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Second Regular Session
Seventy-fifth General Assembly
STATE OF COLORADO
INTRODUCED
LLS NO. 26-0471.01 Conrad Imel x2313 HOUSE BILL 26-1317
House Committees Senate Committees
Education
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 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, and employment6
programs should empower every Coloradan to discover their strengths,7
pursue their passions, meet the demands of a changing economy, and8
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) Today, Coloradans must navigate a complex postsecondary13
talent development system of 472 schools, more than 300 apprenticeship14
programs, more than 4,500 eligible training programs, and nearly 10,00015
degree options;16
(e) More than 20 divisions, offices, and units across seven state17
entities deliver 110 programs and initiatives in the system;18
(f) This fragmentation makes opportunity difficult to find for19
HB26-1317-2-
Coloradans, and it limits the reach and impact of state investments;1
(g) Colorado must bring together, streamline, and create seamless2
connections between education and skill-building pathways for3
Coloradans;4
(h) Colorado needs a purpose-built, unified department that can5
easily connect all Coloradans, including underserved populations, to6
opportunity through postsecondary education, skills training, and7
employment; and8
(i) We must boldly reimagine how our education, training, and9
employment systems are serving Colorado learners, job seekers, workers,10
and employers.11
SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add part 3 to article12
38 of title 24 as follows:13
PART 314
POSTSECONDARY TALENT DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM15
TRANSITION ADVISORY COMMITTEE16
24-38-301. Definitions.17
AS USED IN THIS PART 3, UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE18
REQUIRES:19
(1) "D EPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION " MEANS THE20
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION CREATED IN SECTION 24-1-114.21
(2) "T RANSITION COMMITTEE " MEANS THE POSTSECONDARY22
TALENT DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM TRANSITION ADVISORY COMMITTEE23
CREATED IN SECTION 24-38-302.24
(3) "TRANSITION PLAN" MEANS THE TRANSITION PLAN PREPARED25
BY THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE AND SU BMITTED TO THE JOINT BUDGET26
COMMITTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 24-38-303.27
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24-38-302. Postsecondary talent development system1
transition advisory committee - creation - membership - transition2
plan.3
(1) T HE POSTSECONDARY TALENT DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM4
TRANSITION ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS CREATED IN THE GOVERNOR 'S5
OFFICE. THE PURPOSE OF THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE IS TO DEVELOP THE6
TRANSITION PLAN DESCRIBED IN SECTION 24-38-303 THAT INCLUDES7
RECOMMENDATIONS TO INTEGRATE THE STATE 'S DELIVERY OF PUBLIC8
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT SUPPORT COLORADANS PURSUING9
POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, TRAINING, OR EMPLOYMENT.10
(2) T HE TRANSITION COMMITTEE CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING11
MEMBERS:12
(a) THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND13
EMPLOYMENT, OR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S DESIGNEE;14
(b) T HE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER15
EDUCATION, OR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S DESIGNEE;16
(c) T HE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC17
DEVELOPMENT AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE , OR THE EXECUTIVE18
DIRECTOR'S DESIGNEE;19
(d) T HE DIRECTOR OF OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION APPOINTED20
PURSUANT TO SECTION 23-60-104 (2)(a)(II), OR THE DIRECTOR 'S21
DESIGNEE;22
(e) THE CHAIR OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE COLORADO23
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL;24
(f) T HE CHAIR OF THE COLORADO COMMISSION ON HIGHER25
EDUCATION;26
(g) THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS, APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR:27
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(I) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE;1
(II) A N INDIVIDUAL REPRESENTING LARGE BUSINESS WITH2
EXPERTISE IN HUMAN RESOURCES , A TALENT OFFICER , OR ANOTHER3
INDIVIDUAL WITH PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE RELATED TO WORKFORCE4
DEVELOPMENT AND TALENT STRATEGY;5
(III) TWO DIRECTORS REPRESENTING LOCAL WORKFORCE AREAS;6
(IV) A REPRESENTATIVE OF A PUBLIC FOUR-YEAR INSTITUTION OF7
HIGHER EDUCATION;8
(V) A REPRESENTATIVE OF AN AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE;9
(VI) A REPRESENTATIVE OF A PUBLIC TWO-YEAR INSTITUTION OF10
HIGHER EDUCATION OR LOCAL DISTRICT COLLEGE;11
(VII) A FACULTY MEMBER OF A PUBLIC INSTITUTION OF HIGHER12
EDUCATION;13
(VIII) A REPRESENTATIVE OF AN ADVOCACY GROUP THAT14
ADVOCATES FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION;15
(IX) A REPRESENTATIVE OF A WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT16
ADVOCACY GROUP OR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION;17
(X) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE STATE APPRENTICESHIP COUNCIL18
CREATED IN SECTION 8-15.7-105;19
(XI) A REPRESENTATIVE OF A GROUP APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING20
COMMITTEE;21
(XII) A REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM EMPLOYER22
SPONSOR; AND23
(XIII) A N INDIVIDUAL WITH EXPERIENCE ADMINISTERING24
WORK-BASED LEARNING PROGRAMS IN K-12 EDUCATION OR ADVISING25
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ABOUT POSTSECONDARY OPPORTUNITIES;26
(h) T HE FOLLOWING MEMBERS, APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER OF27
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THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:1
(I) A REPRESENTATIVE OF A PUBLIC FOUR -YEAR INSTITUTION OF2
HIGHER EDUCATION; AND3
(II) A REPRESENTATIVE OF AN EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY GROUP4
OR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION;5
(i) THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS, APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF6
THE SENATE:7
(I) A REPRESENTATIVE OF A PUBLIC TWO -YEAR INSTITUTION OF8
HIGHER EDUCATION OR LOCAL DISTRICT COLLEGE; AND9
(II) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION10
CERTIFIED AS THE REPRESENTATIVE OF COVERED EMPLOYEES IN A11
PARTNERSHIP UNIT PURSUANT TO SECTION 24-50-1106;12
(j) A REPRESENTATIVE OF AN ASSOCIATION THAT REPRESENTS13
BUSINESS, APPOINTED BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF14
REPRESENTATIVES; AND15
(k) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SMALL BUSINESS COMMUNITY ,16
APPOINTED BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE SENATE.17
(3) (a) THE APPOINTING AUTHORITIES DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION18
(2) OF THIS SECTION SHALL MAKE THEIR APPOINTMENTS TO THE19
TRANSITION COMMITTEE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE20
OF THIS SECTION, BUT NO LATER THAN JUNE 23, 2026.21
(b) IN APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE, THE22
APPOINTING AUTHORITIES SHALL MAKE REASONABLE EFFORTS TO23
CONSIDER APPOINTING MEMBERS THAT , ALONG WITH MEETING THE24
BOARD'S SPECIFIED MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS , REFLECT THE25
GEOGRAPHIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY OF THE ENTIRE STATE ,26
INCLUDING MEMBERS FROM BOTH RURAL AND URBAN PARTS OF THE STATE;27
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MEMBERS OF DIVERSE POLITICAL , RACIAL, DISABILITY, AND CULTURAL1
GROUPS; AND MEMBERS OF DIVERSE SEXUAL ORIENTATIONS AND GENDERS.2
(c) TO INFORM THE WORK OF THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE, AND TO3
ENSURE CRITICAL STAKEHOLDERS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE4
FEEDBACK ON WHAT A SYSTEM OF POSTSECONDARY TALENT5
DEVELOPMENT MUST DELIVER FOR COLORADO, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS6
OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT, THE DEPARTMENT OF7
HIGHER EDUCATION, AND THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND8
INTERNATIONAL TRADE , AND THE DIRECTOR OF OCCUPATIONAL9
EDUCATION MAY GATHER FEEDBACK FROM STAKEHOLDERS THROUGH10
MEETINGS HELD SEPARATELY FROM TRANSITION COMMITTEE MEETINGS ,11
INCLUDING THROUGH MEETINGS HELD PRIOR TO THE TRANSITION12
COMMITTEE'S FIRST MEETING.13
(d) THE GOVERNOR SHALL APPOINT THE CHAIR OF THE TRANSITION14
COMMITTEE FROM AMONG THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE'S MEMBERS. THE15
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SHALL APPOINT THE16
VICE-CHAIR OF THE TRANSITI ON COMMITTEE FROM AMONG THE17
TRANSITION COMMITTEE'S MEMBERS.18
(e) M EMBERS OF THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE SERVE WITHOUT19
COMPENSATION BUT ARE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE REIMBURSEMENT FOR20
ACTUAL AND REASONABLE TRAVEL EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE21
PERFORMANCE OF THE MEMBERS' DUTIES ON THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE.22
(4) (a) T HE CHAIR OF THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE SHALL23
CONVENE THE FIRST MEETING OF THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE NO LATER24
THAN JULY 1, 2026.25
(b) T HE TRANSITION COMMITTEE SHALL MEET AT LEAST ONCE26
EACH MONTH UNTIL THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE SUBMITS THE27
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TRANSITION PLAN TO THE JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE PURSUANT TO1
SECTION 24-38-303. THE CHAIR MAY CALL ADDITIONAL MEETINGS AS2
NECESSARY FOR THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE TO COMPLETE ITS DUTIES .3
THE COMMITTEE IS NOT REQUIRED TO M EET AFTER IT SUBMITS THE4
TRANSITION PLAN TO THE JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE.5
(c) MEMBERS OF THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE MAY PARTICIPATE6
REMOTELY IN TRANSITION COMMITTEE MEETINGS.7
(d) THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE SHALL PROVIDE STAFF ASSISTANCE,8
INCLUDING ASSISTING THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE WITH PREPARING THE9
TRANSITION PLAN AND PROVIDING MEETING SPACE AND AUDIOVISUAL10
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES TO ASSIST IN COMPLETING THE11
DUTIES OF THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE.12
(5) (a) IN CARRYING OUT ITS DUTIES, THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE13
SHALL, TO THE EXTENT PRACTICABLE , ENGAGE WITH INTERESTED AND14
AFFECTED INDIVIDUALS IN ALL AREAS OF THE STATE AND ACROSS A WIDE15
VARIETY OF PROGRAM TYPES , AND SHALL ACTIVELY SEEK INPUT AND16
GUIDANCE FROM:17
(I) EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION, THE18
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT , AND ANY OTHER AFFECTED19
STATE DEPARTMENT;20
(II) E MPLOYERS; WORKFORCE CENTER PARTICIPANTS ;21
COMMUNITY -BASED WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS ;22
REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS AND APPRENTICES;23
(III) THE STATE REHABILITATION COUNCIL ESTABLISHED BY THE24
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT , AND PARTICIPANTS IN25
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAMS DESCRIBED IN PART 1 OF26
ARTICLE 84 OF TITLE 8; AND27
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(IV) STUDENTS ENROLLED IN POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION AND1
TRAINING PROGRAMS AT PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION ,2
INCLUDING AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGES , COMMUNITY COLLEGES , AND3
UNIVERSITIES; AND FACULTY, STUDENTS, STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS, AND4
OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES FROM PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER5
EDUCATION.6
(b) T HE TRANSITION COMMITTEE SHALL CONSULT WITH7
EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND THE8
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT ABOUT DEPARTMENTAL9
OPERATIONS CONSIDERATIONS.10
24-38-303. Transition plan - required study by transition11
advisory committee.12
(1) O N OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 30, 2026, THE TRANSITION13
COMMITTEE SHALL SUBMIT A TRANSITION PLAN TO THE JOINT B UDGET14
COMMITTEE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BUSINESS AFFAIRS AND15
LABOR COMMITTEE ; THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES EDUCATION16
COMMITTEE; THE SENATE BUSINESS , LABOR , AND TECHNOLOGY17
COMMITTEE; AND THE SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE , OR THEIR18
SUCCESSOR COMMITTEES.19
(2) (a) THE TRANSITION PLAN MUST INCLUDE RECOMMENDATIONS20
FOR THE STRUCTURE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AS A21
DEPARTMENT THAT OVERSEES A SYSTEM OF POSTSECONDARY TALENT22
DEVELOPMENT THAT INTEGRATES POSTSECONDARY EDUCATIONAL ,23
TRAINING, AND EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES FOR COLORADANS, INCLUDING:24
(I) G OVERNANCE MODELS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER25
EDUCATION, WITH CONSIDERATION FOR THE EXISTING ROLE AND26
STRUCTURE OF THE COLORADO COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION27
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ESTABLISHED IN SECTION 23-1-102 AND THE STATE WORK FORCE1
DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL CREATED IN SECTION 24-46.3-101;2
(II) THE TECHNOLOGY AND STAFFING NEEDS OF THE DEPARTMENT3
OF HIGHER EDUCATION;4
(III) DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS SYSTEMS NECESSARY OR5
BENEFICIAL FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION;6
(IV) R ENAMING THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION TO7
REFLECT ITS MISSION, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2028, TO OVERSEE A SYSTEM OF8
POSTSECONDARY TALENT DEVELOPMENT; AND9
(V) T HE TIMELINE FOR COMPLETING THE TRANSITION OF THE10
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION TO A DEPARTMENT THAT OVERSEES11
A SYSTEM OF POSTSECONDARY TALENT DEVELOPMENT.12
(b) T HE TRANSITION PLAN MUST INCLUDE RECOMMENDATIONS13
ABOUT HOW THE FOLLOWING OFFICES , AGENCIES , PROGRAMS , AND14
FUNCTIONS TRANSITION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION:15
(I) T HE PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY THE DIVISION OF16
EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING, CREATED IN SECTION 8-83-102, WITHIN THE17
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT;18
(II) THE STATE'S DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER AND FOR19
IMPLEMENTING TITLES I, II, AND III OF THE FEDERAL "WORKFORCE20
INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT", 29 U.S.C. SEC. 3101 ET SEQ.;21
(III) T HE DETERMINATIONS RELATED TO INTERNATIONAL22
STANDARD CLASSIFICATION OF EDUCATION FOR APPRENTICESHIP23
PROGRAMS, AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 8-83-1002;24
(IV) DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES RELATED TO REGIONAL TALENT25
DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES, INCLUDING THE REGIONAL TALENT SUMMIT26
GRANT PROGRAM CREATED IN SECTION 24-48.5-704 AND, IF CONTINUED27
HB26-1317-10-
BEYOND JULY 1, 2028, THE REGIONAL TALENT DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE1
GRANT PROGRAM CREATED IN SECTION 24-48.5-405, COMMONLY KNOWN2
AS OPPORTUNITY NOW COLORADO GRANTS , AND ANY SUBSEQUENT3
PROGRAMS THAT PROVIDE GRANTS TO SUPPORT REGIONAL TALENT4
DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES;5
(V) ADULT EDUCATION AND LITERACY PROGRAMS DESCRIBED IN6
ARTICLE 10 OF TITLE 22, INCLUDING THE ADULT EDUCATION AND7
LITERACY GRANT PROGRAM CREATED IN SECTION 22-10-104, AND THE8
DUTY TO CONVENE MEETINGS TO DISCUSS THE STATE 'S WORKFORCE9
DEVELOPMENT NEEDS AND THE LEVELS OF UNMET NEED FOR ADULT10
EDUCATION WITHIN THE STATE, AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 22-10-106;11
(VI) T HE COLORADO OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS CREATED IN12
SECTION 8-3.7-103; AND13
(VII) THE COLORADO DISABILITY OPPORTUNITY OFFICE CREATED14
IN SECTION 8-88-102.15
(c) THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE SHALL CONSIDER AND INCLUDE16
RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE TRANSITION PLAN ABOUT HOW THE17
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION WILL COORDINATE WITH THE18
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S POSTSECONDARY WORKFORCE READINESS19
ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS FOR YOUTH AND20
PRE-APPRENTICESHIP, WORK -BASED LEARNING , AND POSTSECONDARY21
CREDENTIAL PROGRAMS.22
(3) T HE TRANSITION COMMITTEE MAY CONSIDER AND INCLUDE23
RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE TRANSITION PLAN ABOUT:24
(a) S TRATEGIES TO SUPPORT ADULT LEARNERS SEEKING25
FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS AND CREDENTIALS , SUCH AS A HIGH SCHOOL26
DIPLOMA OR EQUIVALENT , AND POSTSECONDARY CREDENTIAL27
HB26-1317-11-
ATTAINMENT.1
(b) T HE STATE APPRENTICESHIP AGENCY CREATED IN SECTION2
8-15.7-102, INCLUDING RECOMMENDATIONS THAT MAINTAIN THE3
CONNECTION BETWEEN THE STATE APPRENTICESHIP AGENCY AND THE4
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT;5
(c) THE STATE APPRENTICESHIP COUNCIL ESTABLISHED IN SECTION6
8-15.7-105;7
(d) THE COLORADO STATE APPRENTICESHIP RESOURCE DIRECTORY8
CREATED IN SECTION 8-83-308;9
(e) R ELOCATING THE OFFICE OF FUTURE OF WORK , CREATED IN10
SECTION 8-15.8-103, TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION OR11
DISCONTINUING THE OFFICE OF FUTURE OF WORK;12
(f) RELOCATING THE STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY ESTABLISHED IN13
SECTION 24-80-201 AND COMMONLY KNOWN AS HISTORY COLORADO;14
(g) R ELOCATING THE OFFICE OF LABOR MARKET INFORMATION15
WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT;16
(h) THE GOVERNANCE OF AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGES, AS DEFINED17
IN SECTION 23-60-103; IMPROVING THE AVAILABILITY OF OCCUPATIONAL18
EDUCATION, INCLUDING REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS FOR YOUTH AND19
WORK-BASED LEARNING PATHWAYS ; AND ENABLING AREA TECHNICAL20
COLLEGES TO BEST DELIVER OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION AND SUPPORT21
SECONDARY-TO-POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION TRANSITIONS IN COLORADO;22
AND23
(i) STRATEGIES TO SUPPORT ADULT POSTSECONDARY CREDENTIAL24
ATTAINMENT, INCLUDING STRATEGIES TO SUPPORT ADULT LEARNERS IN25
ACCESSING AND COMPLETING HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMAS AND CONNECTING26
WITH ADDITIONAL EDUCATION , TRAINING , AND EMPLOYMENT27
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OPPORTUNITIES.1
(4) T HE TRANSITION COMMITTEE MAY CONSIDER HOW THE2
SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ESTABLISHED3
PURSUANT TO PART 3 OF ARTICLE 2 OF TITLE 26; STATE ADMINISTRATION4
OF THE PROGRAM TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY5
FAMILIES, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 26-2-703 (19); AND OTHER PROGRAMS6
ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC SECURITY IN THE7
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ARE ALIGNED WITH THE DEPARTMENT8
OF HIGHER EDUCATION'S MISSION, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2028, TO OVERSEE9
A SYSTEM OF POSTSECONDARY TALENT DEVELOPMENT. THE TRANSITION10
COMMITTEE MAY INCLUDE IN THE TRANSITION PLAN A RECOMMENDATION11
FOR THE PROGRAMS TO COORDINATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER12
EDUCATION.13
(5) I N PREPARING THE TRANSITION PLAN , THE TRANSITION14
COMMITTEE SHALL CONSIDER STRATEGIES TO:15
(a) E LIMINATE DUPLICATIVE OVERSIGHT OF POSTSECONDARY16
TALENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS;17
(b) CONTINUE EFFORTS TO ALIGN THE POSTSECONDARY TALENT18
DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM , INCLUDING STRATEGIES TO REDUCE19
BUREAUCRACY AND ENSURE ALIGNMENT WITH RELATED PROGRAMS THAT20
ARE NOT ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION, AS21
RECOMMENDED BY THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE;22
(c) A LIGN POSTSECONDARY TALENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS23
AND SERVICES AMONG THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND24
EXISTING STATE AGENCIES; AND25
(d) E NSURE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION , TRAINING , AND26
EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS.27
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(6) T HE TRANSITION COMMITTEE SHALL NOT INCLUDE IN THE1
TRANSITION PLAN ANY RECOMMENDATION THAT IS INCONSISTENT WITH2
OR, IF IMPLEMENTED, WOULD:3
(a) BE INCONSISTENT WITH OR WOULD RESULT IN A VIOLATION OF4
FEDERAL LAW OR RULE , INCLUDING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE5
APPRENTICESHIP AGENCIES IN 29 CFR 29.13;6
(b) CHANGE THE APPOINTING AUTHORITY FOR, OR MEMBERSHIP OF,7
THE STATE APPRENTICESHIP COUNCIL , CREATED IN SECTION 8-15.7-105;8
THE COMMITTEE FOR APPRENTICESHIP IN NEW AND EMERGING INDUSTRIES,9
CREATED IN SECTION 8-15.7-104; OR THE COMMITTEE FOR APPRENTICESHIP10
IN THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES , CREATED IN SECTION11
8-15.7-103; OR12
(c) CHANGE THE STATE APPRENTICESHIP AGENCY 'S STATUS AS A13
TYPE 1 ENTITY.14
24-38-304. Funding - in-kind donations.15
(1) T HE GOVERNOR 'S OFFICE MAY SEEK , ACCEPT , AND EXPEND16
GIFTS, GRANTS, OR DONATIONS FROM PRIVATE OR PUBLIC SOURCES FOR17
THE PURPOSES OF THIS PART 3. THE GOVERNOR 'S OFFICE MAY ACCEPT18
DONATIONS OF IN -KIND SERVICES FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS PART 3,19
INCLUDING FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.20
(2) T HE GOVERNOR 'S OFFICE AND THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE21
SHALL CARRY OUT THIS PART 3 WITHIN EXISTING APPROPRIATIONS.22
24-38-305. Repeal of part.23
THIS PART 3 IS REPEALED, EFFECTIVE JUNE 30, 2027.24
SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 24-1-114, amend (1),25
(2), and (5)(b); and add (1.1) and (1.5) as follows:26
24-1-114. Department of higher education - creation - mission27
HB26-1317-14-
- legislative intent - definitions.1
(1) There is hereby created a THE department of higher education,2
the head of which shall be IS the executive director of the Colorado3
commission on higher education DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION ,4
who shall be IS appointed by the governor and whose powers and duties5
are as specified in this section.6
(1.1) (a) BEGINNING JULY 1, 2028, THE DEPARTMENT'S MISSION IS7
TO OVERSEE A SYSTEM OF POSTSECONDARY TALENT DEVELOPMENT THAT8
INTEGRATES POSTSECONDARY EDUCATIONAL , TRAINING , AND9
EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES FOR COLORADANS. IT IS THE INTENT OF THE10
GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO EVALUATE THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE11
POSTSECONDARY TALENT DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM TRANSITION ADVISORY12
COMMITTEE CREATED IN SECTION 24-38-302, MAKE ANY NECESSARY13
STATUTORY CHANGES TO EFFECTUATE THE EXPANSION OF THE14
DEPARTMENT'S MISSION TO OVERSEE A SYSTEM OF POSTSECONDARY15
TALENT DEVELOPMENT, AND RENAME THE DEPARTMENT ACCORDINGLY.16
(b) THIS SUBSECTION (1.1) IS REPEALED, EFFECTIVE JUNE 30, 2029.17
(1.5) (a) A S USED IN THIS SECTION , UNLESS THE CONTEXT18
OTHERWISE REQUIRES:19
(I) "COMMISSION" MEANS THE COLORADO COMMISSION ON HIGHER20
EDUCATION CREATED IN SECTION 23-1-102.21
(II) "D EPARTMENT" MEANS THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER22
EDUCATION.23
(III) "EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR" MEANS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF24
THE DEPARTMENT.25
(b) (I) EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2028, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE26
COLORADO COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION IS RENAMED THE27
HB26-1317-15-
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION.1
(II) O N AND AFTER JULY 1, 2028, AS USED IN EVERY STATUTE ,2
UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES , "EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF3
THE COLORADO COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION " MEANS THE4
"EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION".5
(III) THE REVISOR OF STATUTES IS AUTHORIZED TO CHANGE ALL6
REFERENCES IN THE COLORADO REVISED STATUTES TO THE EXECUTIVE7
DIRECTOR OF THE COLORADO COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION , AS8
APPROPRIATE.9
(2) The Colorado commission on higher education and the office10
of executive director of the commission DEPARTMENT, created in article11
1 of title 23, are type 1 entities, as defined in section 24-1-105, and12
exercise their powers and perform their duties and functions under the13
department. of higher education.14
(5) (b) With respect to the Colorado commission on higher15
education and the universities, colleges, and boards specified in16
subsection (4) of this section, th e executive director has only those17
powers, duties, and functions prescribed in article 1 of title 23; except that18
the executive director of the Colorado commission on higher education19
is authorized to negotiate, implement, and monitor contracts, as described20
in sections 23-18-201 (2), 23-18-303.5, and 23-18-304, with universities,21
colleges, and boards, in consultation with the Colorado commission on22
higher education.23
SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 23-1-101.1, amend24
(3) as follows:25
23-1-101.1. Definitions.26
As used in this article 1, unless the context otherwise requires:27
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(3) "Executive director" means the office of the executive director1
of the Colorado commission on higher education created and existing2
pursuant to section 24-1-114, C.R.S. DEPARTMENT.3
SECTION 5. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 23-1-110, repeal4
(2)(a), (3), and (4); and add (2)(c) as follows:5
23-1-110. Organization, meetings, and staff - repeal.6
(2) (a) The governor shall appoint, with the consent of the senate,7
an executive director qualified by substantial training and experience in8
the field of higher education. The executive director shall be the9
executive officer of the commission and the department, shall serve at the10
pleasure of the governor, and shall receive compensation commensurate11
with the duties of the office as determined by the governor. The duties12
and responsibilities of the executive director shall be discharged in13
accordance with the policies, procedures, and directives of the14
commission and the department. The executive director shall employ such15
professional and clerical personnel as deemed necessary to carry out the16
duties and functions of the commission and the department. Offices held17
by the executive director and professional personnel are declared to be18
educational in nature and not under the state personnel system.19
(c) (I) E FFECTIVE JULY 1, 2028, IN THIS HOUSE BILL 26-____,20
ENACTED IN 2026, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE COLORADO21
COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION IS RENAMED THE EXECUTIVE22
DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION.23
(II) T HIS SUBSECTION (2)(c) IS REPEALED, EFFECTIVE JUNE 30,24
2029.25
(3) The executive director shall conduct all studies and programs26
of the commission and coordinate such studies and programs with those27
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of other state agencies having duties and functions concerned with higher1
education, so as to avoid duplication of programs and staff.2
(4) The executive director shall review and approve or deny any3
proposed action or recommendation of the private occupational school4
board acting pursuant to article 64 of this title 23.5
SECTION 6. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add article 1.1 to title6
23 as follows:7
ARTICLE 1.18
Department of Higher Education9
23-1.1-101. Definitions.10
AS USED IN THIS ARTICLE 1.1, UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE11
REQUIRES:12
(1) "D EPARTMENT" MEANS THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER13
EDUCATION CREATED IN SECTION 24-1-114.14
(2) "EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR" MEANS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF15
THE DEPARTMENT.16
23-1.1-102. Department structure - mission - duties.17
(1) (a) T HE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION IS CREATED IN18
SECTION 24-1-114. THE DEPARTMENT'S MISSION IS TO OVERSEE A SYSTEM19
OF POSTSECONDARY TALENT DEVELOPMENT THAT INTEGRATES20
POSTSECONDARY EDUCATIONAL, TRAINING, AND EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES21
FOR COLORADANS.22
(b) P URSUANT TO SECTION 24-1-114, THE HEAD OF THE23
DEPARTMENT IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.24
(2) THE DEPARTMENT CONSISTS OF THE OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE25
DIRECTOR AND THE DIVISIONS , SECTIONS, OTHER UNITS , AND ADVISORY26
BOARDS AS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MAY ESTABLISH ; AS MAY BE27
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SPECIFIED IN THIS TITLE 23; AND AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 24-1-114.1
(3) T HE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MAY ESTABLISH DIVISIONS ,2
SECTIONS, OTHER UNITS , AND ADVISORY BOARDS WITHIN THE3
DEPARTMENT AS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DETERMINES ARE NECESSARY4
FOR THE PROPER AND EFFICIENT DISCHARGE OF THE POWERS, DUTIES, AND5
FUNCTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT.6
(4) T HE DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ADMINISTERING THE7
FUNCTIONS AND PROGRAMS AS SET FORTH IN THIS TITLE 23 AND AS8
OTHERWISE REQUIRED BY LAW.9
23-1.1-103. Executive director of the department -10
appointment - duties - repeal.11
(1) (a) THE GOVERNOR SHALL APPOINT, WITH THE CONSENT OF THE12
SENATE, AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR QUALIFIED BY SUBSTANTIAL TRAINING13
AND EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE14
DEVELOPMENT. THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IS THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF15
THE COMMISSION AND THE DEPARTMENT, SERVES AT THE PLEASURE OF THE16
GOVERNOR, AND MUST RECEIVE COMPENSATION COMMENSURATE WITH17
THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICE AS DETERMINED BY THE GOVERNOR . THE18
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHALL DISCHARGE THEIR DUTIES AND19
RESPONSIBILITIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND20
DIRECTIVES OF THE COMMISSION AND THE DEPARTMENT. THE EXECUTIVE21
DIRECTOR SHALL EMPLOY PROFESSIONAL AND CLERICAL PERSONNEL AS22
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DEEMS NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE DUTIES23
AND FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION AND THE DEPARTMENT . OFFICES24
HELD BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL ARE25
DECLARED TO BE EDUCATIONAL IN NATURE AND NOT UNDER THE STATE26
PERSONNEL SYSTEM.27
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(b) (I) NOTWITHSTANDING SUBSECTION (1)(a) OF THIS SECTION,1
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE COLORADO COMMISSION ON HIGHER2
EDUCATION ON JUNE 30, 2028, BECOMES THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE3
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION ON JULY 1, 2028, UNLESS THE4
GOVERNOR APPOINTS A DIFFERENT PERSON TO ASSUME THE OFFICE OF THE5
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION6
EFFECTIVE ON JULY 1, 2028.7
(II) THIS SUBSECTION (1)(b) IS REPEALED, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 31,8
2035.9
(2) T HE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HAS THE POWERS , DUTIES , AND10
FUNCTIONS PRESCRIBED IN ARTICLE 1 OF TITLE 24 FOR HEADS OF PRINCIPAL11
DEPARTMENTS, AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 24-1-114, AND HAS THE12
POWERS, DUTIES, AND FUNCTIONS SET FORTH IN STATE LAW.13
(3) THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHALL CONDUCT ALL STUDIES AND14
PROGRAMS OF THE COMMISSION AND COORDINATE THE STUDIES AND15
PROGRAMS WITH THOSE OF OTHER STATE AGENCIES HAVING DUTIES AND16
FUNCTIONS CONCERNED WITH HIGHER EDUCATION , SO AS TO AVOID17
DUPLICATION OF PROGRAMS AND STAFF.18
(4) THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHALL REVIEW AND APPROVE OR19
DENY ANY PROPOSED ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION OF THE PRIVATE20
OCCUPATIONAL SCHOOL BOARD ACTING PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 64 OF THIS21
TITLE 23.22
SECTION 7. Effective date. (1) Except as otherwise provided23
in this section, this act takes effect upon passage.24
(2) Sections 4 and 6 of this act take effect July 1, 2028.25
(3) Section 24-1-114 (1), (1.5), (2), and (5)(b), Colorado Revised26
Statutes, amended in section 3 of this act, takes effect July 1, 2028.27
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(4) Section 23-1-110 (2)(a), (3), and (4), Colorado Revised1
Statutes, amended in section 5 of this act, takes effect July 1, 2028.2
SECTION 8. Safety clause. The general assembly finds,3
determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate4
preservation of the public peace, health, or safety or for appropriations for5
the support and maintenance of the departments of the state and state6
institutions.7
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