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ColoradoHB26-12982026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Background Checks for Child Welfare Placements

Sponsored By: Gretchen Rydin (Democratic), Lisa Cutter (Democratic), Rebecca Keltie (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Children & Domestic Matters

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Privacy protections for foster background checks

Only authorized Colorado county or state departments may receive full fingerprint-based criminal history records, subject to federal security rules. Private placement agencies cannot receive those records. Unauthorized recipients receive only an eligibility result or an inconclusive notice directing the applicant to contact the state department. When an FBI arrest record lacks an outcome, records and follow-up findings remain confidential and are disclosed only to the person checked.

Technology funding for child welfare checks

For state budget year 2026-27, the law provides $350,000 to the Governor's Office for Office of Information Technology services. These services help the Department of Human Services carry out the law. The appropriation uses funds received from that department and transferred for this purpose. Lawmakers also anticipate $350,000 in federal implementation funds, subject to the specified notation in the annual state budget law.

Stricter screening for foster and kinship homes

Before approving or renewing foster and kinship homes, counties or licensed placement agencies must arrange Colorado and FBI fingerprint checks. Checks cover applicants, employees, and residents regardless of reimbursement; adult residents must provide five years of addresses. Applicants pay check costs unless the county or placement agency covers them. Agencies cannot approve kinship homes when required record checks confirm that an applicant or another covered person has a conviction listed in Colorado law. Approval is also barred by certified out-of-state court orders showing felony child abuse, specified sexual offenses against children, or deferred judgment or prosecution agreements for substantially matching offenses.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Gretchen Rydin

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Cutter

    Democratic • Senate

  • Rebecca Keltie

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Andrew Boesenecker

    Democratic • House

  • Ava Flanell

    Republican • House

  • Chad Clifford

    Democratic • House

  • Chris Richardson

    Republican • House

  • Jamie Jackson

    Democratic • House

  • Junie Joseph

    Democratic • House

  • Kenny Nguyen

    Democratic • House

  • Lindsay Gilchrist

    Democratic • House

  • Monica Duran

    Democratic • House

  • Mandy Lindsay

    Democratic • House

  • Manny Rutinel

    Democratic • House

  • Naquetta Ricks

    Democratic • House

  • Ryan Gonzalez

    Republican • House

  • Sean Camacho

    Democratic • House

  • Sheila Lieder

    Democratic • House

  • Cathy Kipp

    Democratic • Senate

  • Chris Kolker

    Democratic • Senate

  • Iman Jodeh

    Democratic • Senate

  • James Coleman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jessie Danielson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Julie Gonzales

    Democratic • Senate

  • Janice Marchman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Katie Wallace

    Democratic • Senate

  • Marc Snyder

    Democratic • Senate

  • Robert Rodriguez

    Democratic • Senate

  • Tony Exum

    Democratic • Senate

  • William Lindstedt

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 135 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/11/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 35 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/8/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1298 to the Committee of the Whole and with a recommendation that it be placed on the consent calendar.

Yes: 7 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/7/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1298 to the Committee on Appropriations.

Yes: 6 • No: 0

House vote • 4/21/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 63 • No: 0

House vote • 4/17/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1298, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 11 • No: 0

House vote • 3/17/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1298, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations.

Yes: 13 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Governor Signed

    6/4/2026House

  2. Signed by the Speaker of the House

    6/3/2026House

  3. Signed by the President of the Senate

    6/3/2026Senate

  4. Sent to the Governor

    6/3/2026House

  5. Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    5/11/2026Senate

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

    5/8/2026Senate

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

    5/8/2026Senate

  8. Senate Committee on Health & Human Services Refer Unamended to Appropriations

    5/7/2026Senate

  9. Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Health & Human Services

    4/24/2026Senate

  10. House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    4/21/2026House

  11. House Third Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments

    4/20/2026House

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

    4/17/2026House

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

    4/17/2026House

  14. House Committee on Health & Human Services Refer Amended to Appropriations

    3/17/2026House

  15. Introduced In House - Assigned to Health & Human Services

    2/25/2026House

Bill Text

  • Engrossed

    PDF

  • Final Act

    PDF

  • House Appropriations Preamend

    PDF

  • House Health & Human Services Preamend

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

  • Reengrossed

    PDF

  • Rerevised

    PDF

  • Revised

    PDF

  • Signed Act

    PDF

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