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ColoradoHB26-11752026 Regular SessionHouse

State Education Fund Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act & Colorado Teacher of the Year Program

Sponsored By: Barbara Kirkmeyer (Republican), Emily Sirota (Democratic), Jeff Bridges (Democratic), Kyle Brown (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Education & School Finance (Pre & K-12)

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Colorado protects yearly funding for reading help

Starting in fiscal year 2026-27, Colorado must provide at least $34 million yearly from the State Education Fund for reading programs. This pays for school grants, per-student reading help, public reading campaigns, an independent evaluator, and program support and oversight. It also funds training for K–3 teachers, grades 4–12 reading interventionists, principals, administrators, and librarians. Grants can use these appropriations or remaining Early Literacy Fund money. Annual $34 million transfers to the Early Literacy Fund continue through fiscal year 2025-26. On July 1, 2026, unspent money not committed to expenses returns to the State Education Fund. Money for targeted READ Act training stays available through fiscal year 2026-27 and is excluded from that transfer. Any remaining unspent, uncommitted money transfers on August 31, 2027; the Early Literacy Fund ends September 1, 2027.

Teacher recognition continues with optional state funding

The Colorado Teacher of the Year program continues, but its separate fund ends September 1, 2027. The treasurer must transfer $24,800 yearly from the State Education Fund to that fund through fiscal year 2025-26. The legislature can fund the program through yearly State Education Fund appropriations, but no amount or annual funding is guaranteed. On July 1, 2026, unspent money not committed to expenses returns to the State Education Fund, except gifts, grants, and donations. On August 31, 2027, all remaining unspent, uncommitted money transfers, including money from those sources.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Barbara Kirkmeyer

    Republican • Senate

  • Emily Sirota

    Democratic • House

  • Jeff Bridges

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kyle Brown

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Chad Clifford

    Democratic • House

  • Julie McCluskie

    Democratic • House

  • Kenny Nguyen

    Democratic • House

  • Katie Stewart

    Democratic • House

  • Monica Duran

    Democratic • House

  • Ryan Gonzalez

    Republican • House

  • Ron Weinberg

    Republican • House

  • Sheila Lieder

    Democratic • House

  • Scott Slaugh

    Republican • House

  • Ty Winter

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 113 • No: 1

Senate vote • 2/20/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 33 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/18/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1175 to the Committee of the Whole and with a recommendation that it be placed on the consent calendar.

Yes: 7 • No: 0

House vote • 2/12/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 63 • No: 0

House vote • 2/10/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1175 to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 10 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Governor Signed

    3/26/2026House

  2. Signed by the President of the Senate

    3/17/2026Senate

  3. Sent to the Governor

    3/17/2026House

  4. Signed by the Speaker of the House

    3/16/2026House

  5. Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    2/20/2026Senate

  6. Senate Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments

    2/19/2026Senate

  7. Senate Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended - Consent Calendar to Senate Committee of the Whole

    2/18/2026Senate

  8. Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Appropriations

    2/17/2026Senate

  9. House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    2/12/2026House

  10. House Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments

    2/11/2026House

  11. House Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended to House Committee of the Whole

    2/10/2026House

  12. Introduced In House - Assigned to Appropriations

    2/6/2026House

Bill Text

Related Bills

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