Rep. Jacque Phillips

The act adds a board of cooperative services (BOCES) executive director to the list of individuals covered by the public employees' retirement association (PERA) who may be employed in specified education-related positions under certain circumstances with no change in their PERA retirement benefits.     The act permits local education providers to elect to have all or some of their postsecondary and workforce readiness start-up funding distribution made directly to a BOCES.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Maddy summarySJR 11 is a commemorative resolution designating a specific segment of U.S. Highway 34 (between Wilson Ave. and North County Rd. 23H) as the "Sgt. John 'Jack' Thurman Memorial Highway" in honor of a World War II Marine Corps veteran. The bill, which has no policy or funding provisions, simply names the highway section to recognize Sergeant Thurman's service at Iwo Jima, his military awards, and his post-war contributions as an architect and community leader in Colorado. It authorizes the Colorado Department of Transportation to accept donations for signage and explore maintenance agreements with local governments. This is a ceremonial designation with no direct impact on residents or new laws.

Maddy summarySJR 4 designates September 20-26, 2026, as "Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) Awareness Week" in Colorado. This symbolic resolution recognizes FTD - a terminal, incurable neurodegenerative disease affecting speech, behavior, and motor skills - and aims to increase public awareness of the condition. It directly supports Coloradans living with FTD, their families, and advocacy groups like the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, which focuses on research and care. The bill has no funding or regulatory provisions, as it is purely a recognition measure.

Maddy summaryThis House Memorial (HM 1001) is a formal tribute passed by the Colorado General Assembly honoring former State Representative Dan Williams, who died in October 2025. It recognizes his 1984-1992 service in the Colorado House, his leadership as chair of key committees (including Agriculture and Transportation), and his lifelong advocacy for Colorado ranching and farming communities. The resolution expresses the legislature's condolences to his family and sends copies of the memorial to his partner and children. It has no policy impact, as it is purely a commemorative gesture with no new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryHJR 1018 designates the 61-mile stretch of State Highway 86 through Elbert County, Colorado, as the "Plains-to-Pines Scenic Corridor." The resolution authorizes the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to accept donations for signage, markers, and landscaping to promote this scenic route connecting the eastern plains to the Rocky Mountain foothills. It specifically enables CDOT to collaborate with Elbert County and the towns of Kiowa and Elizabeth for maintenance of these promotional elements. This is a commemorative designation without new regulatory requirements, focusing on tourism and regional identity.

Maddy summarySJR 14 is a symbolic resolution declaring February 28, 2026, as "Rare Disease Day" in Colorado. It recognizes over 500,000 Coloradans living with rare diseases - conditions affecting fewer than 200,000 people - and highlights challenges like limited treatments and high costs. The resolution encourages public awareness through events (like lighting Denver's City and County Building) and acknowledges the resilience of affected individuals. It does not create new laws, funding, or services, but formally supports the rare disease community through recognition.

Maddy summaryHJR 1019 designates February 20, 2026, as Caregiving Youth Day in Colorado, with an official observance on February 27, 2026. The resolution recognizes children and adolescents under 18 who provide care for family members with health needs (such as chronic illness, disability, or aging-related care) and encourages schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to identify these young caregivers and offer appropriate support. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to increase awareness of this underserved population.

Maddy summarySJR 13 is a symbolic resolution recognizing February 26, 2026, as "Youth Mental Health Action Day" in Colorado. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally honors pediatric health-care providers working to support youth mental health. The resolution cites Colorado's high rates of youth mental health challenges (including suicide being a leading cause of death for children under 18) and emphasizes collaboration with providers, agencies, and communities. It commits the General Assembly to "promoting child and youth well-being" through existing mental health system efforts. This is a non-binding recognition, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution, not a bill with policy changes. It designates February 20, 2026, as "Colorado FFA Day" to honor the Colorado Future Farmers of America (FFA) program. The resolution recognizes FFA's role in developing student leadership, career skills, and agricultural education across Colorado. It directly celebrates FFA members, educators, and supporters but does not create new laws or affect any legal obligations. The resolution was introduced in both chambers of the Colorado legislature in February 2026.

Maddy summarySJR 10 is a symbolic resolution celebrating Lunar New Year 2026 in Colorado, not a new law. It formally recognizes the cultural significance of Lunar New Year and honors Asian American contributions to the state, building on Colorado’s existing 2024 observed holiday (established by HB 23-1271). The resolution urges Coloradans to attend community events and acknowledges the holiday’s historical roots and global celebration by over two billion people. It has no direct policy impact or legal effect, as it serves purely ceremonial and commemorative purposes.