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ColoradoHB26-11752026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

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: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Guaranteed $34M a year for early reading

Starting in the 2026–27 budget year, the state sets aside at least $34 million each year for early reading. The money comes from the State Education Fund and pays for reading campaigns, an independent evaluator, Early Literacy Grants, per‑student reading help, and training and oversight. On July 1, 2026, unspent Early Literacy Fund money moves to the State Education Fund, except dollars reserved for READ Act training through 2026–27. On August 31, 2027, any remaining balance also moves. The Early Literacy Fund ends on September 1, 2027. During the transition, grants can be paid from either the Early Literacy Fund or the new yearly appropriation.

Teacher of the Year eligible for state funding

The Colorado Teacher of the Year Program can receive annual money from the State Education Fund as a teacher incentive. On July 1, 2026, the State Treasurer moves any unspent Teacher of the Year Fund money into the State Education Fund, except gifts, grants, and donations. On August 31, 2027, any remaining balance also moves. The old Teacher of the Year Fund ends on September 1, 2027.

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

  • Rebekah 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

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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

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