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Second Regular Session
Seventy-fifth General Assembly
STATE OF COLORADO
REENGROSSED
This Version Includes All Amendments
Adopted in the House of Introduction
LLS NO. 26-0661.01 Anna Petrini x5497 SENATE BILL 26-080
Senate Committees House Committees
Local Government & Housing
Appropriations
A BILL FOR AN ACT
CONCERNING CREATING THE CRADLE TO CAREER GRANT PROGRAM.101
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 cradle to career grant program (grant program)
in the state department of human services (state department) to provide
grants that promote coordinated community-based supports and services
that open opportunities for economic mobility from poverty. The grant
program must connect children and youth with high-quality educational
and extracurricular programming and families with key health and social
services in order to improve prenatal and early childhood outcomes,
student achievement, and workforce readiness. A local government, local
SENATE
3rd Reading Unamended
April 13, 2026
SENATE
Amended 2nd Reading
April 10, 2026
SENATE SPONSORSHIP
Coleman and Simpson, Amabile, Cutter, Danielson, E xum, Gonzales J., Jodeh, Kipp,
Lindstedt, Marchman, Wallace
HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
Lukens and English,
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.
education provider, state institution of higher education, Indian tribe or
tribal organization, or community-based nonprofit or not-for-profit
organization (eligible entity) is eligible for a grant award.
The bill creates an advisory board to approve the state department's
potential grant recipients and to collaborate with the state department to
develop grant program guidelines and criteria for awarding grants.
To receive a grant, an eligible entity must submit an application
that includes an economic mobility needs assessment and a
comprehensive proposal to address the needs within its designated service
area. The application must identify community partners as prospective
subcontractors. Each grant recipient must annually report to the state
department on a set of performance indicators assessing the economic
mobility outcomes and impacts associated with the grant award. The state
department must make a related report to the general assembly each year.
The state department may seek, accept, and expend gifts, grants,
and donations for grant-program-related purposes. The state department
is not required to implement the grant program until sufficient money is
available to adequately fund grant program operations. The general
assembly shall not appropriate general fund dollars for grant program
operations in its first year. General fund appropriations for grant program
operations in subsequent years are limited to 50% of the gifts, grants, and
donations that the program received in the prior calendar year.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:1
SECTION 1. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add article 25 to title2
26 as follows:3
ARTICLE 254
Cradle to Career Grant Program5
26-25-101. Short title.6
THE SHORT TITLE OF THIS ARTICLE 25 IS THE "CRADLE TO CAREER7
GRANT PROGRAM ACT".8
26-25-102. Definitions.9
AS USED IN THIS ARTICLE 25, UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE10
REQUIRES:11
12
(1) "CHILD" HAS THE MEANING SET FORTH IN SECTION 19-1-103.13
080-2-
(2) "COUNCIL" MEANS THE CRADLE TO CAREER ADVISORY COUNCIL1
CREATED IN SECTION 26-25-104.2
(3) "D ESIGNATED SERVICE AREA " MEANS A GEOGRAPHICALLY3
BOUNDED LOCAL SERVICE AREA IN WHICH THE CONCENTRATION OF4
POVERTY MEETS THE LEVEL SPECIFIED IN SECTION 26-25-103 (5)(b)(I).5
(4) "ELIGIBLE ENTITY" MEANS A LOCAL GOVERNMENT , A LOCAL6
EDUCATION PROVIDER, A STATE INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION, AN7
INDIAN TRIBE OR TRIBAL ORGANIZATION , OR A NONPROFIT OR8
NOT-FOR-PROFIT COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION.9
(5) "FUND" MEANS THE CRADLE TO CAREER GRANT PROGRAM CASH10
FUND CREATED IN SECTION 26-25-107.11
(6) "G RANT PROGRAM" MEANS THE CRADLE TO CAREER GRANT12
PROGRAM CREATED IN SECTION 26-25-103.13
(7) "LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER" MEANS:14
(a) A SCHOOL DISTRICT;15
(b) A CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORIZED BY A SCHOOL DISTRICT16
PURSUANT TO PART 1 OF ARTICLE 30.5 OF TITLE 22;17
(c) A CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORIZED BY THE STATE CHARTER18
SCHOOL INSTITUTE PURSUANT TO PART 5 OF ARTICLE 30.5 OF TITLE 22; OR19
(d) A BOARD OF COOPERATIVE SERVICES CREATED AND OPERATING20
PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 5 OF TITLE 22.21
(8) "LOCAL GOVERNMENT" MEANS A STATUTORY OR HOME RULE22
CITY, TOWN, CITY AND COUNTY, OR COUNTY.23
(9) "SUBCONTRACTED ENTITY" MEANS AN ELIGIBLE ENTITY THAT24
ENTERS A FORMAL PARTNERSHIP WITH AN ELIGIBLE ENTITY RECEIVING A25
GRANT PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE 25 AND THAT PROVIDES26
COMPLEMENTARY COMMUNITY RESOURCES IN THE GRANT RECIPIENT 'S27
080-3-
DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA.1
(10) "YOUTH" MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS UNDER TWENTY-FIVE2
YEARS OLD.3
26-25-103. Cr adle to career grant program - created -4
program guidelines and criteria - rules.5
(1) THE CRADLE TO CAREER GRANT PROGRAM IS CREATED IN THE6
STATE DEPARTMENT . THE PURPOSE OF THE GRANT PROGRAM IS TO7
PROVIDE GRANTS TO ELIGIBLE ENTITIES TO PROMOTE COORDINATED8
COMMUNITY-BASED SUPPORTS AND SERVICES THAT OPEN OPPORTUNITIES9
FOR ECONOMIC MOBILITY FROM POVERTY . THE GRANT PROGRAM MUST10
CONNECT CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATIONAL AND11
EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMMING AND FAMILIES WITH KEY HEALTH AND12
SOCIAL SERVICES IN ORDER TO IMPROVE PRENATAL AND EARLY13
CHILDHOOD OUTCOMES , STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT , AND WORKFORCE14
READINESS; TO HELP CHILDREN AND YOUTH MAKE SMOOTH TRANSITIONS15
THROUGHOUT THE SECONDARY AND POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION16
SYSTEMS; AND TO CREATE WEALTH BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES THAT17
PROMOTE LIFELONG FINANCIAL SECURITY.18
(2) GRANT RECIPIENTS MAY USE THE MONEY RECEIVED THROUGH19
THE GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES:20
(a) P ROMOTING FAMILY STABILITY AND WELL -BEING THROUGH21
ACCESS TO:22
(I) SAFE, AFFORDABLE, AND STABLE HOUSING;23
(II) H IGH-QUALITY CHILD CARE AND EARLY CHILDHOOD24
PROGRAMS THAT SUPPORT CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND SUCCESSFUL25
TRANSITIONS TO AND THROUGH ELEMENTARY EDUCATION;26
(III) A DEQUATE NUTRITION AND HEALTH CARE , INCLUDING27
080-4-
MATERNAL, BEHAVIORAL, AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE; AND1
(IV) S UPPORTS AND SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH2
DISABILITIES;3
(b) I MPLEMENTING FAMILY -STRENGTHENING PUBLIC SAFETY4
PROTECTIONS , COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES , AND5
INTERVENTIONS THAT ENHANCE CHILD AND YOUTH WELFARE , PREVENT6
JUSTICE-SYSTEM INVOLVEMENT, AND REDUCE EXPOSURE TO SUBSTANCE7
USE, FAMILY CONFLICT, AND CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT;8
(c) P ROVIDING HIGH -QUALITY EDUCATIONAL AND ACADEMIC9
ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR K-12 STUDENTS THAT SUPPLEMENT BUT10
DO NOT SUPPLANT INSTRUCTIONAL TIME, INCLUDING OUT-OF-SCHOOL-TIME11
PROGRAMS THAT:12
(I) FOCUS ON SPORTS AND FITNESS, CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP,13
OR ARTS AND CULTURE; AND14
(II) R EINFORCE AND COMPLEMENT SCHOOL -BASED ACADEMIC15
PROGRAMS IN A SAFE AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT;16
(d) C ONNECTING YOUTH TO QUALITY JOBS AND IN -DEMAND17
OCCUPATIONS THROUGH POSTSECONDARY AND WORKFORCE READINESS18
PROGRAMS THAT MAY INCLUDE WORK -BASED LEARNING , CREDENTIAL19
COMPLETION, OR APPRENTICESHIPS , WITH A FOCUS ON HIGH -NEED,20
IN-DEMAND CAREER PATHWAYS;21
(e) U SING ASSET -BUILDING STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS WEALTH22
DISPARITIES AND INCREASE ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION , HOME23
OWNERSHIP, AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP;24
(f) C OORDINATING AND ALIGNING PROGRAMS AND STRATEGIES25
WITHIN A DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA, INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF26
SHARED DATA SYSTEMS; AND27
080-5-
(g) L EVERAGING ADDITIONAL FEDERAL , LOCAL , OR PRIVATE1
FUNDING FOR POVERTY REDUCTION INITIATIVES IN THE ELIGIBLE ENTITY'S2
DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA.3
(3) T HE STATE DEPARTMENT SHALL ADMINISTER THE GRANT4
PROGRAM AND, SUBJECT TO AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS, SHALL AWARD5
GRANTS AS PROVIDED IN THIS ARTICLE 25. GRANTS MUST BE PAID OUT OF6
THE CRADLE TO CAREER GRANT PROGRAM CASH FUND CREATED IN7
SECTION 26-25-107.8
(4) T HE STATE DEPARTMENT SHALL IMPLEMENT THE GRANT9
PROGRAM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS ARTICLE 25. THE STATE10
DEPARTMENT SHALL ADOPT THE RULES REQUIRED IN THIS ARTICLE 25 AND11
ANY ADDITIONAL RULES NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE GRANT PROGRAM.12
(5) (a) T HE STATE DEPARTMENT , IN COLLABORATION WITH THE13
COUNCIL, SHALL DEVELOP AND MAKE AVAILABLE PROGRAM GUIDELINES,14
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:15
(I) G UIDELINES FOR THE CONTENT OF AN ECONOMIC MOBILITY16
NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND COMPREHENSIVE PROPOSAL FOR SINGLE ELIGIBLE17
ENTITY APPLICANTS AND MULTIPLE ELIGIBLE ENTITY APPLICANTS18
APPLYING JOINTLY PURSUANT TO SECTION 26-25-105 (2);19
(II) GUIDELINES FOR PROPOSING, APPROVING, AND IMPLEMENTING20
DIFFERENT GRANT STRUCTURES TO PROMOTE BUILDING CAPACITY FOR21
DELIVERING, IN AN APPLICANT 'S DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA , SERVICES22
THAT PROMOTE ECONOMIC MOBILITY. GRANT STRUCTURES MAY INCLUDE23
PLANNING, EARLY IMPLEMENTATION, AND FULL IMPLEMENTATION PHASES24
FOR SERVICE DELIVERY.25
(III) P ROCESSES FOR AN ELIGIBLE ENTITY TO SOLICIT AND26
INCORPORATE INTO ITS COMPREHENSIVE PROPOSAL INPUT FROM27
080-6-
ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS IN THE COMMUNITY PURSUANT TO1
SUBSECTION (5)(b)(III) OF THIS SECTION.2
(b) I N ADDITION TO THE GUIDELINES DEVELOPED PURSUANT TO3
SUBSECTION (5)(a) OF THIS SECTION , THE STATE DEPARTMENT , IN4
COLLABORATION WITH THE COUNCIL , SHALL DEVELOP CRITERIA FOR5
AWARDING GRANTS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO , THE FOLLOWING6
REQUIREMENTS:7
(I) THAT THE COMPREHENSIVE PROPOSAL TARGETS A DESIGNATED8
SERVICE AREA IN WHICH AT LEAST THIRTY PERCENT OF HOUSEHOLDS WITH9
CHILDREN HAVE AN ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME AT OR BELOW TWO10
HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LINE;11
(II) T HAT THE ELIGIBLE ENTITY 'S COMPREHENSIVE PROPOSAL12
PRIORITIZES CONNECTING CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH HIGH -QUALITY13
EDUCATIONAL, EXTRACURRICULAR, OR WORKFORCE PROGRAMMING OR14
FAMILIES WITH KEY HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES IN ACCORDANCE WITH15
THE AREAS OF GREATEST NEED IDENTIFIED IN THE ELIGIBLE ENTITY 'S16
NEEDS ASSESSMENT;17
(III) T HAT THE ELIGIBLE ENTITY HAS SOLICITED AND18
INCORPORATED INTO ITS COMPREHENSIVE PROPOSAL INPUT FROM19
ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS IN THE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING LOCAL20
EDUCATION PROVIDERS, COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTERS, LOCAL21
NONPROFIT OR NOT -FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS , LOCAL LAW22
ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES , BUSINESSES , AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT23
LEADERS; AND24
(IV) T HAT THE COMPREHENSIVE PROPOSAL RELIES ON25
EVIDENCE-BASED OR EVIDENCE-INFORMED PRACTICES IN THE DELIVERY OF26
SERVICES, SUPPORTS, AND OPPORTUNITIES.27
080-7-
(c) A N ELIGIBLE ENTITY THAT RECEIVES A GRANT AWARD1
PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE 25 MUST:2
(I) COMPLY WITH ALL APPLICABLE STATE AND LOCAL HEALTH AND3
SAFETY REGULATIONS;4
(II) R EQUIRE ITS EMPLOYEES TO SUBMIT TO A NAME -BASED5
CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD CHECK;6
(III) R EQUIRE EVIDENCE OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ,7
INCLUDING BONDING OR LICENSURE , FOR EMPLOYEES INVOLVED IN THE8
ELIGIBLE ENTITY'S FINANCIAL AFFAIRS;9
(IV) COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE "COLORADO OPEN10
RECORDS ACT", PART 2 OF ARTICLE 72 OF TITLE 24;11
(V) D ELIVER SERVICES OR ACCEPT PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS12
WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE , COLOR , NATIONAL ORIGIN , CREED , SEX ,13
GENDER IDENTITY , ETHNICITY , SEXUAL ORIENTATION , MENTAL OR14
PHYSICAL DISABILITY , ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE , PROFICIENCY IN THE15
ENGLISH LANGUAGE, OR PAST ACADEMIC OR DISCIPLINARY HISTORY; AND16
(VI) COMPLY WITH ALL APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS17
PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION , INCLUDING TITLE IX OF THE FEDERAL18
"EDUCATION AMENDMENTS OF 1972", THE FEDERAL "AMERICANS WITH19
DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990", SECTION 504 OF THE FEDERAL20
"REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973", AND TITLES VI AND VII OF THE FEDERAL21
"CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964.22
(d) IN ADDITION TO THE GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA DEVELOPED23
PURSUANT TO SUBSECTIONS (5)(a) AND (5)(b) OF THIS SECTION, THE STATE24
DEPARTMENT SHALL ESTABLISH TIMELINES FOR SUBMITTING AND25
REVIEWING GRANT APPLICATIONS AND TIMELINES FOR SUBMITTING THE26
LIST OF ELIGIBLE ENTITIES CHOSEN TO RECEIVE GRANTS TO THE COUNCIL.27
080-8-
(6) T HE STATE DEPARTMENT IS ONLY REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT1
SECTIONS 26-25-103 (3), 26-25-103 (4), 26-25-103 (5), 26-25-104,2
26-25-105, AND 26-25-106 IF THE SECTIONS BECOME EFFECTIVE PURSUANT3
TO SECTION 26-25-108. THE WORK OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT , THE4
BOARD, OR ANY OTHER ENTITY CONDUCTED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE5
25 IS CONTINGENT ON MONEY BEING AVAILABLE TO IMPLEMENT THIS6
ARTICLE 25.7
26-25-104. Cradle to career advisory council - created - duties8
- repeal.9
(1) THE CRADLE TO CAREER ADVISORY COUNCIL IS CREATED IN THE10
STATE DEPARTMENT.11
12
(2) (a) THE COUNCIL CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS:13
(I) THE GOVERNOR SHALL APPOINT:14
(A) O NE MEMBER WHO IS AN EDUCATOR WITH EXPERIENCE IN15
EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION;16
(B) O NE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF A NONPROFIT17
ORGANIZATION OR INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION WITH EXPERTISE18
IN MEASURING CHILD AND YOUTH POVERTY AND IMPLEMENTING POLICIES19
TO ALLEVIATE IT; AND20
(C) O NE MEMBER WHO HAS EXPERTISE IN POSTSECONDARY21
EDUCATION AND STATE WORKFORCE READINESS INITIATIVES.22
(II) T HE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE SHALL APPOINT A MEMBER23
WHO, AT THE TIME OF APPOINTMENT , HAS BEEN SERVING IN A24
PROFESSIONAL CAPACITY AT A COLORADO PUBLIC SCHOOL OR SCHOOL25
DISTRICT FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS , AND WHO HAS HAD DIRECT26
RESPONSIBILITY FOR AND ACTIVELY PARTICIPATED IN THE27
080-9-
IMPLEMENTATION OF A COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY SCHOOL STRATEGY.1
(III) THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES2
SHALL APPOINT A REPRESENTATIVE OF AN ELIGIBLE ENTITY WHO HAS3
EXPERTISE IN ECONOMIC MOBILITY ISSUES.4
(b) I N APPOINTING THE MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL , THE5
APPOINTING AUTHORITIES SHALL CONSIDER ETHNICITY , GENDER , AND6
GEOGRAPHIC REPRESENTATION TO PROMOTE DIVERSE COUNCIL7
MEMBERSHIP.8
(c) T HE APPOINTING AUTHORITIES SHALL MAKE THE INITIAL9
APPOINTMENTS TO THE COUNCIL NO LATER THAN ONE MONTH AFTER THE10
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION.11
(d) EACH MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL WHO IS APPOINTED PURSUANT12
TO THIS SECTION SERVES AT THE PLEASURE OF THE COUNCIL MEMBER'S13
RESPECTIVE APPOINTING AUTHORITY. THE TERM OF APPOINTMENT IS FOUR14
YEARS; EXCEPT THAT THE TERM OF EACH MEMBER INITIALLY APPOINTED15
PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION IS TWO YEARS.16
(3) MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL SERVE WITHOUT COMPENSATION.17
(4) (a) NO LATER THAN TWO MONTHS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE18
OF THIS SECTION , BUT NOT BEFORE OCTOBER 1, 2026, THE EXECUTIVE19
DIRECTOR SHALL ORGANIZE AND CONVENE THE FIRST MEETING OF THE20
COUNCIL.21
(b) T HE COUNCIL SHALL ELECT A CHAIR FROM AMONG THE22
COUNCIL'S MEMBERS TO SERVE FOR A TERM NOT TO EXCEED TWO YEARS,23
AS DETERMINED BY THE COUNCIL . A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL IS NOT24
ELIGIBLE TO SERVE AS CHAIR FOR MORE THAN TWO SUCCESSIVE TERMS.25
(c) THE COUNCIL SHALL MEET AT LEAST TWO TIMES PER YEAR. THE26
CHAIR MAY CALL ADDITIONAL MEETINGS AS ARE NECESSARY FOR THE27
080-10-
COUNCIL TO COMPLETE ITS DUTIES.1
(5) THE COUNCIL SHALL:2
(a) APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE ELIGIBLE ENTITIES THAT THE STATE3
DEPARTMENT HAS SELECTED AS POTENTIAL GRANT RECIPIENTS; AND4
(b) COLLABORATE WITH THE STATE DEPARTMENT TO DEVELOP AND5
MAKE AVAILABLE GRANT PROGRAM GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA FOR6
AWARDING GRANTS PURSUANT TO SECTION 26-25-103 (5)(a) AND (5)(b).7
26-25-105. Cradle to career grant program - application -8
awards.9
(1) TO RECEIVE A GRANT, AN ELIGIBLE ENTITY MUST SUBMIT AN10
APPLICATION TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULES11
ADOPTED BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. AT A MINIMUM, THE APPLICATION12
MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:13
(a) A COMMUNITY ECONOMIC MOBILITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT THAT:14
(I) IDENTIFIES THE APPLICANT'S DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA;15
(II) ANALYZES EXISTING CONDITIONS AND ECONOMIC MOBILITY16
OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH AND THEIR FAMILIES IN THE17
DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA; AND18
(III) I NCLUDES QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DATA19
MEASURING POVERTY, DEMOGRAPHIC DISPARITIES, AND NEEDS WITHIN THE20
DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA IN CONNECTION WITH EACH OF THE21
PERMISSIBLE USES OF GRANT MONEY IDENTIFIED IN SECTION 26-25-103 (2),22
AND SPECIFIES AT LEAST ONE POLICY AREA AS THE FOCAL POINT FOR23
INTERVENTION;24
(b) A PROPOSAL FOR THE FORMATION OF A FORMAL PARTNERSHIP25
WITH OTHER ELIGIBLE ENTITIES THAT CAN PROVIDE COMPLEMENTARY26
COMMUNITY RESOURCES IN THE APPLICANT'S DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA.27
080-11-
THE PROPOSAL FOR THE FORMATION OF A FORMAL PARTNERSHIP MUST1
IDENTIFY ALL PROSPECTIVE SUBCONTRACTED ENTITIES AND DESCRIBE HOW2
MONEY RECEIVED THROUGH A GRANT AWARDED PURSUANT TO THIS3
ARTICLE 25 WILL BE ALLOCATED.4
(c) A COMPREHENSIVE PROPOSAL:5
(I) T O DEVELOP OR EXPAND COORDINATED COMMUNITY -BASED6
SUPPORTS AND SERVICES THAT OPEN OPPORTUNITIES FOR ECONOMIC7
MOBILITY FROM POVERTY IN THE DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA;8
(II) T HAT LEVERAGES A PARTNERSHIP PROPOSED PURSUANT TO9
SUBSECTION (1)(b) OF THIS SECTION TO PROVIDE A COORDINATED10
CONTINUUM OF SUPPORTS AND SERVICES THAT OPEN OPPORTUNITIES FOR11
ECONOMIC MOBILITY FROM POVERTY; AND12
(III) THAT PRIORITIZES CONNECTING CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH13
HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATIONAL , EXTRACURRICULAR , OR WORKFORCE14
PROGRAMMING OR FAMILIES WITH KEY HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES IN15
ACCORDANCE WITH THE AREAS OF GREATEST NEED IDENTIFIED IN THE16
ECONOMIC MOBILITY NEEDS ASSE SSMENT SUBMITTED PURSUANT TO17
SUBSECTION (1)(a) OF THIS SECTION.18
(2) TWO OR MORE ELIGIBLE ENTITIES MAY JOINTLY APPLY FOR A19
GRANT AWARD TO DELIVER SERVICES ON A REGIONAL BASIS AND MAY20
RECEIVE A JOINT GRANT AWARD THAT IS THE AGGREGATE OF THE21
AMOUNTS EACH INDIVIDUAL ELIGIBLE ENTITY WOULD HAVE RECEIVED HAD22
EACH ELIGIBLE ENTITY APPLIED INDEPENDENTLY.23
(3) T HE STATE DEPARTMENT SHALL REVIEW ALL APPLICATIONS24
RECEIVED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION AND SELECT THE GRANT RECIPIENTS25
AND THE AMOUNT OF EACH GRANT. THE STATE DEPARTMENT SHALL NOT26
AWARD A GRANT WITHOUT THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE COUNCIL , AS27
080-12-
DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (4) OF THIS SECTION.1
(4) T HE STATE DEPARTMENT , IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE2
TIMELINES ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 26-25-103 (5)(c), SHALL3
SUBMIT TO THE COUNCIL A LIST OF THE APPLICANTS CHOSEN TO RECEIVE4
GRANTS. THE COUNCIL SHALL EITHER APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE THE5
ENTIRE LIST OF ENTITIES BY RESPONDING TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT6
WITHIN TWENTY DAYS AFTER SUBMISSION . IF THE COUNCIL DOES NOT7
RESPOND TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT WITHIN TWENTY DAYS AFTER8
RECEIPT OF THE LIST, THE LIST IS APPROVED. IF THE COUNCIL DISAPPROVES9
THE LIST , THE STATE DEPARTMENT MAY SUBMIT A REPLACEMENT LIST10
WITHIN THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DISAPPROVAL.11
(5) T HE STATE DEPARTMENT SHALL AWARD EACH GRANT12
APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL . EACH GRANT IS FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR13
YEARS. AN ELIGIBLE ENTITY THAT RECEIVES A GRANT PURSUANT TO THIS14
ARTICLE 25 MAY APPLY FOR A ONE - OR TWO -YEAR EXTENSION OF THE15
GRANT PERIOD.16
(6) T HE STATE DEPARTMENT SHALL BEGIN AWARDING GRANTS17
PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE 25 ONLY AFTER THE BALANCE OF THE FUND18
REACHES OR EXCEEDS NINE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS. SUBJECT TO19
AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS, ON OR BEFORE JULY 1, 2027, THE STATE20
DEPARTMENT SHALL AWARD AT LEAST TWO GRANTS AS PROVIDED IN THIS21
ARTICLE 25. SUBJECT TO AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS , ON OR BEFORE22
JULY 1 IN EACH SUBSEQUENT YEAR OF THE GRANT PROGRAM, THE STATE23
DEPARTMENT SHALL AWARD ADDITIONAL GRANTS AS PROVIDED IN THIS24
ARTICLE 25.25
(7) W ITH THE STATE DEPARTMENT 'S APPROVAL , AN ELIGIBLE26
ENTITY MAY ENTER A FORMAL PARTNERSHIP , AS DESCRIBED IN27
080-13-
SUBSECTION (1) OF THIS SECTION , AND SUBCONTRACT WITH AND PAY1
MONEY RECEIVED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE 25 TO SUBCONTRACTED2
ENTITIES TO PROVIDE A COORDINATED CONTINUUM OF SERVICES ,3
SUPPORTS, AND OPPORTUNITIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE4
FORMAL PARTNERSHIP. A FORMAL PARTNERSHIP MUST INCLUDE A LOCAL5
GOVERNMENT, A LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER , AND A NONPROFIT OR6
NOT-FOR-PROFIT COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION.7
(8) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS ARTICLE 258
TO THE CONTRARY , THE STATE DEPARTMENT IS NOT REQUIRED TO9
IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE 25 UNTIL THE BALANCE10
OF THE FUND REACHES OR EXCEEDS NINE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS.11
26-25-106. Reporting requirements - performance indicators.12
(1) (a) T HE STATE DEPARTMENT SHALL DEVELOP A SET OF13
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS TO ASSESS THE ECONOMIC MOBILITY14
OUTCOMES AND IMPACTS OF GRANTS AWARDED PURSUANT TO THIS15
ARTICLE 25. INDICATORS MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:16
(I) INCREASED FAMILY ECONOMIC SECURITY;17
(II) INCREASED HOUSING SECURITY;18
(III) P ROGRESS TOWARD EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENTAL19
MILESTONES, INCLUDING SCHOOL READINESS;20
(IV) LOWER RATES OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY, ADJUDICATION, OR21
DETENTION;22
(V) L OWER RATES OF FAMILY INVOLVEMENT WITH THE CHILD23
WELFARE SYSTEM;24
(VI) IMPROVED K-12 ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE;25
(VII) HIGHER RATES OF HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION;26
(VIII) I MPROVEMENTS IN THE RATES OF COLLEGE READINESS ,27
080-14-
MATRICULATION, AND RETENTION AT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER1
EDUCATION;2
(IX) ENROLLMENT IN WORKFORCE READINESS PROGRAMS; 3
(X) POSTSECONDARY CREDENTIAL ATTAINMENT; AND4
(XI) INCREASED NET WORTH AND DECREASED WEALTH DISPARITY.5
(b) O N OR BEFORE OCTOBER 1, 2028, AND EACH OCTOBER 16
THEREAFTER, EACH ELIGIBLE ENTITY THAT RECEIVES A GRANT THROUGH7
THE GRANT PROGRAM SHALL SUBMIT TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT A8
REPORT THAT ADDRESSES ITS PROGRESS ON THE APPLICABLE9
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS DEVELOPED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (1)(a)10
OF THIS SECTION. AT A MINIMUM, THE REPORT MUST ALSO INCLUDE THE11
FOLLOWING INFORMATION:12
(I) THE TOTAL NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS SERVED;13
(II) T HE DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION OF EACH INDIVIDUAL14
SERVED; AND15
(III) A DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED THROUGH THE16
GRANT PROGRAM AND HOW THE SERVICES MEET ONE OR MORE OF THE17
FOLLOWING ECONOMIC MOBILITY PRIORITIES:18
(A) PROMOTING FAMILY STABILITY AND WELL -BEING THROUGH19
ACCESS TO SAFE , AFFORDABLE , AND STABLE HOUSING ; HIGH -QUALITY20
CHILD CARE AND EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS ; ADEQUATE NUTRITION21
AND HEALTH CARE ; AND SUPPORTS AND SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND22
YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES;23
(B) I MPLEMENTING PUBLIC SAFETY PROTECTIONS , COMMUNITY24
ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES , AND INTERVENTIONS TO STRENGTHEN25
FAMILIES;26
(C) P ROVIDING HIGH -QUALITY EDUCATIONAL AND ACADEMIC27
080-15-
ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR K-12 STUDENTS THAT SUPPLEMENT BUT1
DO NOT SUPPLANT INSTRUCTIONAL TIME, INCLUDING OUT-OF-SCHOOL-TIME2
PROGRAMS;3
(D) C ONNECTING YOUTH TO QUALITY JOBS AND IN -DEMAND4
OCCUPATIONS THROUGH POSTSECONDARY AND WORKFORCE READINESS5
PROGRAMS;6
(E) I NCREASING ACCESS TO WEALTH -BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES7
THROUGH ASSET-BUILDING STRATEGIES.8
(F) COORDINATING AND ALIGNING PROGRAMS AND STRATEGIES9
WITHIN A DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA, INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF10
SHARED DATA SYSTEMS; AND11
(G) SUCCESS IN LEVERAGING ADDITIONAL FEDERAL, LOCAL, AND12
PRIVATE FUNDING FOR ECONOMIC MOBILITY INITIATIVES IN THE ELIGIBLE13
ENTITY'S DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA.14
(2) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2028, AND EACH DECEMBER 3115
THEREAFTER FOR THE DURATION OF THE GRANT PROGRAM , THE STATE16
DEPARTMENT SHALL SUBMIT A SUMMARIZED REPORT ON THE GRANT17
PROGRAM TO THE HEALTH AND HUM AN SERVICES COMMITTEES OF THE18
SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES , OR ANY SUCCESSOR19
COMMITTEES, AND TO THE GOVERNOR. AT A MINIMUM, THE REPORT MUST20
INCLUDE THE NUMBER AND AM OUNT OF GRANTS AWARDED SINCE THE21
LAST REPORT, THE AMOUNT OF GRANT MONEY AWARDED TO NON-PUBLIC22
ENTITIES THROUGH THE GRANT PROGRAM , INFORMATION ABOUT23
RELEVANT STAFF CREDENTIALS AND CERTIFICATIONS FOR EACH ELIGIBLE24
ENTITY THAT RECEIVES A GRANT THROUGH THE GRANT PROGRAM, AND A25
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS26
USED TO ASSESS THE POVERTY -REDUCTION OUTCOMES AND IMPACTS OF27
080-16-
GRANTS AWARDED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE 25.1
(3) N OTWITHSTANDING SECTION 24-1-136 (11)(a)(I), THE2
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION CONTINUE3
INDEFINITELY.4
26-25-107. Cradle to career grant program cash fund - grant5
program funding.6
(1) T HE CRADLE TO CAREER GRANT PROGRAM CASH FUND IS7
CREATED IN THE STATE TREASURY. THE FUND CONSISTS OF GIFTS, GRANTS,8
AND DONATIONS CREDITED TO THE FUND PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (2) OF9
THIS SECTION AND ANY OTHER MONEY THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY MAY10
APPROPRIATE OR TRANSFER TO THE FUND.11
(2) T HE STATE DEPARTMENT MAY SEEK , ACCEPT , AND EXPEND12
GIFTS, GRANTS, OR DONATIONS FROM PRIVATE OR PUBLIC SOURCES FOR13
THE PURPOSES OF THIS ARTICLE 25. THE STATE DEPARTMENT SHALL14
TRANSMIT ALL MONEY RECEIVED THROUGH GIFTS, GRANTS, OR DONATIONS15
TO THE STATE TREASURER, WHO SHALL CREDIT THE MONEY TO THE FUND.16
(3) T HE STATE TREASURER SHALL CREDIT ALL INTEREST AND17
INCOME DERIVED FROM THE DEPOSIT AND INVESTMENT OF MONEY IN THE18
FUND TO THE FUND.19
(4) S UBJECT TO ANNUAL APPROPRIATION BY THE GENERAL20
ASSEMBLY, THE STATE DEPARTMENT MAY EXPEND ANY STATE MONEY21
FROM THE FUND FOR THE PURPOSES SPECIFIED IN THIS ARTICLE 25.22
(5) (a) THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL ANNUALLY APPROPRIATE23
MONEY FROM THE FUND TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT TO IMPLEMENT THE24
GRANT PROGRAM.25
(b) THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL NOT APPROPRIATE GENERAL26
FUND MONEY FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS ARTICLE 25.27
080-17-
26-25-108. Effective date - repeal of article - review of1
functions.2
(1) S ECTIONS 26-25-103 (3), 26-25-103 (4), 26-25-103 (5),3
26-25-104, 26-25-105, AND 26-25-106 TAKE EFFECT IF THE DEPARTMENT4
RECEIVES AT LEAST NINE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE5
PURPOSES OF THIS ARTICLE 25. THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHALL NOTIFY6
THE REVISOR OF STATUTES IN WRITING OF THE DATE ON WHICH THE7
CONDITION SPECIFIED IN THIS SUBSECTION (1) HAS OCCURRED BY8
EMAILING THE NOTICE TO REVISOROFSTATUTES .GA@COLEG.GOV.9
SECTIONS 26-25-103 (3), 26-25-103 (4), 26-25-103 (5), 26-25-104,10
26-25-105, AND 26-25-106 TAKE EFFECT UPON THE DATE IDENTIFIED IN11
THE NOTICE THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED AT LEAST NINE12
HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS ARTICLE 25 OR,13
IF THE NOTICE DOES NOT SPECIFY THAT DATE , UPON THE DATE OF THE14
NOTICE TO THE REVISOR OF STATUTES.15
(2) THIS ARTICLE 25 IS REPEALED, EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2033.16
BEFORE THE REPEAL , THIS ARTICLE 25 IS SCHEDULED FOR REVIEW IN17
ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 24-34-104.18
SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 24-34-104, add19
(34)(a)(XIV) as follows:20
24-34-104. General assembly review of regulatory agencies21
and functions for repeal, continuation, or reestablishment - legislative22
declaration - repeal.23
(34) (a) The following agencies, functions, or both, are scheduled24
for repeal on September 1, 2033:25
(XIV) THE CRADLE TO CAREER GRANT PROGRAM AND THE CRADLE26
TO CAREER ADVISORY COUNCIL CREATED IN ARTICLE 25 OF TITLE 26.27
080-18-
SECTION 3. Act subject to petition - effective date. This act1
takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on the day following the expiration of the2
ninety-day period after final adjournment of the general assembly (August3
12, 2026, if adjournment sine die is on May 13, 2026); except that, if a4
referendum petition is filed pursuant to section 1 (3) of article V of the5
state constitution against this act or an item, section, or part of this act6
within such period, then the act, item, section, or part will not take effect7
unless approved by the people at the general election to be held in8
November 2026 and, in such case, will take effect on the date of the9
official declaration of the vote thereon by the governor.10
080-19-