Cradle to Career Grant Program Creation

SENATE BILL 26-080

BY SENATOR(S) Coleman and Simpson, Amabile, Cutter, Danielson, Exum, Gonzales J., Jodeh, Kipp, Lindstedt, Marchman, Wallace; also REPRESENTATIVE(S) Lukens and English, Camacho, Duran, Gonzalez R., Joseph, Titone.

CONCERNING CREATING THE CRADLE TO CAREER GRANT PROGRAM.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:

SECTION 1. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add article 25 to title 26 as follows: ARTICLE25 Cradle to Career Grant Program 26-25-101. Short title. THE SHORT TITLE OF THIS ARTICLE 25 IS THE "CRADLE TO CAREER GRANT PROGRAM ACT".

26-25-102. Definitions.

Capital letters or bold & italic numbers indicate new material added to existing law; dashes through words or numbers indicate deletions from existing law and such material is not part of the act.

AS USED IN THIS ARTICLE 25, UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES:

(1) "CHILD" HAS THE MEANING SET FORTH IN SECTION 19-1-103. (2) "COUNCIL" MEANS THE CRADLE TO CAREER ADVISORY COUNCIL CREATED IN SECTION 26-25-104. (3) "DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA" MEANS A GEOGRAPHICALLY BOUNDEDLOCALSERVICEAREAINWHICHTHECONCENTRATIONOFPOVERTY MEETS THE LEVEL SPECIFIED IN SECTION 26-25-103 (5)(b)(I). (4)

"ELIGIBLE ENTITY" MEANS A LOCAL GOVERNMENT, A LOCAL

EDUCATION PROVIDER, A STATE INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION, AN INDIAN TRIBE OR TRIBAL ORGANIZATION, OR A NONPROFIT OR NOT-FOR-PROFIT COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION. (5) "FUND" MEANS THE CRADLE TO CAREER GRANT PROGRAM CASH FUND CREATED IN SECTION 26-25-107. (6) "GRANT PROGRAM" MEANS THE CRADLE TO CAREER GRANT PROGRAM CREATED IN SECTION 26-25-103. (7) "HIGH-QUALITY" EVIDENCE-INFORMED.

MEANS

EVIDENCE-BASED

OR

(8) "LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER" MEANS:

(a) A SCHOOL DISTRICT; (b) A CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORIZED BY A SCHOOL DISTRICT PURSUANT TO PART 1 OF ARTICLE 30.5 OF TITLE 22;

(c) A CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORIZED BY THE STATE CHARTER SCHOOL INSTITUTE PURSUANT TO PART 5 OF ARTICLE 30.5 OF TITLE 22; OR

(d) A BOARD OF COOPERATIVE SERVICES CREATED AND OPERATING PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 5 OF TITLE 22. (9) "LOCAL GOVERNMENT" MEANS A STATUTORY OR HOME RULE

CITY, TOWN, CITY AND COUNTY, OR COUNTY.

(10) "SUBCONTRACTED ENTITY" MEANS AN ELIGIBLE ENTITY THAT ENTERS A FORMAL PARTNERSHIP WITH AN ELIGIBLE ENTITY RECEIVING A GRANT

PURSUANT

TO

THIS

ARTICLE

AND

THAT

PROVIDES

COMPLEMENTARY COMMUNITY RESOURCES IN THE GRANT RECIPIENT'S DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA.

(11) "YOUTH" MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS UNDER TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OLD.

26-25-103. Cradle to career grant program - created- program guidelines and criteria - rules. ( 1) THE CRADLE TO CAREER GRANT PROGRAM IS CREATED IN THE STATE DEPARTMENT. THE PURPOSE OF THE GRANT PROGRAM IS TO PROVIDE GRANTS

TO

ELIGIBLE

ENTITIES

TO

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; TO HELP CHILDREN AND YOUTH MAKE SMOOTH TRANSITIONS THROUGHOUT THE SECONDARY AND POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION SYSTEMS; AND TO CREATE WEALTH BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES THAT PROMOTE LIFELONG FINANCIAL SECURITY.

(2) GRANT RECIPIENTS MAY USE THE MONEY RECEIVED THROUGH THE GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES:

(a)

PROMOTING FAMILY STABILITY AND WELL-BEING THROUGH

ACCESS TO:

(l) SAFE, AFFORDABLE, AND STABLE HOUSING;

(II) HIGH-QUALITY CHILD CARE AND EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS THAT SUPPORT CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND SUCCESSFUL TRANSITIONS TO AND THROUGH ELEMENTARY EDUCATION;

(III)

ADEQUATE NUTRITION AND HEALTH CARE, INCLUDING

MATERNAL, BEHAVIORAL, AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE; AND

(IV)

SUPPORTS AND SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH

DISABILITIES;

(b)

IMPLEMENTING FAMILY-STRENGTHENING PUBLIC SAFETY

PROTECTIONS, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES, AND INTERVENTIONS THAT ENHANCE CHILD AND YOUTH WELFARE, PREVENT JUSTICE-SYSTEM INVOLVEMENT, AND REDUCE EXPOSURE TO SUBSTANCE USE, FAMILY CONFLICT, AND CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT;

(c)

PROVIDING HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATIONAL AND ACADEMIC

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR K-12 STUDENTS THAT SUPPLEMENT BUT DO NOT SUPPLANT INSTRUCTIONAL TIME, INCLUDING OUT-OF-SCHOOL-TIME PROGRAMS THAT:

(I) Focus ON SPORTS AND FITNESS, CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP, OR ARTS AND CULTURE; AND (II)

REINFORCE AND COMPLEMENT SCHOOL-BASED ACADEMIC

PROGRAMS IN A SAFE AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT;

(d)

CONNECTING YOUTH TO QUALITY JOBS AND IN-DEMAND

OCCUPATIONS THROUGH POSTSECONDARY AND WORKFORCE READINESS PROGRAMS THAT MAY INCLUDE WORK-BASED LEARNING, CREDENTIAL COMPLETION, OR APPRENTICESHIPS, WITH A FOCUS ON HIGH-NEED, IN-DEMAND CAREER PATHWAYS;

(e)

USING ASSET-BUILDING STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS WEALTH

DISPARITIES AND INCREASE ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION, HOME OWNERSHIP, AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP;

(t)

COORDINATING AND ALIGNING PROGRAMS AND STRATEGIES

WITHIN A DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA, INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF SHARED DATA SYSTEMS; AND

(g) MATCHING ADDITIONAL FEDERAL, LOCAL, OR PRIVATE FUNDING FOR POVERTY REDUCTION INITIATIVES IN THE ELIGIBLE ENTITY'S DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA.

THE STATE DEPARTMENT SHALL ADMINISTER THE GRANT

PROGRAM AND, SUBJECT TO AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS, SHALL AWARD GRANTS AS PROVIDED IN THIS ARTICLE 25. GRANTS MUST BE PAID OUT OF THE CRADLE TO CAREER GRANT PROGRAM CASH FUND CREATED IN SECTION 26-25-107.

THE STATE DEPARTMENT SHALL IMPLEMENT THE GRANT

PROGRAM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS ARTICLE 25. THE STATE DEPARTMENT SHALL ADOPT THE RULES REQUIRED IN THIS ARTICLE 25 AND ANY ADDITIONAL RULES NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE GRANT PROGRAM. (5) (a)

THE STATE DEPARTMENT, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE

COUNCIL, SHALL DEVELOP AND MAKE AVAILABLE PROGRAM GUIDELINES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: (I) GUIDELINES FOR THE CONTENT OF AN ECONOMIC MOBILITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND COMPREHENSIVE PROPOSAL FOR SINGLE ELIGIBLE ENTITY APPLICANTS AND MULTIPLE ELIGIBLE ENTITY APPLICANTS APPL YING JOINTLY PURSUANT TO SECTION 26-25-105 (2); (II) GUIDELINES FOR PROPOSING, APPROVING, AND IMPLEMENTING DIFFERENT GRANT STRUCTURES TO PROMOTE BUILDING CAPACITY FOR DELIVERING, IN AN APPLICANT'S DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA, SERVICES THAT PROMOTE ECONOMIC MOBILITY. GRANT STRUCTURES MAY INCLUDE PLANNING, EARLY IMPLEMENTATION, AND FULL IMPLEMENTATION PHASES FOR SERVICE DELIVERY. (III)

PROCESSES FOR AN ELIGIBLE ENTITY TO SOLICIT AND

IN CORPORA TE

INTO

ITS

COMPREHENSIVE

PROPOSAL

INPUT

FROM

ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS IN THE COMMUNITY PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION ( 5)(b )(III) OF THIS SECTION. (b)

IN ADDITION TO THE GUIDELINES DEVELOPED PURSUANT TO

SUBSECTION (5)(a) OF THIS SECTION, THE STATE DEPARTMENT, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE COUNCIL, SHALL DEVELOP CRITERIA FOR A WARDING GRANTS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS: (I) THAT THE COMPREHENSIVE PROPOSAL TARGETS A DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA IN WHICH AT LEAST THIRTY PERCENT OF HOUSEHOLDS WITH

CHILDREN HA VE AN ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME AT OR BELOW TWO HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LINE;

(II)

THAT THE ELIGIBLE ENTITY'S COMPREHENSIVE PROPOSAL

PRIORITIZES CONNECTING CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATIONAL, EXTRACURRICULAR, OR WORKFORCE PROGRAMMING OR FAMILIES WITH KEY HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AREAS OF GREATEST NEED IDENTIFIED IN THE ELIGIBLE ENTITY'S NEEDS ASSESSMENT;

(III) THAT THE ELIGIBLE ENTITY HAS SOLICITED AND INCORPORATED INTO ITS COMPREHENSIVE PROPOSAL INPUT FROM ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS IN THE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDERS, COMMUNITY

MENTAL

HEALTH

CENTERS,

LOCAL

NONPROFIT

OR

NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, BUSINESSES, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADERS;

(IV)

THAT

THE

COMPREHENSIVE

PROPOSAL

RELIES

ON

EVIDENCE-BASED OR EVIDENCE-INFORMED PRACTICES IN THE DELIVERY OF SERVICES, SUPPORTS, AND OPPORTUNITIES;

(V)

THAT THE ELIGIBLE ENTITY DEMONSTRATES EVIDENCE OF

IMPACT WITH RESPECT TO THE TYPE OF PROGRAMMING OR SERVICES THAT THE ELIGIBLE ENTITY PROPOSES TO PROVIDE WITH A GRANT A WARD; AND

(VI) THAT THE ELIGIBLE ENTITY HAS, WITH A SUCCESSFUL TRACK RECORD, BEEN SERVING THE DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS.

(c) AN ELIGIBLE ENTITY THAT RECEIVES A GRANT A WARD PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE 25 MUST: (I) COMPLY WITH ALL APPLICABLE STATE AND LOCAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATIONS;

(II) REQUIRE ITS EMPLOYEES TO SUBMIT TO A NAME-BASED CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD CHECK;

(III) REQUIRE EVIDENCE OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, INCLUDING BONDING OR LICENSURE, FOR EMPLOYEES INVOLVED IN THE ELIGIBLE

ENTITY'S FINANCIAL AFFAIRS; (IV) COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE "COLORADO OPEN RECORDS ACT", PART 2 OF ARTICLE 72 OF TITLE 24; (V) DELIVER SERVICES OR ACCEPT PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, CREED, SEX, GENDER IDENTITY, ETHNICITY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, MENTAL OR PHYSICAL DISABILITY, ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE, PROFICIENCY IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, OR PAST ACADEMIC OR DISCIPLINARY HISTORY; (VI)

COMPLY WITH ALL APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS

PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION, INCLUDING TITLE IX OF THE FEDERAL "EDUCATION AMENDMENTS OF 1972", THE FEDERAL "AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990", SECTION 504 OF THE FEDERAL "REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973 ", AND TITLES VI AND VII OF THE FEDERAL "CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964"; AND (VII) IF THE ELIGIBLE ENTITY IS A LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER, NOT USE MONEY AWARDED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE 25 TO SUPPORT ITS STANDARD ACADEMIC PROGRAMMING OR OPERATIONS.

(d) IN ADDITION TO THE GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA DEVELOPED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTIONS (5)(a) AND (5)(b) OF THIS SECTION, THE STATE DEPARTMENT SHALL ESTABLISH TIMELINES FOR SUBMITTING AND REVIEWING GRANT APPLICATIONS AND TIMELINES FOR SUBMITTING THE LIST OF ELIGIBLE ENTITIES CHOSEN TO RECEIVE GRANTS TO THE COUNCIL. (6)

THE STATE DEPARTMENT IS ONLY REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT

SECTIONS 26-25-103 (3), 26-25-103 (4), 26-25-103 (5), 26-25-104, 26-25-105, AND 26-25-106 IF THE SECTIONS BECOME EFFECTIVE PURSUANT TO SECTION 26-25-108. THE WORK OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT, THE COUNCIL,ORANYOTHERENTITYCONDUCTEDPURSUANTTOTHISARTICLE25 IS CONTINGENT ON MONEY BEING AVAILABLE TO IMPLEMENT THIS ARTICLE 25.

26-25-104. Cradle to career advisory council - created - duties - repeal. ( 1) THE CRADLE TO CAREER ADVISORY COUNCIL IS CREATED IN THE

STATE DEPARTMENT.

(2) (a) THE COUNCIL CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS: (I) THE GOVERNOR SHALL APPOINT: (A) ONE MEMBER WHO IS AN EDUCATOR WITH EXPERIENCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION;

(B) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION OR INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION WITH EXPERTISE IN MEASURING CHILD AND YOUTH POVERTY AND IMPLEMENTING POLICIES TO ALLEVIATE IT; (C)

ONE MEMBER WHO HAS EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE IN

POSTSECONDARY

EDUCATION

AND

STATE

WORKFORCE

READINESS

INITIATIVES;

(D) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF A STATEWIDE ORGANIZATION THAT REPRESENTS LICENSED TEACHERS; AND

(E)

ONE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF A STATEWIDE

ORGANIZATION REPRESENTING SCHOOL EXECUTIVES.

(II) THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE SHALL APPOINT: (A) ONE MEMBER WHO, AT THE TIME OF APPOINTMENT, HAS BEEN SERVING IN A PROFESSIONAL CAPACITY AT A COLORADO PUBLIC SCHOOL OR SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS, AND WHO HAS HAD DIRECT RESPONSIBILITY FOR AND ACTIVELY PARTICIPATED IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY SCHOOL STRATEGY;

(B) ONE MEMBER WHO REPRESENTS A STATEWIDE ORGANIZATION REPRESENTING LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS; (C) ONE MEMBER WHO REPRESENTS PROVIDERS OF DIRECT SERVICES TO LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDERS; AND

(D) ONE MEMBER WHO IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF AN ORGANIZATION THAT REPRESENTS RURAL LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDERS.

(III) THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SHALL APPOINT A REPRESENTATIVE OF AN ELIGIBLE ENTITY WHO HAS EXPERTISE IN ECONOMIC MOBILITY ISSUES AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF A STATEWIDE ORGANIZATION THAT REPRESENTS PARENTS.

(IV) THE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OR THE COMMISSIONER'S DESIGNEE.

(b) IN APPOINTING THE MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL, THE APPOINTING AUTHORITIES SHALL CONSIDER ETHNICITY, GENDER, AND GEOGRAPHIC REPRESENTATION TO PROMOTE DIVERSE COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP. A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL MUST BE A COLORADO RESIDENT AND MUST NOT BE A GRANTOR OR DONOR WHOSE GIFTS, GRANTS, OR DONATIONS ARE CREDITED TO THE FUND PURSUANT TO SECTION 26-25-107.

(c)

THE APPOINTING AUTHORITIES SHALL MAKE THE INITIAL

APPOINTMENTS TO THE COUNCIL NO LATER THAN ONE MONTH AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION.

(d) EACH MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL WHO IS APPOINTED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION SERVES AT THE PLEASURE OF THE COUNCIL MEMBER'S RESPECTIVE APPOINTING AUTHORITY. THE TERM OF APPOINTMENT IS FOUR YEARS; EXCEPT THAT THE TERM OF EACH MEMBER INITIALLY APPOINTED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION IS TWO YEARS.

(3) MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL SERVE WITHOUT COMPENSATION.

(4) (a) No LATER THAN TWO MONTHS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION, BUT NOT BEFORE OCTOBER 1, 2026, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHALL ORGANIZE AND CONVENE THE FIRST MEETING OF THE COUNCIL.

(b) THE COUNCIL SHALL ELECT A CHAIR FROM AMONG THE COUNCIL'S MEMBERS TO SERVE FOR A TERM NOT TO EXCEED TWO YEARS, AS DETERMINED BY THE COUNCIL. A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL IS NOT ELIGIBLE TO SERVE AS CHAIR FOR MORE THAN TWO SUCCESSIVE TERMS.

(c) THE COUNCIL SHALL MEET AT LEAST TWO TIMES PER YEAR. THE CHAIR MAY CALL ADDITIONAL MEETINGS AS ARE NECESSARY FOR THE COUNCIL TO COMPLETE ITS DUTIES.

(5) THE COUNCIL SHALL: (a) APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE ELIGIBLE ENTITIES THAT THE STATE DEPARTMENT HAS SELECTED AS POTENTIAL GRANT RECIPIENTS; AND

(b) COLLABORATE WITH THE STATE DEPARTMENT TO DEVELOP AND MAKE AVAILABLE GRANT PROGRAM GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA FOR AWARDING GRANTS PURSUANT TO SECTION 26-25-103 (5)(a) AND (5)(b).

26-25-105. Cradle to career grant program - application awards. (1)

TO RECEIVE A GRANT, AN ELIGIBLE ENTITY MUST SUBMIT AN

APPLICATION TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULES ADOPTED BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. AT A MINIMUM, THE APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

(a) A COMMUNITY ECONOMIC MOBILITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT THAT: (I) IDENTIFIES THE APPLICANT'S DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA; (II)

ANALYZES EXISTING CONDITIONS AND ECONOMIC MOBILITY

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH AND THEIR FAMILIES IN THE DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA; AND

(III) INCLUDES QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DATA MEASURING POVERTY, DEMOGRAPHIC DISPARITIES, AND NEEDS WITHIN THE DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA IN CONNECTION WITH EACH OF THE PERMISSIBLE USES OF GRANT MONEY IDENTIFIED IN SECTION 26-25-103 (2), AND SPECIFIES AT LEAST ONE POLICY AREA AS THE FOCAL POINT FOR INTERVENTION;

(b) A PROPOSAL FOR THE FORMATION OF A FORMAL PARTNERSHIP WITH OTHER ELIGIBLE ENTITIES WITH ESTABLISHED TIES TO THE COMMUNITY THAT CAN PROVIDE COMPLEMENTARY COMMUNITY RESOURCES IN THE APPLICANT'S DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA. IF AN APPLICANT IS A LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER, THE APPLICATION MUST BE COMPLETED IN COLLABORATION WITH AT LEAST ONE OTHER ELIGIBLE ENTITY THAT THE LOCALEDUCATIONPROVIDERDESIGNATESASAFORMALPARTNERPURSUANT TO THIS SUBSECTION (1 )(b ). THE PROPOSAL FOR THE FORMATION OF A FORMAL PARTNERSHIP MUST IDENTIFY ALL PROSPECTIVE SUBCONTRACTED

ENTITIES AND DESCRIBE HOW MONEY RECEIVED THROUGH A GRANT A WARDED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE 25 WILL BE ALLOCATED. ( c) A COMPREHENSIVE PROPOSAL: (I)

TO DEVELOP OR EXPAND COORDINATED COMMUNITY-BASED

SUPPORTS AND SERVICES THAT OPEN OPPORTUNITIES FOR ECONOMIC MOBILITY FROM POVERTY IN THE DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA;

(II) THAT LEVERAGES A PARTNERSHIP PROPOSED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (l)(b) OF THIS SECTION TO PROVIDE A COORDINATED CONTINUUM OF SUPPORTS AND SERVICES THAT OPEN OPPORTUNITIES FOR ECONOMIC MOBILITY FROM POVERTY; AND

(Ill) THAT PRIORITIZES CONNECTING CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH HIGH-QUALITY

EDUCATIONAL,

EXTRACURRICULAR,

OR

WORKFORCE

PROGRAMMING OR FAMILIES WITH KEY HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AREAS OF GREATEST NEED IDENTIFIED IN THE ECONOMIC MOBILITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT SUBMITTED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (l)(a) OF THIS SECTION. (2) Two OR MORE ELIGIBLE ENTITIES MAY JOINTLY APPLY FOR A GRANT A WARD TO DELIVER SERVICES ON A REGIONAL BASIS AND MAY RECEIVE A JOINT GRANT A WARD THAT IS THE AGGREGATE OF THE AMOUNTS EACH INDIVIDUAL ELIGIBLE ENTITY WOULD HA VE RECEIVED HAD EACH ELIGIBLE ENTITY APPLIED INDEPENDENTLY. (3)

THE STATE DEPARTMENT SHALL REVIEW ALL APPLICATIONS

RECEIVED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION AND SELECT THE GRANT RECIPIENTS AND THE AMOUNT OF EACH GRANT. THE STATE DEPARTMENT SHALL NOT A WARD A GRANT WITHOUT THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE COUNCIL, AS DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION ( 4) OF THIS SECTION.

(4) THE STATE DEPARTMENT, IN ACCORDANCE WITHTHETIMELINES ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 26-25-103 (5)(c), SHALL SUBMIT TO THE COUNCIL A LIST OF THE APPLICANTS CHOSEN TO RECEIVE GRANTS. THE COUNCIL SHALL EITHER APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE THE ENTIRE LIST OF ENTITIES BY RESPONDING TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT WITHIN TWENTY DAYS AFTER SUBMISSION. IF THE COUNCIL DOES NOT RESPOND TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT WITHIN TWENTY DAYS AFTER RECEIPT OF THE LIST, THE LIST

IS APPROVED. IF THE COUNCIL DISAPPROVES THE LIST, THE STATE DEPARTMENT MAY SUBMIT A REPLACEMENT LIST WITHIN THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DISAPPROVAL. ( 5) THE STATE DEPARTMENT SHALL A WARD EACH GRANT APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL. EACH GRANT IS FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR YEARS. AN ELIGIBLE ENTITY THAT RECEIVES A GRANT PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE 25 MAY APPLY FOR A ONE- OR TWO-YEAR EXTENSION OF THE GRANT PERIOD. (6)

THE STATE DEPARTMENT SHALL BEGIN AWARDING GRANTS

PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE 25 ONLY AFTER THE BALANCE OF THE FUND REACHES OR EXCEEDS NINE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS. SUBJECT TO AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS, ON OR BEFORE JULY 1, 2027, THE STATE DEPARTMENT SHALL A WARD AT LEAST THREE GRANTS AS PROVIDED IN THIS ARTICLE 25. THE STATE DEPARTMENT SHALL NOT AWARD MORE THAN FORTY-NINE PERCENT OF AVAILABLE GRANT PROGRAM MONEY PURSUANT TO A SINGLE APPLICATION, WHETHER COMPLETED JOINTLY, COLLABORATIVELY, OR BY A SINGLE ELIGIBLE ENTITY. SUBJECT TO AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS, ON OR BEFORE JULY 1 IN EACH SUBSEQUENT YEAR OF THE GRANT PROGRAM, THE STATE DEPARTMENT SHALL AW ARD ADDITIONAL GRANTS AS PROVIDED IN THIS ARTICLE 25. (7) WITH THE STATE DEPARTMENT'S APPROVAL, AN ELIGIBLE ENTITY MAY ENTER A FORMAL PARTNERSHIP, AS DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (1) OF THIS SECTION, AND SUBCONTRACT WITH AND PAY MONEY RECEIVED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE 25 TO SUBCONTRACTED ENTITIES TO PROVIDE A COORDINATED CONTINUUM OF SERVICES, SUPPORTS, AND OPPORTUNITIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE FORMAL PARTNERSHIP. A FORMAL PARTNERSHIP MUST INCLUDE A LOCAL GOVERNMENT, A LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER, AND A NONPROFIT OR NOT-FOR-PROFIT COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION.

(8) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS ARTICLE 25 TO THE CONTRARY, THE STATE DEPARTMENT IS NOT REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE 25 UNTIL THE BALANCE OF THE FUND REACHES OR EXCEEDS NINE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS.

26-25-106. Reporting requirements - performance indicators. (1) (a)

THE STATE DEPARTMENT SHALL DEVELOP A SET OF

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS TO ASSESS THE ECONOMIC MOBILITY OUTCOMES AND IMPACTS OF GRANTS AWARDED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE 25. INDICATORS MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: (I) INCREASED FAMILY ECONOMIC SECURITY;

(11) INCREASED HOUSING SECURITY; (III)

PROGRESS TOWARD EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENTAL

MILESTONES, INCLUDING SCHOOL READINESS; (IV) LOWER RATES OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY, ADJUDICATION, OR DETENTION; (V)

LOWER RATES OF FAMILY INVOLVEMENT WITH THE CHILD

WELFARE SYSTEM; (VI) IMPROVED K-12 ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE; (VII) HIGHER RATES OF HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION;

(VIII) IMPROVEMENTS IN THE RATES OF COLLEGE READINESS, MATRICULATION, AND RETENTION AT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION; (IX) ENROLLMENT IN WORKFORCE READINESS PROGRAMS;

(X) POSTSECONDARY CREDENTIAL ATTAINMENT; AND (XI) INCREASED NET WORTH AND DECREASED WEALTH DISPARITY.

(b)

ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 1, 2028, AND EACH OCTOBER 1

THEREAFTER, EACH ELIGIBLE ENTITY THAT RECEIVES A GRANT THROUGH THE GRANT PROGRAM SHALL SUBMIT TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT A REPORT THAT ADDRESSES ITS PROGRESS ON THE APPLICABLE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS DEVELOPED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (l)(a) OF THIS SECTION. AT A MINIMUM, THE REPORT MUST ALSO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: (I) THE TOTAL NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS SERVED; (II) THE DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION OF EACH INDIVIDUAL SERVED;

AND

(Ill) A DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED THROUGH THE GRANT PROGRAM AND HOW THE SERVICES MEET ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING ECONOMIC MOBILITY PRIORITIES:

(A)

PROMOTING FAMILY STABILITY AND WELL-BEING THROUGH ACCESS TO SAFE, AFFORDABLE, AND STABLE HOUSING; HIGH-QUALITY CHILD CARE AND EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS; ADEQUATE NUTRITION AND HEALTH CARE; AND SUPPORTS AND SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES;

(B)

IMPLEMENTING PUBLIC SAFETY PROTECTIONS, COMMUNITY

ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES, AND INTERVENTIONS TO STRENGTHEN FAMILIES; (C) PROVIDING HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATIONAL AND ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR K-12 STUDENTS THAT SUPPLEMENT BUT DO NOT SUPPLANT INSTRUCTIONAL TIME, INCLUDING OUT-OF-SCHOOL-TIME PROGRAMS; (D)

CONNECTING YOUTH TO QUALITY JOBS AND IN-DEMAND

OCCUPATIONS THROUGH POSTSECONDARY AND WORKFORCE READINESS PROGRAMS;

(E)

INCREASING ACCESS TO WEALTH-BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES

THROUGH ASSET-BUILDING STRATEGIES.

(F)

COORDINATING AND ALIGNING PROGRAMS AND STRATEGIES

WITHIN A DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA, INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF SHARED DATA SYSTEMS; AND

(G)

SUCCESS IN MATCHING ADDITIONAL FEDERAL, LOCAL, AND

PRIVATE FUNDING FOR ECONOMIC MOBILITY INITIATIVES IN THE ELIGIBLE ENTITY'S DESIGNATED SERVICE AREA.

(2) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2028, AND EACH DECEMBER 31 THEREAFTER FOR THE DURATION OF THE GRANT PROGRAM, THE STATE DEPARTMENT SHALL SUBMIT A SUMMARIZED REPORT ON THE GRANT PROGRAM TO THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEES OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, OR ANY SUCCESSOR

COMMITTEES, AND TO THE GOVERNOR. AT A MINIMUM, THE REPORT MUST INCLUDE THE NUMBER AND AMOUNT OF GRANTS A WARDED SINCE THE LAST REPORT, THE AMOUNT OF GRANT MONEY A WARDED TO NON-PUBLIC ENTITIES THROUGH THE GRANT PROGRAM, INFORMATION ABOUT RELEVANT STAFF CREDENTIALS AND CERTIFICATIONS FOR EACH ELIGIBLE ENTITY THAT RECEIVES A GRANT THROUGH THE GRANT PROGRAM, AND A SUMMARY OF INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS USED TO ASSESS THE POVERTY-REDUCTION OUTCOMES AND IMPACTS OF GRANTS A WARDED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE 25. (3) NOTWITHSTANDINGSECTION24-1-136 (1 l)(a)(I), THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION CONTINUE INDEFINITELY.

26-25-107. Cradle to career grant program cash fund - grant program funding. ( 1)

THE CRADLE TO CAREER GRANT PROGRAM CASH FUND IS

CREATED IN THE STATE TREASURY. THE FUND CONSISTS OF GIFTS, GRANTS, AND DONATIONS CREDITED TO THE FUND PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (2) OF THIS SECTION AND ANY OTHER MONEY THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY MAY APPROPRIATE OR TRANSFER TO THE FUND. (2) THE STATE DEPARTMENT MAY SEEK, ACCEPT, AND EXPEND GIFTS, GRANTS, OR DONATIONS FROM PRIVATE OR PUBLIC SOURCES FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS ARTICLE 25. THE STATE DEPARTMENT SHALL TRANSMIT ALL MONEY RECEIVED THROUGH GIFTS, GRANTS, OR DONATIONS TO THE STATE TREASURER, WHO SHALL CREDIT THE MONEY TO THE FUND. (3) THE STATE TREASURER SHALL CREDIT ALL INTEREST AND INCOME DERIVED FROM THE DEPOSIT AND INVESTMENT OF MONEY IN THE FUND TO THE FUND. (4)

SUBJECT TO ANNUAL APPROPRIATION BY THE GENERAL

ASSEMBLY, THE STATE DEPARTMENT MAY EXPEND ANY STATE MONEY FROM THE FUND FOR THE PURPOSES SPECIFIED IN THIS ARTICLE 25. (5) (a) THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL ANNUALLY APPROPRIATE MONEY FROM THE FUND TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT TO IMPLEMENT THE GRANT PROGRAM.

(b) THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL NOT APPROPRIATE GENERAL FUND MONEY FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS ARTICLE 25. (6) (a) IF, ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2028, THE MONEY IN THE FUND HAS NEVER REACHED OR EXCEEDED NINE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS, THE STATE TREASURER SHALL RETURN FROM THE FUND TO THE GRANTOR OR DONOR THE AMOUNT OF THE GRANTOR'S OR DONOR'S GIFTS, GRANTS, OR DONATIONS AND, NOTWITHSTANDING SUBSECTION (2) OF THIS SECTION, THE STATE DEPARTMENT SHALL NOT ACCEPT ADDITIONAL GIFTS, GRANTS, OR DONATIONS FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS ARTICLE 25.

(b)

IF ANY MONEY REMAINS IN THE FUND AFTER THE STATE

TREASURER RETURNS MONEY TO DONORS OR GRANTORS PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION ( 6)( a) OF THIS SECTION, AS APPLICABLE, THE STATE TREASURER SHALL, PRIOR TO THE REPEAL OF THE FUND, TRANSFER ALL UNEXPENDED AND UNENCUMBERED MONEY IN THE FUND TO THE GENERAL FUND.

26-25-108. Effective date - repeal of article - review of functions. (1)

SECTIONS 26-25-103 (3), 26-25-103 (4), 26-25-103 (5),

26-25-104, 26-25-105, AND 26-25-106 TAKE EFFECT IF THE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES, ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2028, AT LEAST NINE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS ARTICLE 25. THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHALL NOTIFY THE REVISOR OF STATUTES IN WRITING OF THE DATE ON WHICH THE CONDITION SPECIFIED IN THIS SUBSECTION (1) HAS

OCCURRED

BY

EMAILING

THE

NOTICE

TO

[email protected]. SECTIONS26-25-103 (3),26-25-103 (4), 26-25-103 (5), 26-25-104, 26-25-105, AND 26-25-106 TAKE EFFECT UPON THE DATE IDENTIFIED IN THE NOTICE THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED AT LEAST NINE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS ARTICLE 25 OR, IF THE NOTICE DOES NOT SPECIFY THAT DATE, UPON THE DATE OF THE NOTICE TO THE REVISOR OF STATUTES. (2) THIS ARTICLE 25 AND SECTION 24-34-104 (34)(a)(XIV) ARE REPEALED, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 31, 2029; EXCEPT THAT, IF THE CONDITION SPECIFIED IN SUBSECTION (1) OF THIS SECTION OCCURS: (a) SECTION24-34-104 (34)(a)(XIV) ISNOTREPEALEDPURSUANTTO THIS SUBSECTION (2);

(b) THIS ARTICLE 25 IS REPEALED, EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2033; AND (c) BEFORE THE REPEAL OCCURS PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (2)(b) OF THIS SECTION, THIS ARTICLE 25 IS SCHEDULED FOR REVIEW IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 24-34-104. SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 24-34-104, add (34)(a)(XVI) as follows: 24-34-104. General assembly review of regulatory agencies and functions for repeal, continuation, or reestablishment - legislative declaration - repeal.

(34) (a) The following agencies, functions, or both, are scheduled for repeal on September 1, 2033: (XVI) THE CRADLE TO CAREER GRANT PROGRAM AND THE CRADLE TO CAREER ADVISORY COUNCIL CREATED IN ARTICLE 25 OF TITLE 26.

SECTION 3. Act subject to petition - effective date. This act takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on the day following the expiration of the ninety-day period after final adjournment of the general assembly (August 12, 2026, if adjournment sine die is on May 13, 2026); except that, if a referendum petition is filed pursuant to section 1 (3) of article V of the state constitution against this act or an item, section, or part of this act within such period, then the act, item, section, or part will not take effect unless

approved by the people at the general election to be held in November 2026 and, in such case, will take effect on the date of the official declaration of the vote thereon by the governor.

Julie McCluskie SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

James Rashad Coleman, Sr. PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE

Vanessa Reilly CHIEF CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Esther van Mourik SECRETARY OF THE SENATE

APPROVED on Thursday June 4th 2026 at 12:45pm (Date and Time)

Jared S. Polis GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF COLORADO