ColoradoHB26-11762026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Modify Fourth-Year Innovation Pilot Program

Sponsored By: Emily Sirota (Democratic), Jeff Bridges (Democratic), Judy Amabile (Democratic), Rick Taggart (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Education & School Finance (Pre & K-12)Higher Education

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Early graduates face college funding deadlines

Eligible early graduates from participating Colorado high schools must start a postsecondary program within 18 months after graduation. For 2025–26 early graduates, the start date must also be no later than December 31, 2026. Missing that deadline means losing state funding under the Fourth-Year Innovation Pilot Program.

Early graduates get funding payment deadlines

The Colorado Department of Higher Education must send pilot funding to the graduate’s postsecondary program within 30 business days after a request. All required payments must be completed by the end of the 2026–27 state fiscal year. The program must pass remaining money to the graduate after covering tuition, fees, and other expenses payable to it. Graduates can use remaining funds for books, transportation, and other allowed costs of attendance.

School funding changes for early graduates

Colorado lawmakers may fund local education providers in a fiscal year after eligible students graduate early in 2021–22 through 2024–25. Students must graduate from participating high schools. The funding cap is 25% of the average state share of statewide average per-student revenue for the 2021–22 budget year, calculated in the 2021 legislative session. When lawmakers provide less than that cap, the Department of Education reduces provider payments proportionally. Providers are encouraged to use some money for high-quality career and college counseling and support. The law ends annual provider funding for 2025–26 early graduates; any remaining appropriation is distributed proportionally. It also removes the Department of Higher Education’s final program evaluation and related data-reporting requirements, including associated privacy provisions.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Elizabeth Velasco
Democratic • House
Julie McCluskie
Democratic • House
Monica Duran
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 114 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/20/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 33 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/18/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1176 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 26-1176 to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 11 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Governor Signed
3/26/2026House
Signed by the President of the Senate
3/17/2026Senate
Sent to the Governor
3/17/2026House
Signed by the Speaker of the House
3/16/2026House
Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
2/20/2026Senate
Senate Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments
2/19/2026Senate
Senate Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended - Consent Calendar to Senate Committee of the Whole
2/18/2026Senate
Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Appropriations
2/17/2026Senate
House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
2/12/2026House
House Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments
2/11/2026House
House Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended to House Committee of the Whole
2/10/2026House
Introduced In House - Assigned to Appropriations
2/6/2026House

Bill Text

Engrossed
PDF
Final Act
PDF
Introduced
PDF
Reengrossed
PDF
Rerevised
PDF
Revised
PDF
Signed Act
PDF

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