to bring free prison phone calls to families this year, as outlined in HB23-1133.



Yesterday was sine die, the last day of the 2024 legislative session! After a busy four months, we are thrilled to update you on our policy successes for the year. Before we get started, we want to underscore the deep and lasting impact the policies we passed in partnership with parents, educators, and community leaders will have on Colorado students and our communities.

Together with advocates across the state, we sent nearly 6,000 emails to policymakers, 20 advocates shared their lived experience in testimony before Committee hearings, and 30 leaders attended Capitol Day of Action. Others spoke to the media, engaged with their community and supported advocacy on social media. We are grateful for these critical partnerships.

Now, on to the wins for Colorado students and communities!


Equitable funding & supportive schools

HB24-1448, New Public School Finance Formula, will update our 30-year-old school finance formula and dramatically increase the amount school districts get for: each student from a low-income household, each English Language Learner, and each student with a disability.

Status: awaiting signature from the Governor.

HB24-1290, Student Educator Stipend Program, appropriates $3.6 million in funding for stipends for student teachers. This bill is part of a multi-year effort to remove barriers in educator preparation to increase educator diversity and address Colorado’s teacher shortage.

Status: awaiting signature by the Governor.

SB24-001, will continue the “I Matter” youth mental health services program, which provides up to six free therapy sessions and reimburses participating licensed therapists. Almost 11,000 children and teens have used the program already.

Status: awaiting signature from the Governor.


High school success

HB24-1282, Ninth-Grade Success Grant & Performance Reporting, expands the 9th grade success grant program, allowing more Colorado schools to implement the 9th grade success approach changing the trajectory for high school students across Colorado.

Status: awaiting signature from the Governor.


Justice Reform

HB 24-1445, Probation & Parole Reporting & Fee Conditions, increases opportunities for remote reporting via online platform or phone for individuals on parole or probation. The bill also requires the reporting of certain fees assessed by the state for probation and parole.

Status: awaiting signature from the Governor.

HB24-1430, 2024-25 Long Appropriations Bill, funds state agencies for the upcoming year. Importantly, it includes the funding needed to implement HB23-1133, legislation we championed last year making prison communication free across Colorado in state and private facilities by 2025.

Status: Signed by the Governor.

HB24-1133, Criminal Record Sealing & Expungement Changes, addresses issues raised through the implementation of Colorado’s “Clean Slate” policy, which seals the criminal records of individuals who are convicted of a non-violent offense once certain conditions have been met.

Status: awaiting signature from the Governor.

HB24-1311, Family Affordability Tax Credit, creates a family affordability tax credit and will distribute a portion of the state’s $1.8 billion TABOR surplus to families, to help cover the rising costs of housing, food, and childcare.

Status: awaiting signature by the Governor.

HB24-1368, Language Access Advisory Board, creates a language access advisory board to develop recommendations for improving access to the legislative process for populations with limited English proficiency.

Status: awaiting signature by the Governor.

HB24-1432, Repeal CBI Criminal Justice Record Sealing Fee, repeals the requirement for a defendant to pay the Colorado Bureau of Investigation any costs related to sealing the defendant’s criminal justice records in the bureau’s custody.

Status: awaiting signature by the Governor.

HB24-1462, Third-Party Audit Department of Corrections, requires the state auditor to engage a third party to evaluate the Department of Corrections’ budget practices.

Status: awaiting signature by the Governor.

SB24-188, Public School Finance, raises the base level of per-pupil funding by nearly $420 to $8,496 per-pupil and completely buys down the Budget Stabilization Factor.

Status: awaiting signature from the Governor.

We’re thrilled that these policies pivotal to Colorado’s collective future have passed and are on their way to becoming law.


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


SB24-188, Public School Finance, would raise the base level of per-pupil funding by nearly $420 to $8,496 per-pupil and completely buys down the Budget Stabilization Factor.  The bill passed the House of Representatives. 

HB24-1133, Criminal Record Sealing & Expungement Changes, addresses issues raised through the implementation of Colorado’s “Clean Slate” policy, which automatically seals the criminal records of individuals who are convicted of a non-violent offense once certain conditions have been met. The bill was passed by the House Appropriations Committee 9-2. 

HB24-1290, Student Educator Stipend Program, appropriates annual funding for stipends for student teachers. This bill is part of a multi-year effort to remove barriers in educator preparation to increase educator diversity and address Colorado’s teacher shortage. The bill was passed by the House Appropriation Committee.

HB24-1432, Repeal CBI Criminal Justice Record Sealing Fee, was passed by the House of Representatives. The bill repeals the requirement for a defendant to pay to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation any costs related to sealing the defendant’s criminal justice records in the bureau’s custody. 

HB 24-1445, Probation & Parole Reporting & Fee Conditions, will be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee, April 29th. This bill increases opportunities for remote reporting (via online platform or phone) for individuals on parole or probation. The bill also requires the state to annually report on probation fees assessed in the previous year and the Department of Corrections to annually report on parole supervision fees assessed in the previous year. 

HB24-1448, New Public School Finance Formula, was passed by the House Appropriations Committee, unanimously. This bill will update our 30-year-old school finance formula and dramatically increases how much school districts get for: each student from a low-income household, each English Language Learner, and each student with a disability.

We need your help showing continued momentum for passing HB24-1448, New Public School Finance Formula. HB24-1448 updates our 30- year-old school finance formula with one that puts students at the center of how we fund schools.This week, the Rural Alliance, representing over 140 Colorado school districts, announced their support, bringing the total number of school districts supporting this bill to over 160. Please email your Representative to show your support today!  



Bipartisan legislation to center students in the way Colorado funds schools. HB24-1448, New Public School Finance Formula, will update our 30-year-old school finance formula and send additional state dollars to every school district and prioritize equitable funding for our students.

The bill has now passed the House Education Committee and the House Appropriations Committee. The Rural Alliance, representing over 140 Colorado school districts, announced their support, bringing the total number of school districts supporting this bill to over 160. 

The bill would put in place a school finance formula that sends more money per student to districts and, dramatically increases how much school districts get for: each student from a low-income household, each English Language Learner, and each student with a disability. 


Learn more

Colorado Public Radio: Hearing for Colorado school funding formula bill brings out long-standing inequities and new worries

Press Release: Committee Passes New School Finance Formula to Boost Student Success, Increase Equity in School Funding and Support Rural Schools

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


HB24-1448, New Public School Finance Formula, was passed by the House Education Committee 8-3 and was referred to the House Appropriations Committee. This bill will update our 30-year-old school finance formula and dramatically increases how much school districts get for: each student from a low-income household, each English Language Learner, and each student with a disability. 

HB 24-1445, Probation & Parole Reporting & Fee Conditions, was passed by the House on second reading and will be considered Monday, April 22nd. HB24-1445 will expand opportunities for remote reporting (via online platform or phone) for individuals on parole or probation. 

SB24-188, Public School Finance, would raise the base level of per-pupil funding by nearly $420 to $8,496 per-pupil and completely buys down the Budget Stabilization Factor.  The bill passed the House Education Committee unanimously.

This week, the legislature advanced two measures that will dramatically increase funding for our students: SB24-188, Public School Finance, and HB24-1448, New Public School Finance FormulaThese measures represent an incredible investment in Colorado students and schools!

SB24-188, Public School Finance, would raise the base level of per-pupil funding by nearly $420 and completely eliminate the Budget Stabilization Factor, a maneuver that withheld education funds to pay for other priorities. HB24-1448, New Public School Finance Formula updates our 30- year-old school finance formula with one that puts students at the center of how we fund schools.

49 school districts representing 270,962 students are supporting this HB24-1448. During the committee hearing, members heard powerful testimony from district leaders, educators, parents and policy experts about how impactful this legislation would be for their community. 


HB 24-1445, Probation & Parole Reporting & Fee Conditions was passed unanimously by the House Judiciary Committee this week. HB24-1445 will expand opportunities for remote reporting (via online platform or phone) for individuals on parole or probation.

Currently, lower-risk individuals under probation or parole supervision may have the option to check in virtually with their supervising officers in many jurisdictions, however, this option varies across the state, and we want to change that. This bill will ensure we are supporting opportunities for reintegration so that individuals can work, seek education, care for children, or other responsibilities, all while meeting the requirements of their parole or probation reporting. 

The House of Representatives will consider this bill next. Will you email your representative and ask them to support HB24-1445? 



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


HB24-1311, Family Affordability Tax Credit, was passed by the House Finance Committee and was referred to the Appropriations Committee. The bill creates a family affordability tax credit and will distribute a portion of the state’s $1.8 billion TABOR surplus to families, including those making up to $95,000 a year, to help cover the rising costs of housing, food, and child care. 

HB24-1432, Repeal CBI Criminal Justice Record Sealing Fee, was passed unanimously out of House Judiciary Committee. The bill repeals the requirement for a defendant to pay to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation any costs related to sealing the defendant’s criminal justice records in the bureau’s custody. 

HB 24-1445, Probation & Parole Reporting & Fee Conditions, was introduced in the House and assigned to the Judiciary Committee. HB24-1445 will expand opportunities for remote reporting (via online platform or phone) for individuals on parole or probation. 

HB24-1448, New Public School Finance Formula, was introduced and assigned to the Education Committee. This bill will update our 30-year-old school finance formula.


We are thrilled that HB 24-1445, Probation & Parole Reporting & Fee Conditions was introduced this week. HB24-1445 will expand opportunities for remote reporting (via online platform or phone) for individuals on parole or probation.

Currently, lower-risk individuals under probation or parole supervision may have the option to check in virtually with their supervising officers in many jurisdictions, however, this option varies across the state, and we want to change that. This bill will ensure we are supporting opportunities for reintegration so that individuals can work, seek education, care for children, or other responsibilities, all while meeting the requirements of their parole or probation reporting. 


This week, members of the House of Representatives introduced bipartisan legislation to center students in the way Colorado funds schools. HB24-1448, New Public School Finance Formula, will update our 30-year-old school finance formula and send additional state dollars to every school district. Most importantly, this update puts students at the center of school funding.

The bill would put in place a school finance formula that dramatically increases how much school districts get for: each student from a low-income household, each English Language Learner, and each student with a disability. 



This week, members of the House of Representatives introduced bipartisan legislation to center students in the way Colorado funds schools. HB24-1448, New Public School Finance Formula, will update our 30-year-old school finance formula and send additional state dollars to every school district. Most importantly, this update puts students at the center of school funding. The bill passed the House Education Committee last week and is supported by 49 school districts across Colorado.

The bill would put in place a school finance formula that sends more money per student to districts and, dramatically increases how much school districts get for: each student from a low-income household, each English Language Learner, and each student with a disability. 


Learn more

Press Release: New School Funding Formula Boosts Support for Colorado Students

Chalkbeat Colorado: Colorado lawmakers pitch rewrite of unpopular school funding formula that’s older than Nikola Jokic

Colorado Public Radio: New way to fund Colorado schools pitched as a way to benefit high-needs students

The need for mental health supports for Colorado children is greater than ever before.

Legislation to help is being considered by Colorado policymakers, and they need to hear from you! SB24-001, will continue the “I Matter” youth mental health services program, which provides up to six free therapy sessions and reimburses participating licensed therapists. 

Almost 11,000 children and teens have used the program already. If SB24-001 is not passed, the “I Matter” program will end this summer. SB24-001 has been passed by the Senate and was passed by the House Health and Human Services Committee last week. As it continues to progress through the House, please let your representative know this legislation is important to you. Send an email today!

Welcome to a special edition of Capitol Week In Review. We are updating you on the progress of our top policy priorities now that we are more than halfway through the 2024 legislative session. 


The Colorado state budget, or Long Bill, was introduced this week. The $40.6 billion budget is drafted by members of the Joint Budget Committee and considers recommendations in the Governor’s annual budget request. 

According to reporting from Chalkbeat, “K-12 funding would increase nearly 7% to about $9.7 billion next year. Average per pupil spending would increase by about 7%, or $780, to $11,450 next year.”

Senators Buckner and Zenzinger sponsored the Colorado School Finance Act, which passed out of the Senate Education Committee this week. For the first time since 2009, the School Finance Act proposes to fully fund K-12 schools by eliminating a maneuver that withheld education funds to pay for other priorities. The end of what’s called the budget stabilization factor will mark a turning point for the state and schools.  

To learn more about the state budget process, check out our video explainer and be sure you are following us on TikTok and Instagram!


Changing the trajectory for high school students by increasing funding for the 9th grade success grant program

HB24-1282, Ninth-Grade Success Grant & Performance Reporting, expands funding for the 9th Grade Success Grant Program, creates a statewide report on Ninth Grade On-Track rates so we can track what is working and areas that may need support, and removes the 2025 expiration date of the current grant program.

Current status: HB24-1282 passed the House Education Committee and is awaiting a hearing by the House Appropriations Committee. An amendment adding $2 million for the grant program to the budget, or long bill, was passed by the House of Representatives. 

Impacting generations of Colorado students by updating Colorado’s 30-year-old school finance formula

Our school finance formula, which defines how Colorado schools are funded by the state, hasn’t been updated in 30 years.  Legislation (to-be-introduced) this year aims to update the formula.

Current status:  A to-be-introduced legislative proposal puts more money in the formula overall, and importantly dramatically increases how much school districts get for each student from a low-income household, each English Language Learner, and each student with a disability.  

Increasing educator diversity and addressing Colorado’s teacher shortage 

HB24-1290, Student Educator Stipend Program, appropriates annual funding for stipends for student teachers. This bill is part of a multi-year effort to remove barriers in educator preparation to increase educator diversity and address Colorado’s teacher shortage. HB22-1220, a policy we championed 2022 included a program to give a student teacher stipend to educators that qualify. This legislation continues that program. 

Current Status: The bill passed the House Education Committee and is awaiting a hearing by the House Appropriations Committee. 

Decreasing recidivism by increasing virtual supervision opportunities for probation and parole statewide

Expanding opportunities for remote reporting (via online platform or phone) for individuals under supervision in Colorado is a way to use technology to ensure people can meet the requirements of their parole or probation while supporting their ability to work, seek education, care for children, or other responsibilities.  Currently, lower-risk individuals under probation or parole supervision may have the option to check in virtually with their supervising officers in many jurisdictions. However, this option varies across the state and we aim to change that. 

Current Status:  Yet-to-be introduced, legislation will standardize remote supervision statewide for individuals that qualify.

Supporting Youth Mental Health by continuing free therapy sessions

SB24-001, will continue the “I Matter” youth mental health services program, which provides up to six free therapy sessions and reimburses participating licensed therapists. Almost 11,000 children and teens have used the program already. If SB24-001 is not passed, the “I Matter” program will end this summer.

Current Status:  SB24-001 has been passed by the Senate and is scheduled to be heard by the House Health and Human Services Committee next week.


We are thrilled to let you know that there will be an opportunity to update the 30-year-old school finance formula this year. Soon-to-be introduced legislation, aims to ensure the way we fund schools puts students first.

The draft proposal would put in place a school finance formula that sends more money per student to all districts and also, dramatically increases how much school districts get for each student from a low-income household, each English Language Learner, and each special education student.   This is an opportunity to have a deep and lasting impact on Colorado students and educators.

Lawmakers need to understand it is a priority for you, so please email to let them know you support the effort to update the school finance formula!