 Dear League, We are entering the closing days of the 2026 legislative session, where key policy and budget decisions will soon be finalized. Below is an update on the major policy and budget decisions still in motion, the progress we have made on proactive priorities, and how we have protected key wins throughout an exceptionally challenging fiscal environment. 
- Proactive Policy: Last week marked a major step forward for the League’s proactive policy agenda, with strong momentum on two priority bills we have led and advanced this session. Both SB145 and HB1299 overwhelmingly passed their second education committees.
SB145 continues to move forward as a good-governance measure that strengthens transparency and inclusion in how school district bond dollars are planned and allocated. The bill ensures charter school facility needs are meaningfully considered and that voters have clearer insight into how decisions are made on capital construction projects, and it is now headed to the full House for consideration.
HB1299 has now passed both chambers of the legislature and has been sent to the Governor’s desk. This bill cuts duplicative and outdated reporting requirements while maintaining accountability, freeing up time for educators and allowing them to focus on what matters most: students. Together, these efforts reflect a clear focus on improving systems, reducing unnecessary burden, and ensuring all public school students are considered in key funding decisions.
- School Finance and state budget: Late last week, the JBC officially finalized the state budget and sent it off to the Governor’s desk for his signature. The legislature closed a $1.5 billion shortfall through a mix of cuts, fund transfers, and lowering the state’s reserves. Since many of these changes are “one-time” fixes rather than significant structural changes, we expect to see a significant shortfall next year as well.
The School Finance Act has passed the Senate and should have a hearing in the House Appropriations Committee in the coming days. As it progresses, the League’s advocacy team is working to amend the bill to ensure charter schools have similar hold harmless mechanisms in place as districts as the shift to the new funding formula continues. We want those who stand to benefit under the new formula to be able to do so to the maximum extent possible while ensuring others have access to a responsible transition. Negotiations continue, and we’ll be sure to keep you updated as soon as we know more, but in the meantime schools are encouraged to remain very conservative in their budgets, regardless of what you hear.
- Holding the Line: In addition to protecting (and increasing) CSI Mill levy equalization and protecting cuts to the charter capital construction
 fund, we are hopeful that charter school part-time enrichment programs will also not face any funding cuts this legislative session. HB26-1428 requires the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) to submit a report to the Joint Budget Committee regarding part-time enrichment programs and online schools and courses. Based on the conclusions in the report, we expect further legislation on this topic next year.
In a challenging political and legislative environment, we are on the verge of an incredibly productive session, one that reflects the strength, consistency, and commitment of this community. This progress is a direct result of your leadership and advocacy. Thank you for standing with us. We will follow up early next week with a final update on the School Finance Act. The League Advocacy Team
Prateek, Kyle, and Anne |
