Read the full stored bill text
Second Regular Session
Seventy-fifth General Assembly
STATE OF COLORADO
ENGROSSED
This Version Includes All Amendments Adopted
on Second Reading in the House of Introduction
LLS NO. 26-0471.01 Conrad Imel x2313 HOUSE BILL 26-1317
House Committees Senate Committees
Education
Appropriations
A BILL FOR AN ACT
CONCERNING CREATING A UNIFIED SYSTEM OF POSTSECONDARY101
TALENT DEVELOPMENT , AND , IN CONNECTION THEREWITH ,102
CREATING A COMMITTEE TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO TRANSITION103
OVERSIGHT OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS TO THE104
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION.105
Bill Summary
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does
not reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted. If this bill
passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that
applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at
http://leg.colorado.gov.)
The bill creates the postsecondary talent development system
transition advisory committee (transition committee) to integrate
HOUSE
Amended 2nd Reading
April 17, 2026
HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
McCluskie and Taggart,
SENATE SPONSORSHIP
Bridges and Frizell,
Shading denotes HOUSE amendment. Double underlining denotes SENATE amendment.
Capital letters or bold & italic numbers indicate new material to be added to existing law.
Dashes through the words or numbers indicate deletions from existing law.
oversight of higher education and workforce development programs
(transition plan). The transition committee shall begin meeting by July 1,
2026, and shall submit the transition plan to the joint budget committee
by November 1, 2026. The transition plan must include recommendations
about the structure of the department of higher education (department),
including a recommendation to rename the department, and
recommendations about transitioning various offices, agencies, programs,
and functions to the department or other state agencies.
Effective July 1, 2028, the executive director of the Colorado
commission on higher education is renamed the executive director of the
department (executive director). The governor appoints, with the consent
of the senate, the executive director.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:1
SECTION 1. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly2
finds and declares that:3
(a) Colorado has an economic and civic interest in ensuring that4
Coloradans can access high-quality postsecondary opportunities;5
(b) Higher education, workforce development, adult education,6
and employment programs should empower every Coloradan to discover7
their strengths, pursue their passions, meet the demands of a changing8
economy, and build careers that provide economic security;9
(c) Too many Coloradans get disconnected from workforce and10
employment opportunity, and as a result, Colorado has struggled to train11
and retain homegrown talent; 12
(d) Adult learners, trainees, and job seekers may need to enter or13
reenter the workforce system from diverse points in their lives based on14
current needs and life status;15
(e) Today, Coloradans must navigate a complex postsecondary16
talent development system of 472 schools, more than 300 apprenticeship17
programs, more than 4,500 eligible training programs, 21 adult education18
programs, and nearly 10,000 degree options;19
1317-2-
(f) More than 20 divisions, offices, and units across seven state1
entities deliver 110 programs and initiatives in the system;2
(g) This fragmentation makes opportunity difficult to find for3
Coloradans, and it limits the reach and impact of state investments;4
(h) Colorado must bring together, streamline, and create seamless5
connections between education and skill-building pathways for6
Coloradans;7
(i) Colorado needs a purpose-built, unified department that can8
easily connect all Coloradans, including underserved populations, to9
opportunity through postsecondary education, skills training, and10
employment; 11
(j) Reimagining our workforce system should include12
consideration of the connection between health and human services13
programs and workforce programs; and14
(k) We must boldly reimagine how our education, training, and15
employment systems are serving Colorado learners, job seekers, workers,16
and employers.17
SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add part 3 to article18
38 of title 24 as follows:19
PART 320
POSTSECONDARY TALENT DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM21
TRANSITION ADVISORY COMMITTEE22
24-38-301. Definitions.23
AS USED IN THIS PART 3, UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE24
REQUIRES:25
(1) "D EPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION " MEANS THE26
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION CREATED IN SECTION 24-1-114.27
1317-3-
(2) "T RANSITION COMMITTEE " MEANS THE POSTSECONDARY1
TALENT DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM TRANSITION ADVISORY COMMITTEE2
CREATED IN SECTION 24-38-302.3
(3) "TRANSITION PLAN" MEANS THE TRANSITION PLAN PREPARED4
BY THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE AND SUBMITTED TO THE JOINT BUDGET5
COMMITTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 24-38-303.6
24-38-302. Postsecondary talent development system7
transition advisory committee - creation - membership - transition8
plan.9
(1) T HE POSTSECONDARY TALENT DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM10
TRANSITION ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS CREATED IN THE GOVERNOR 'S11
OFFICE. THE PURPOSE OF THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE IS TO DEVELOP THE12
TRANSITION PLAN DESCRIBED IN SECTION 24-38-303 THAT INCLUDES13
RECOMMENDATIONS TO INTEGRATE THE STATE 'S DELIVERY OF PUBLIC14
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT SUPPORT COLORADANS PURSUING15
POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, TRAINING, OR EMPLOYMENT.16
(2) T HE TRANSITION COMMITTEE CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING17
MEMBERS:18
(a) THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND19
EMPLOYMENT, OR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S DESIGNEE;20
(b) T HE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER21
EDUCATION, OR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S DESIGNEE;22
(c) T HE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC23
DEVELOPMENT AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE , OR THE EXECUTIVE24
DIRECTOR'S DESIGNEE;25
(d) T HE DIRECTOR OF OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION APPOINTED26
PURSUANT TO SECTION 23-60-104 (2)(a)(II), OR THE DIRECTOR 'S27
1317-4-
DESIGNEE;1
(e) THE CHAIR OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE COLORADO2
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL;3
(f) T HE CHAIR OF THE COLORADO COMMISSION ON HIGHER4
EDUCATION;5
(g) THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS, APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR:6
(I) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE;7
(II) A N INDIVIDUAL REPRESENTING LARGE BUSINESS WITH8
EXPERTISE IN HUMAN RESOURCES , A TALENT OFFICER , OR ANOTHER9
INDIVIDUAL WITH PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE RELATED TO WORKFORCE10
DEVELOPMENT AND TALENT STRATEGY;11
(III) TWO DIRECTORS REPRESENTING LOCAL WORKFORCE AREAS;12
(IV) A REPRESENTATIVE OF A PUBLIC FOUR-YEAR INSTITUTION OF13
HIGHER EDUCATION;14
(V) A REPRESENTATIVE OF AN AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE;15
(VI) A REPRESENTATIVE OF A PUBLIC TWO-YEAR INSTITUTION OF16
HIGHER EDUCATION OR LOCAL DISTRICT COLLEGE;17
(VII) A FACULTY MEMBER OF A PUBLIC INSTITUTION OF HIGHER18
EDUCATION WHOSE PRIMARY DUTIES INCLUDE TEACHING OR DIRECT19
INSTRUCTION OF STUDENTS;20
(VIII) A REPRESENTATIVE OF AN ADVOCACY GROUP THAT21
ADVOCATES FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION;22
(IX) A REPRESENTATIVE OF A WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT23
ADVOCACY GROUP OR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION;24
(X) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE STATE APPRENTICESHIP COUNCIL25
CREATED IN SECTION 8-15.7-105;26
(XI) A REPRESENTATIVE OF A GROUP APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING27
1317-5-
COMMITTEE;1
(XII) A REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM EMPLOYER2
SPONSOR; AND3
(XIII) A N INDIVIDUAL WITH EXPERIENCE ADMINISTERING4
WORK-BASED LEARNING PROGRAMS IN K-12 EDUCATION OR ADVISING5
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ABOUT POSTSECONDARY OPPORTUNITIES;6
(h) T HE FOLLOWING MEMBERS , APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER OF7
THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:8
(I) A REPRESENTATIVE OF A PUBLIC FOUR -YEAR INSTITUTION OF9
HIGHER EDUCATION; 10
(II) A REPRESENTATIVE OF AN EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY GROUP11
OR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION; AND12
(III) A COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF A COUNTY THAT DELIVERS13
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS.14
(i) THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS, APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF15
THE SENATE:16
(I) A REPRESENTATIVE OF A PUBLIC TWO -YEAR INSTITUTION OF17
HIGHER EDUCATION OR LOCAL DISTRICT COLLEGE; AND18
(II) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION19
CERTIFIED AS THE REPRESENTATIVE OF COVERED EMPLOYEES IN A20
PARTNERSHIP UNIT PURSUANT TO SECTION 24-50-1106;21
(j) A REPRESENTATIVE OF AN ASSOCIATION THAT REPRESENTS22
BUSINESS, APPOINTED BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF23
REPRESENTATIVES; AND24
(k) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SMALL BUSINESS COMMUNITY ,25
APPOINTED BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE SENATE.26
(3) (a) THE APPOINTING AUTHORITIES DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION27
1317-6-
(2) OF THIS SECTION SHALL MAKE THEIR APPOINTMENTS TO THE1
TRANSITION COMMITTEE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE2
OF THIS SECTION, BUT NO LATER THAN JUNE 23, 2026.3
(b) IN APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE, THE4
APPOINTING AUTHORITIES SHALL MAKE REASONABLE EFFORTS TO5
CONSIDER APPOINTING MEMBERS THAT , ALONG WITH MEETING THE6
BOARD'S SPECIFIED MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS , REFLECT THE7
GEOGRAPHIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY OF THE ENTIRE STATE ,8
INCLUDING MEMBERS FROM BOTH RURAL AND URBAN PARTS OF THE STATE;9
MEMBERS OF DIVERSE POLITICAL , RACIAL, DISABILITY, AND CULTURAL10
GROUPS; AND MEMBERS OF DIVERSE SEXUAL ORIENTATIONS AND GENDERS.11
(c) TO INFORM THE WORK OF THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE, AND TO12
ENSURE CRITICAL STAKEHOLDERS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE13
FEEDBACK ON WHAT A SYSTEM OF POSTSECONDARY TALENT14
DEVELOPMENT MUST DELIVER FOR COLORADO, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS15
OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT, THE DEPARTMENT OF16
HIGHER EDUCATION, AND THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND17
INTERNATIONAL TRADE , AND THE DIRECTOR OF OCCUPATIONAL18
EDUCATION MAY GATHER FEEDBACK FROM STAKEHOLDERS THROUGH19
MEETINGS HELD SEPARATELY FROM TRANSITION COMMITTEE MEETINGS ,20
INCLUDING THROUGH MEETINGS HELD PRIOR TO THE TRANSITION21
COMMITTEE'S FIRST MEETING.22
(d) THE GOVERNOR SHALL APPOINT THE CHAIR OF THE TRANSITION23
COMMITTEE FROM AMONG THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE'S MEMBERS. THE24
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SHALL APPOINT THE25
VICE-CHAIR OF THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE FROM AMONG THE26
TRANSITION COMMITTEE'S MEMBERS.27
1317-7-
(e) M EMBERS OF THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE SERVE WITHOUT1
COMPENSATION AND WITHOUT REIMBURSEMENT FOR EXPENSES.2
(4) (a) T HE CHAIR OF THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE SHALL3
CONVENE THE FIRST MEETING OF THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE NO LATER4
THAN JULY 1, 2026.5
(b) T HE TRANSITION COMMITTEE SHALL M EET AT LEAST ONCE6
EACH MONTH UNTIL THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE SUBMITS THE7
TRANSITION PLAN TO THE JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE PURSUANT TO8
SECTION 24-38-303. THE CHAIR MAY CALL ADDITIONAL MEETINGS AS9
NECESSARY FOR THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE TO COMPLETE ITS DUTIES .10
THE COMMITTEE IS NOT REQUIRED TO MEET AFTER IT SUBMITS THE11
TRANSITION PLAN TO THE JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE.12
(c) MEMBERS OF THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE MAY PARTICIPATE13
REMOTELY IN TRANSITION COMMITTEE MEETINGS.14
(d) THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE SHALL PROVIDE STAFF ASSISTANCE,15
INCLUDING ASSISTING THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE WITH PREPARING THE16
TRANSITION PLAN AND PROVIDING M EETING SPACE AND AUDIOVISUAL17
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES TO ASSIST IN COMPLETING THE18
DUTIES OF THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE.19
(5) (a) IN CARRYING OUT ITS DUTIES, THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE20
SHALL, TO THE EXTENT PRACTICABLE , ENGAGE WITH INTERESTED AND21
AFFECTED INDIVIDUALS IN ALL AREAS OF THE STATE AND ACROSS A WIDE22
VARIETY OF PROGRAM TYPES , AND SHALL ACTIVELY SEEK INPUT AND23
GUIDANCE FROM:24
(I) EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION, THE25
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT , AND ANY OTHER AFFECTED26
STATE DEPARTMENT;27
1317-8-
(II) E MPLOYERS; WORKFORCE CENTER EMPLOYEES AND1
PARTICIPANTS ; COMMUNITY -BASED WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT2
ORGANIZATIONS ; REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS AND3
APPRENTICES;4
(III) THE STATE REHABILITATION COUNCIL ESTABLISHED BY THE5
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT , AND PARTICIPANTS IN6
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAMS DESCRIBED IN PART 1 OF7
ARTICLE 84 OF TITLE 8; 8
(IV) EMPLOYEES OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION,9
INCLUDING FACULTY , INSTRUCTORS , AND STAFF , AND LABOR10
ORGANIZATIONS THAT REPRESENT WORKERS IN PUBLIC HIGHER11
EDUCATION; AND12
(V) S TUDENTS ENROLLED IN POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION AND13
TRAINING PROGRAMS AT PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION ,14
INCLUDING AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGES , COMMUNITY COLLEGES , AND15
UNIVERSITIES; AND FACULTY, STUDENTS, STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS, AND16
OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES FROM PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER17
EDUCATION.18
(b) T HE TRANSITION COMMITTEE SHALL CONSULT WITH19
EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND THE20
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT ABOUT DEPARTMENTAL21
OPERATIONS CONSIDERATIONS.22
24-38-303. Transition plan - required study by transition23
advisory committee.24
(1) O N OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 30, 2026, THE TRANSITION25
COMMITTEE SHALL SUBMIT A TRANSITION PLAN TO THE JOINT B UDGET26
COMMITTEE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BUSINESS AFFAIRS AND27
1317-9-
LABOR COMMITTEE ; THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES EDUCATION1
COMMITTEE; THE SENATE BUSINESS , LABOR , AND TECHNOLOGY2
COMMITTEE; AND THE SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE , OR THEIR3
SUCCESSOR COMMITTEES.4
(2) (a) THE TRANSITION PLAN MUST INCLUDE RECOMMENDATIONS5
FOR THE STRUCTURE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AS A6
DEPARTMENT THAT OVERSEES A SYSTEM OF POSTSECONDARY TALENT7
DEVELOPMENT THAT INTEGRATES POSTSECONDARY EDUCATIONAL ,8
TRAINING, AND EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES FOR COLORADANS, INCLUDING:9
(I) G OVERNANCE MODELS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER10
EDUCATION, WITH CONSIDERATION FOR THE EXISTING ROLE AND11
STRUCTURE OF THE COLORADO COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION12
ESTABLISHED IN SECTION 23-1-102 AND THE STATE WORK FORCE13
DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL CREATED IN SECTION 24-46.3-101;14
(II) THE TECHNOLOGY AND STAFFING NEEDS OF THE DEPARTMENT15
OF HIGHER EDUCATION;16
(III) DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS SYSTEMS NECESSARY OR17
BENEFICIAL FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION;18
(IV) R ENAMING THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION TO19
REFLECT ITS MISSION, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2028, TO OVERSEE A SYSTEM OF20
POSTSECONDARY TALENT DEVELOPMENT; AND21
(V) T HE TIMELINE FOR COMPLETING THE TRANSITION OF THE22
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION TO A DEPARTMENT THAT OVERSEES23
A SYSTEM OF POSTSECONDARY TALENT DEVELOPMENT.24
(b) T HE TRANSITION PLAN MUST INCLUDE RECOMMENDATIONS25
ABOUT HOW THE FOLLOWING OFFICES , AGENCIES , PROGRAMS , AND26
FUNCTIONS TRANSITION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION:27
1317-10-
(I) T HE PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY THE DIVISION OF1
EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING, CREATED IN SECTION 8-83-102, WITHIN THE2
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT;3
(II) THE STATE'S DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER AND FOR4
IMPLEMENTING TITLES I, II, AND III OF THE FEDERAL "WORKFORCE5
INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT", 29 U.S.C. SEC. 3101 ET SEQ.;6
(III) T HE DETERMINATIONS RELATED TO INTERNATIONAL7
STANDARD CLASSIFICATION OF EDUCATION FOR APPRENTICESHIP8
PROGRAMS, AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 8-83-1002;9
(IV) DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES RELATED TO REGIONAL TALENT10
DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES, INCLUDING THE REGIONAL TALENT SUMMIT11
GRANT PROGRAM CREATED IN SECTION 24-48.5-704 AND, IF CONTINUED12
BEYOND JULY 1, 2028, THE REGIONAL TALENT DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE13
GRANT PROGRAM CREATED IN SECTION 24-48.5-405, COMMONLY KNOWN14
AS OPPORTUNITY NOW COLORADO GRANTS , AND ANY SUBSEQUENT15
PROGRAMS THAT PROVIDE GRANTS TO SUPPORT REGIONAL TALENT16
DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES;17
(V) ADULT EDUCATION AND LITERACY PROGRAMS DESCRIBED IN18
ARTICLE 10 OF TITLE 22, INCLUDING THE ADULT EDUCATION AND19
LITERACY GRANT PROGRAM CREATED IN SECTION 22-10-104, AND THE20
DUTY TO CONVENE MEETINGS TO DISCUSS THE STATE 'S WORKFORCE21
DEVELOPMENT NEEDS AND THE LEVELS OF UNMET NEED FOR ADULT22
EDUCATION WITHIN THE STATE, AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 22-10-106;23
(VI) T HE COLORADO OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS CREATED IN24
SECTION 8-3.7-103; AND25
(VII) THE COLORADO DISABILITY OPPORTUNITY OFFICE CREATED26
IN SECTION 8-88-102.27
1317-11-
(c) THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE SHALL CONSIDER AND INCLUDE1
RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE TRANSITION PLAN ABOUT HOW THE2
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION WILL COORDINATE WITH THE3
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S POSTSECONDARY WORKFORCE READINESS4
ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS FOR YOUTH AND5
PRE-APPRENTICESHIP, WORK -BASED LEARNING , AND POSTSECONDARY6
CREDENTIAL PROGRAMS.7
(3) T HE TRANSITION COMMITTEE M AY CONSIDER AND INCLUDE8
RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE TRANSITION PLAN ABOUT:9
(a) S TRATEGIES TO SUPPORT ADULT LEARNERS SEEKING10
FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS AND CREDENTIALS , SUCH AS A HIGH SCHOOL11
DIPLOMA OR EQUIVALENT , AND POSTSECONDARY CREDENTIAL12
ATTAINMENT.13
(b) T HE STATE APPRENTICESHIP AGENCY CREATED IN SECTION14
8-15.7-102, INCLUDING RECOMMENDATIONS THAT MAINTAIN THE15
CONNECTION BETWEEN THE STATE APPRENTICESHIP AGENCY AND THE16
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT;17
(c) THE STATE APPRENTICESHIP COUNCIL ESTABLISHED IN SECTION18
8-15.7-105;19
(d) THE COLORADO STATE APPRENTICESHIP RESOURCE DIRECTORY20
CREATED IN SECTION 8-83-308;21
(e) R ELOCATING THE OFFICE OF FUTURE OF WORK , CREATED IN22
SECTION 8-15.8-103, TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION OR23
DISCONTINUING THE OFFICE OF FUTURE OF WORK;24
(f) RELOCATING THE STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY ESTABLISHED IN25
SECTION 24-80-201 AND COMMONLY KNOWN AS HISTORY COLORADO;26
(g) R ELOCATING THE OFFICE OF LABOR MARKET INFORMATION27
1317-12-
WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT;1
(h) THE GOVERNANCE OF AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGES, AS DEFINED2
IN SECTION 23-60-103; IMPROVING THE AVAILABILITY OF OCCUPATIONAL3
EDUCATION, INCLUDING REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS FOR YOUTH AND4
WORK-BASED LEARNING PATHWAYS ; AND ENABLING AREA TECHNICAL5
COLLEGES TO BEST DELIVER OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION AND SUPPORT6
SECONDARY-TO-POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION TRANSITIONS IN COLORADO;7
AND8
(i) STRATEGIES TO SUPPORT ADULT POSTSECONDARY CREDENTIAL9
ATTAINMENT, INCLUDING STRATEGIES TO SUPPORT ADULT LEARNERS IN10
ACCESSING AND COMPLETING HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMAS AND CONNECTING11
WITH ADDITIONAL EDUCATION , TRAINING , AND EMPLOYMENT12
OPPORTUNITIES.13
(4) T HE TRANSITION COMMITTEE MAY CONSIDER HOW THE14
SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ESTABLISHED15
PURSUANT TO PART 3 OF ARTICLE 2 OF TITLE 26; STATE ADMINISTRATION16
OF THE PROGRAM TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY17
FAMILIES, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 26-2-703 (19); AND OTHER PROGRAMS18
ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC SECURITY IN THE19
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ARE ALIGNED WITH THE DEPARTMENT20
OF HIGHER EDUCATION'S MISSION, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2028, TO OVERSEE21
A SYSTEM OF POSTSECONDARY TALENT DEVELOPMENT. THE TRANSITION22
COMMITTEE MAY INCLUDE IN THE TRANSITION PLAN A RECOMMENDATION23
FOR THE PROGRAMS TO COORDINATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER24
EDUCATION.25
(5) I N PREPARING THE TRANSITION PLAN , THE TRANSITION26
COMMITTEE SHALL CONSIDER STRATEGIES TO:27
1317-13-
(a) E LIMINATE DUPLICATIVE OVERSIGHT OF POSTSECONDARY1
TALENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS;2
(b) CONTINUE EFFORTS TO ALIGN THE POSTSECONDARY TALENT3
DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM , INCLUDING STRATEGIES TO REDUCE4
BUREAUCRACY AND ENSURE ALIGNMENT WITH RELATED PROGRAMS THAT5
ARE NOT ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION, AS6
RECOMMENDED BY THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE;7
(c) A LIGN POSTSECONDARY TALENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS8
AND SERVICES AMONG THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND9
EXISTING STATE AGENCIES; AND10
(d) E NSURE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION , TRAINING, AND11
EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS, INCLUDING BY MEASURING KEY OUTCOMES OF12
THE PROGRAMS AND MAKING THE OUTCOMES MORE TRANSPARENT AND13
EASY TO UNDERSTAND FOR PROSPECTIVE PARTICIPANTS.14
(6) T HE TRANSITION COMMITTEE SHALL NOT INCLUDE IN THE15
TRANSITION PLAN ANY RECOMMENDATION THAT IS INCONSISTENT WITH16
OR, IF IMPLEMENTED, WOULD:17
(a) BE INCONSISTENT WITH OR WOULD RESULT IN A VIOLATION OF18
FEDERAL LAW OR RULE , INCLUDING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE19
APPRENTICESHIP AGENCIES IN 29 CFR 29.13;20
(b) CHANGE THE APPOINTING AUTHORITY FOR, OR MEMBERSHIP OF,21
THE STATE APPRENTICESHIP COUNCIL , CREATED IN SECTION 8-15.7-105;22
THE COMMITTEE FOR APPRENTICESHIP IN NEW AND EMERGING INDUSTRIES,23
CREATED IN SECTION 8-15.7-104; OR THE COMMITTEE FOR APPRENTICESHIP24
IN THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES , CREATED IN SECTION25
8-15.7-103; 26
(c) CHANGE THE STATE APPRENTICESHIP AGENCY 'S STATUS AS A27
1317-14-
TYPE 1 ENTITY; OR1
(d) C HANGE THE COLORADO OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS' OR2
COLORADO DISABILITY OPPORTUNITY OFFICE'S STATUSES AS TYPE 13
ENTITIES OR THE OFFICES' REGULAR ACCESS TO THE OFFICE OF THE4
GOVERNOR AND POWER TO CONVENE OTHER STATE AGENCIES.5
24-38-304. Funding - in-kind donations.6
(1) THE GOVERNOR 'S OFFICE MAY SEEK , ACCEPT , AND EXPEND7
GIFTS, GRANTS, OR DONATIONS FROM PRIVATE OR PUBLIC SOURCES FOR8
THE PURPOSES OF THIS PART 3. THE GOVERNOR 'S OFFICE MAY ACCEPT9
DONATIONS OF IN -KIND SERVICES FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS PART 3,10
INCLUDING FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.11
(2) THE GOVERNOR 'S OFFICE AND THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE12
SHALL CARRY OUT THIS PART 3 WITHIN EXISTING APPROPRIATIONS.13
24-38-305. Repeal of part.14
THIS PART 3 IS REPEALED, EFFECTIVE JUNE 30, 2027.15
SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 24-1-114, amend (1),16
(2), and (5)(b); and add (1.1) and (1.5) as follows:17
24-1-114. Department of higher education - creation - mission18
- legislative intent - definitions.19
(1) There is hereby created a the department of higher education,20
the head of which shall be is the executive director of the Colorado21
commission on higher education DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION ,22
who shall be is appointed by the governor and whose powers and duties23
are as specified in this section.24
(1.1) (a) BEGINNING JULY 1, 2028, THE DEPARTMENT'S MISSION IS25
TO OVERSEE A SYSTEM OF POSTSECONDARY TALENT DEVELOPMENT THAT26
INTEGRATES POSTSECONDARY EDUCATIONAL , TRAINING , AND27
1317-15-
EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES FOR COLORADANS. IT IS THE INTENT OF THE1
GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO EVALUATE THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE2
POSTSECONDARY TALENT DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM TRANSITION ADVISORY3
COMMITTEE CREATED IN SECTION 24-38-302, MAKE ANY NECESSARY4
STATUTORY CHANGES TO EFFECTUATE THE EXPANSION OF THE5
DEPARTMENT'S MISSION TO OVERSEE A SYSTEM OF POSTSECONDARY6
TALENT DEVELOPMENT, AND RENAME THE DEPARTMENT ACCORDINGLY.7
(b) THIS SUBSECTION (1.1) IS REPEALED, EFFECTIVE JUNE 30, 2029.8
(1.5) (a) AS USED IN THIS SECTION , UNLESS THE CONTEXT9
OTHERWISE REQUIRES:10
(I) "COMMISSION" MEANS THE COLORADO COMMISSION ON HIGHER11
EDUCATION CREATED IN SECTION 23-1-102.12
(II) "DEPARTMENT" MEANS THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER13
EDUCATION.14
(III) "EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR" MEANS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF15
THE DEPARTMENT.16
(b) (I) EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2028, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE17
COLORADO COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION IS RENAMED THE18
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION.19
(II) ON AND AFTER JULY 1, 2028, AS USED IN EVERY STATUTE ,20
UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES , "EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF21
THE COLORADO COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION " MEANS THE22
"EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION".23
(III) THE REVISOR OF STATUTES IS AUTHORIZED TO CHANGE ALL24
REFERENCES IN THE COLORADO REVISED STATUTES TO THE EXECUTIVE25
DIRECTOR OF THE COLORADO COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION , AS26
APPROPRIATE.27
1317-16-
(2) The Colorado commission on higher education and the office1
of executive director of the commission DEPARTMENT, created in article2
1 of title 23, are type 1 entities, as defined in section 24-1-105, and3
exercise their powers and pe rform their duties and functions under the4
department. of higher education.5
(5) (b) With respect to the Colorado commission on higher6
education and the universities, colleges, and boards specified in7
subsection (4) of this section, the executive director has only those8
powers, duties, and functions prescribed in article 1 of title 23; except that9
the executive director of the Colorado commission on higher education10
is authorized to negotiate, implement, and monitor contracts, as described11
in sections 23-18-201 (2), 23-18-303.5, and 23-18-304, with universities,12
colleges, and boards, in consultation with the Colorado commission on13
higher education.14
SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 23-1-101.1, amend15
(3) as follows:16
23-1-101.1. Definitions.17
As used in this article 1, unless the context otherwise requires:18
(3) "Executive director" means the office of the executive director19
of the Colorado commission on higher education created and existing20
pursuant to section 24-1-114, C.R.S. DEPARTMENT.21
SECTION 5. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 23-1-110, repeal22
(2)(a), (3), and (4); and add (2)(c) as follows:23
23-1-110. Organization, meetings, and staff - repeal.24
(2) (a) The governor shall appoint, with the consent of the senate,25
an executive director qualified by substantial training and experience in26
the field of higher education. The executive director shall be the27
1317-17-
executive officer of the commission and the department, shall serve at the1
pleasure of the governor, and shall receive compensation commensurate2
with the duties of the office as determined by the governor. The duties3
and responsibilities of the executive director shall be discharged in4
accordance with the policies, procedures, and directives of the5
commission and the department. The executive director shall employ such6
professional and clerical personnel as deemed necessary to carry out the7
duties and functions of the commission and the department. Offices held8
by the executive director and professional personnel are declared to be9
educational in nature and not under the state personnel system.10
(c) (I) EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2028, IN HOUSE BILL 26-1317, ENACTED11
IN 2026, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE COLORADO COMMISSION ON12
HIGHER EDUCATION IS RENAMED THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE13
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION.14
(II) T HIS SUBSECTION (2)(c) IS REPEALED, EFFECTIVE JUNE 30,15
2029.16
(3) The executive director shall conduct all studies and programs17
of the commission and coordinate such studies and programs with those18
of other state agencies having duties and functions concerned with higher19
education, so as to avoid duplication of programs and staff.20
(4) The executive director shall review and approve or deny any21
proposed action or recommendation of the private occupational school22
board acting pursuant to article 64 of this title 23.23
SECTION 6. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add article 1.1 to title24
23 as follows:25
ARTICLE 1.126
Department of Higher Education27
1317-18-
23-1.1-101. Definitions.1
AS USED IN THIS ARTICLE 1.1, UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE2
REQUIRES:3
(1) "D EPARTMENT" MEANS THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER4
EDUCATION CREATED IN SECTION 24-1-114.5
(2) "EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR" MEANS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF6
THE DEPARTMENT.7
23-1.1-102. Department structure - mission - duties.8
(1) (a) T HE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION IS CREATED IN9
SECTION 24-1-114. THE DEPARTMENT'S MISSION IS TO OVERSEE A SYSTEM10
OF POSTSECONDARY TALENT DEVELOPMENT THAT INTEGRATES11
POSTSECONDARY EDUCATIONAL, TRAINING, AND EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES12
FOR COLORADANS.13
(b) P URSUANT TO SECTION 24-1-114, THE HEAD OF THE14
DEPARTMENT IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.15
(2) THE DEPARTMENT CONSISTS OF THE OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE16
DIRECTOR AND THE DIVISIONS , SECTIONS, OTHER UNITS , AND ADVISORY17
BOARDS AS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MAY ESTABLISH ; AS MAY BE18
SPECIFIED IN THIS TITLE 23; AND AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 24-1-114.19
(3) T HE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MAY ESTABLISH DIVISIONS ,20
SECTIONS, OTHER UNITS , AND ADVISORY BOARDS WITHIN THE21
DEPARTMENT AS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DETERMINES ARE NECESSARY22
FOR THE PROPER AND EFFICIENT DISCHARGE OF THE POWERS, DUTIES, AND23
FUNCTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT.24
(4) T HE DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ADMINISTERING THE25
FUNCTIONS AND PROGRAMS AS SET FORTH IN THIS TITLE 23 AND AS26
OTHERWISE REQUIRED BY LAW.27
1317-19-
23-1.1-103. Executive director of the department -1
appointment - duties - repeal.2
(1) (a) THE GOVERNOR SHALL APPOINT, WITH THE CONSENT OF THE3
SENATE, AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR QUALIFIED BY SUBSTANTIAL TRAINING4
AND EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE5
DEVELOPMENT. THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IS THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF6
THE COMMISSION AND THE DEPARTMENT, SERVES AT THE PLEASURE OF THE7
GOVERNOR, AND MUST RECEIVE COMPENSATION COMMENSURATE WITH8
THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICE AS DETERMINED BY THE GOVERNOR . THE9
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHALL DISCHARGE THEIR DUTIES AND10
RESPONSIBILITIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND11
DIRECTIVES OF THE COMMISSION AND THE DEPARTMENT. THE EXECUTIVE12
DIRECTOR SHALL EMPLOY PROFESSIONAL AND CLERICAL PERSONNEL AS13
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DEEMS NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE DUTIES14
AND FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION AND THE DEPARTMENT . OFFICES15
HELD BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL ARE16
DECLARED TO BE EDUCATIONAL IN NATURE AND NOT UNDER THE STATE17
PERSONNEL SYSTEM.18
(b) (I) NOTWITHSTANDING SUBSECTION (1)(a) OF THIS SECTION,19
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE COLORADO COMMISSION ON HIGHER20
EDUCATION ON JUNE 30, 2028, BECOMES THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE21
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION ON JULY 1, 2028, UNLESS THE22
GOVERNOR APPOINTS A DIFFERENT PERSON TO ASSUME THE OFFICE OF THE23
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION24
EFFECTIVE ON JULY 1, 2028.25
(II) THIS SUBSECTION (1)(b) IS REPEALED, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 31,26
2035.27
1317-20-
(2) T HE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HAS THE POWERS , DUTIES , AND1
FUNCTIONS PRESCRIBED IN ARTICLE 1 OF TITLE 24 FOR HEADS OF PRINCIPAL2
DEPARTMENTS, AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 24-1-114, AND HAS THE3
POWERS, DUTIES, AND FUNCTIONS SET FORTH IN STATE LAW.4
(3) THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHALL CONDUCT ALL STUDIES AND5
PROGRAMS OF THE COMMISSION AND COORDINATE THE STUDIES AND6
PROGRAMS WITH THOSE OF OTHER STATE AGENCIES HAVING DUTIES AND7
FUNCTIONS CONCERNED WITH HIGHER EDUCATION , SO AS TO AVOID8
DUPLICATION OF PROGRAMS AND STAFF.9
(4) THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHALL REVIEW AND APPROVE OR10
DENY ANY PROPOSED ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION OF THE PRIVATE11
OCCUPATIONAL SCHOOL BOARD ACTING PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 64 OF THIS12
TITLE 23.13
SECTION 7. Effective date. (1) Except as otherwise provided14
in this section, this act takes effect upon passage.15
(2) Sections 4 and 6 of this act take effect July 1, 2028.16
(3) Section 24-1-114 (1), (1.5), (2), and (5)(b), Colorado Revised17
Statutes, amended in section 3 of this act, takes effect July 1, 2028.18
(4) Section 23-1-110 (2)(a), (3), and (4), Colorado Revised19
Statutes, amended in section 5 of this act, takes effect July 1, 2028.20
SECTION 8. Safety clause. The general assembly finds,21
determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate22
preservation of the public peace, health, or safety or for appropriations for23
the support and maintenance of the departments of the state and state24
institutions.25
1317-21-