{"id":3327,"date":"2025-03-10T18:16:39","date_gmt":"2025-03-10T18:16:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stand.org\/colorado\/?p=3327"},"modified":"2025-03-10T22:27:51","modified_gmt":"2025-03-10T22:27:51","slug":"capitol-week-in-review-week-9","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stand.org\/colorado\/our-stories\/capitol-week-in-review-week-9\/","title":{"rendered":"Capitol Week In Review: Week 9"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Legislation of Interest<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re excited to share a celebratory update and a scheduling update on our key criminal justice reform policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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

HB25-1274 Healthy School Meals for All Program<\/a>, refers two ballot issues to the voters in November to allow the state retain a portion of TABOR refunds and to increase taxes by $95 million annually by increasing state taxable income to support the healthy school meals for all program. This bill passed out the House Education Committee on March 6th with a vote of 7-5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

HB25-1167, Alternative Education Campuses,<\/a> enhances support for Colorado\u2019s Alternative Education Campuses (AECs) by prioritizing them for state grants, allowing high-risk students (21 and under) in enrollment counts, requiring reports on AEC trends, and protecting their designation from single-year enrollment drops. This bill passed the House Education Committee on March 5th with a vote of 12-1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Take: <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Legislators just took a major step toward empowering students with essential life skills! HB25-1192,<\/a> the bill that would make financial literacy a high school graduation requirement, has officially passed the House Education Committee\u2014a huge victory for students, families, and communities across the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This bill is more than just an education reform; it\u2019s a game-changer for future generations. By ensuring students graduate with a strong understanding of budgeting, credit, loans, saving, and financial planning, HB25-1192 equips young people with the tools they need to navigate real-world financial challenges. For too long, financial literacy has been an afterthought in our education system, leaving many young adults unprepared for managing their finances. With student debt rising and financial insecurity affecting many families, this bill helps bridge the gap, ensuring every Colorado student enters adulthood prepared to make informed financial decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The  support in the House Education Committee proves that financial literacy is a bipartisan priority. Now, as HB25-1192 moves forward, we must continue to push for its passage to ensure all students\u2014regardless of background\u2014have access to the knowledge they need for financial independence and success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Take Action: Prioritize Financial Literacy for COlorado Students<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Colorado students deserve the skills to thrive after high school, but many graduate without essential financial literacy to navigate adulthood.\u00a0House Bill 25-1192\u00a0<\/a>seeks to change that by requiring all students to complete a financial literacy course and submit the FAFSA or CASFA form to access potential financial aid opportunities. The bill passed the House Education Committee recently. Email your representative and ask them to support this bill when it comes to the floor.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What We’re Reading
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