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ColoradoHB26-11412026 Regular SessionHouse

Discriminatory Practices in Public Schools

Sponsored By: Chris Kolker (Democratic), Janice Marchman (Democratic), Jennifer Bacon (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Education & School Finance (Pre & K-12)State Government

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Stronger protections against discrimination for students

Beginning August 12, 2026, covered Colorado schools and colleges cannot deny equal access because of a protected characteristic. This covers enrollment, programs, activities, services, benefits, and educational opportunities. It also bars unjustified unequal treatment of otherwise similar students in different subgroups of the same protected class. Schools that know, or should know, about a hostile environment must act promptly and effectively to end harassment and prevent recurrence. Public-school protections also cover harassment based on actual or perceived pregnancy or parental status. That conduct must be objectively offensive to a reasonable person in the same protected class; it need not be severe or widespread. People alleging discriminatory education practices can file a charge with Colorado's Civil Rights Division. The division may offer early mediation; unresolved cases give the school up to 60 days to fix the alleged problem. The division dismisses resolved charges and investigates those not fixed, while the Civil Rights Commission monitors settlements and orders. The division shares charge data with the Department of Education, which must employ liaison staff. Federal nondiscrimination law can guide interpretation but does not control these state protections. The protections apply to practices occurring on or after the effective date; a referendum petition makes effectiveness depend on voter approval.

Clearer discrimination complaint steps for college students

Beginning August 12, 2026, Colorado state institutions, local district colleges, and area technical colleges must publicly post Title VI complaint procedures. They must tell students and employees about these procedures at least annually. Each college must name a coordinator to oversee compliance, handle grievances, identify institutional problems, and track alleged violations. Colleges must make complaint data public without details that identify people. The coordinator must also provide Title VI compliance training to employees. The law applies to discriminatory practices on or after its effective date; a referendum petition makes effectiveness depend on voter approval.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Chris Kolker

    Democratic • Senate

  • Janice Marchman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jennifer Bacon

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Andrew Boesenecker

    Democratic • House

  • Brianna Titone

    Democratic • House

  • Eliza Hamrick

    Democratic • House

  • Emily Sirota

    Democratic • House

  • Gretchen Rydin

    Democratic • House

  • Jamie Jackson

    Democratic • House

  • Julie McCluskie

    Democratic • House

  • Jacque Phillips

    Democratic • House

  • Kyle Brown

    Democratic • House

  • Karen McCormick

    Democratic • House

  • Kenny Nguyen

    Democratic • House

  • Lori Goldstein

    Democratic • House

  • Michael Carter

    Democratic • House

  • Meg Froelich

    Democratic • House

  • Mandy Lindsay

    Democratic • House

  • Manny Rutinel

    Democratic • House

  • Regina English

    Democratic • House

  • Sheila Lieder

    Democratic • House

  • Tammy Story

    Democratic • House

  • Yara Zokaie

    Democratic • House

  • Sen. A. Benavidez

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Cathy Kipp

    Democratic • Senate

  • Iman Jodeh

    Democratic • Senate

  • James Coleman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jessie Danielson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Julie Gonzales

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kyle Mullica

    Democratic • Senate

  • Katie Wallace

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lisa Cutter

    Democratic • Senate

  • Tony Exum

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 184 • No: 72

Senate vote • 5/13/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 23 • No: 12

House vote • 5/13/2026

Senate amendments: Repass

Yes: 43 • No: 22

House vote • 5/13/2026

Senate amendments: Concur

Yes: 54 • No: 10

Senate vote • 5/11/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1141 to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 3 • No: 2

House vote • 5/7/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 42 • No: 22

House vote • 5/6/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1141, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 10 • No: 1

House vote • 2/26/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1141, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations.

Yes: 9 • No: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Governor Signed

    6/1/2026House

  2. Signed by the Speaker of the House

    5/29/2026House

  3. Signed by the President of the Senate

    5/29/2026Senate

  4. Sent to the Governor

    5/29/2026House

  5. Senate Third Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments

    5/13/2026Senate

  6. Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    5/13/2026Senate

  7. House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass

    5/13/2026House

  8. Senate Committee on State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Refer Unamended to Senate Committee of the Whole

    5/11/2026Senate

  9. Senate Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Floor

    5/11/2026Senate

  10. Introduced In Senate - Assigned to State, Veterans, & Military Affairs

    5/8/2026Senate

  11. House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    5/7/2026House

  12. House Committee on Appropriations Refer Amended to House Committee of the Whole

    5/6/2026House

  13. House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee

    5/6/2026House

  14. House Committee on Education Refer Amended to Appropriations

    2/26/2026House

  15. Introduced In House - Assigned to Education

    2/4/2026House

Bill Text

  • Engrossed

    PDF

  • Final Act

    PDF

  • House Appropriations Preamend

    PDF

  • House Education Preamend

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

  • Reengrossed

    PDF

  • Rerevised

    PDF

  • Revised

    PDF

  • Signed Act

    PDF

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