Tag: legislation

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.

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Legislation of Interest

As we continue on to the second month of this year’s session, here are a few updates on some of our criminal justice reform policy priorities!

HB 25-1081, Reporting Statistics on Restitution, passed out of the House on a vote of 44-20-1  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. It is now headed to the Senate.

HB 25-1116, DOC Search Court Records Before Offender Release, which 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, and is scheduled to be heard in the House Judiciary Committee on February 11 at 1:30pm. 

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 was introduced in the House and is scheduled to be heard in the House Education Committee on February 13. 

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. It is scheduled to be heard in the State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee on February 10. 

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 unanimously.

Our Take: Advocates Join Stand’s Capitol Day of Action

This week, passionate advocates from across Colorado gathered at the Capitol to engage directly with legislators on critical policies affecting our communities. Their focus? Ensuring equitable school funding, advancing criminal justice reform, and improving high school graduation rates. It was also an opportunity to learn and experience first-hand the legislative process!

The day began with opening statements from Senator Nick Hinrichsen and Representative Yara Zokaie. Following their remarks, our executive director, Krista, welcomed attendees, setting the stage for a day of meaningful discussions and advocacy with legislators like Representative Matthew Martinez, Representative Jen Bacon, Senator James Coleman, Representative Michael Carter and Representative Anthony Hartsook. 

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Take Action

You can still advocate alongside the parents, educators and community leaders who joined us on our Capitol Day of Action using our Virtual Capitol Day of Action Center.  We invite you to click through our different policy priorities and the ways you can act now!

Ask lawmakers to ensure more schools can implement the proven ninth grade on-track approach through the Ninth Grade Success Grant.

Ask lawmakers to fund the implementation of our new school finance formula. 

Email the Joint Budget Committee to keep families connected by fully funding free prison phone calls. Email the House Appropriations Committee to eliminate unnecessary medical fees for incarcerated individuals.

Your voice matters, and your advocacy makes a difference. Take action today and help build a brighter future for Colorado students, families, and communities!

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What We’re Reading

• CPR News, State Education Commissioner speaks on federal changes, chronic absenteeism and more
• Colorado Sun, New funding formula that promises $500M for Colorado schools hits another legislative roadblock  
• Chalkbeat Colorado, ‘Angry and not afraid’: Denver students walk out to protest Trump policies on same day as ICE raids
• Chalkbeat Colorado, Some Head Start programs still can’t access federal funds a week after Trump freeze memo rescinded
• Colorado Sun, Colorado students are performing better in reading and math than kids in other states
  

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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.

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Legislation of Interest

As we close out the first month of this year’s session, here are a few updates on some of our criminal justice reform policy priorities– including a newly introduced bill!

HB 25-1081, Reporting Statistics on Restitution, passed the House Judiciary Committee with a vote of 7-4 and passed second reading in the House.  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. HB 25-1116, DOC Search Court Records Before Offender Release, which 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, and was just introduced in the House. 

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 was introduced in the House and is scheduled to be heard in the House Education Committee on February 12. 

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. It was introduced in the House. 

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 unanimously out of House Judiciary Committee.

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.

Our Take: Eliminating Medical Fees for Incarcerated People

We are thrilled that the House Judiciary Committee recently passed HB 25-1026, Repeal Co-payment for Department of Corrections (DOC) Inmate Health Care.  This legislation 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.  

Current law requires the DOC to assess a copayment for medical, dental, mental health, and optometric care services. Copays and fees charged for seeking medical care while incarcerated in Colorado, range from $3 to $5. While that amount does not sound excessive, we must consider the average wages paid to inmates incarcerated in Colorado of 69 cents to $1.81 per day. To contrast, this amounts to a $900 co-pay for the average Coloradan earning minimum wage.  

Studies show these fees deter people from seeking necessary care. A 2018 study in the Journal for Evidence-Based Practice in Correctional Health found that 70% of incarcerated individuals avoided medical care due to copays. Similarly, a 2024 American Medical Association study found that in states where copays exceeded a week’s pay, individuals with chronic health conditions were half as likely to seek medical treatment. Delayed care leads to worsening health outcomes, increasing long-term costs for the state. HB 25-1026 would eliminate these fees for three years, allowing time to assess the impact of this policy while ensuring access to essential healthcare for incarcerated individuals.

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Take Action: Keep Families Connected

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. We’ve been raising awareness about this because it’s incredibly impactful for families across Colorado. 

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 the funding needed to bring free prison phone calls to families this year, as outlined in HB23-1133.  If you want to learn more about other advocacy opportunities in the Criminal Justice Reform space, register to attend our community information session happening February 13th from 5:30-7:00p, here !

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What We’re Reading

• Chalkbeat Colorado, Colorado parents, this new state tax credit could net you thousands of dollars
• Chalkbeat Colorado, NAEP test results: Colorado’s scores are mostly stable, as gap between low and high performers widens
• CPR News, A bill requiring schools to have cell phone policies aims to boost classroom learning
  

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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.

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Legislation of Interest

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.  

Our Take: Graduation Rates Increase

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. 

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Take Action: Keep Families Connected

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.

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What We’re Reading

• CPR News, More Colorado high school students are graduating, and fewer are dropping out
• Chalkbeat Colorado, Districts share plans in case immigration officials show up at schools
• Colorado Sun, Colorado schools may soon be required to have a cellphone policy
• Boardhawk, Grade 4-12 cannot remain a reading ‘no man’s land’
  

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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!

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Legislation We championed

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.

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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.

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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.

Other Legislation We Worked On

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.

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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. 

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Legislation of Interest

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.

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Take Action: Email Your Representative to Support School Funding Formula Update!

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!  

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What We’re Reading

• The West Steps Podcast: What Does It Mean to Center Kids in Colorado’s School Funding Formula? 
  
• Chalkbeat Colorado, 2024 Colorado General Assembly: The people’s guide to following education issues

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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. 

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Legislation of Interest

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.

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Our Take: A Record Week for School Funding!

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 Formula. These 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. 

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Take Action:  Ask your Representative to Support Virtual Supervision 

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? 

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What We’re Reading

• The West Steps Podcast: What Does It Mean to Center Kids in Colorado’s School Funding Formula? 
  
• Chalkbeat Colorado, 2024 Colorado General Assembly: The people’s guide to following education issues

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