This amendment fixes a typo in the bill by changing an incorrect law number to the correct one.
Colorado2026Enacted
HB26-1417
HB26-1417: Expanding Testing Accommodation Rules for People with Disabilities
Last scannedAug 24, 2026, 8:22 AM
In one sentence
This law expands the definition of who must provide exam accommodations and requires those entities to offer accessible testing options or alternative arrangements.
What it does
- Changes the legal definition of 'testing entity' to include any person, business, or state or local government agency offering exams or courses for education, professional licensing, certification, or trade purposes.
- Requires these entities to provide tests in a place and manner that is accessible to individuals with disabilities.
- Allows testing entities to offer alternative arrangements if they cannot make the standard test location or format fully accessible.
- Mandates that accommodations be granted to individuals who have met the requirements to receive them.
Who it affects
- Individuals with disabilities taking exams for secondary education, postsecondary education, professional licenses, certifications, or trade credentials.
- Private businesses and organizations offering these types of examinations or courses.
- State and local government agencies that administer licensing or certification tests.
Limits and unknowns
- The law does not specify an exact effective date because it may be delayed if voters file a referendum petition.
- If a referendum is filed, the law will only start after being approved by voters in the November 2026 election.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Testing entity
- Any person, business, or state or local government agency that offers an exam or course for education, professional, or trade purposes.
- Accommodation
- Changes to a test format, timing, location, or tools (like assistive technology) that help individuals with disabilities take the exam fairly.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Current law requires a testing entity to provide accommodations for an individual with a disability who is taking an exam for professional licensing. The current definition of 'testing entity' includes a private entity or a state or local governmental entity offering such an exam and having control over testing accommodation decisions. The act changes the definition of 'testing entity' to include any person, business, or state or local government agency that offers an examination or course related to an application, license, certification, or credential for secondary or postsecondary education, professional, or trade purposes. The act further requires a testing entity to offer the exam or course in a place and manner that is accessible to an individual with a disability or offer an alternative accessible arrangement in order to accommodate an individual with a disability who has met the requirements to receive the accommodation. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
Official activity
Bill history
- Governor SignedGovernor
- Sent to the GovernorGovernor
- Signed by the President of the SenateSenate
- Signed by the Speaker of the HouseHouse
- Senate Third Reading Passed - No AmendmentsSenate
- Senate Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No AmendmentsSenate
- Senate Committee on Education Refer Unamended - Consent Calendar to Senate Committee of the WholeSenate
- Introduced In Senate - Assigned to EducationSenate
- House Third Reading Passed - No AmendmentsHouse
- House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - CommitteeHouse
- House Second Reading Laid Over Daily - No AmendmentsHouse
- House Committee on Education Refer Amended to House Committee of the WholeHouse
- Introduced In House - Assigned to EducationHouse
Changes
Amendments
1 stored