Sen. Byron Pelton

Under current law, a local education provider is required to ensure that a preschool or kindergarten student receives an individualized readiness plan (plan). The act makes it optional for local education providers to provide plans to students who demonstrate proficiency on specified assessment domains and the kindergarten reading assessment, unless the student's parent requests a plan.     Under current law, a local education provider is required to annually provide information concerning assessments to students' parents. The act requires this written notice to include:The results of the student's specified assessment domains and kindergarten reading assessment;If applicable, information explaining that because of the student's assessment results, the local education provider is not required, and does not intend, to provide a plan for the student; andLanguage indicating that the student's parent may request a plan.     Under current law, the department of education is required to submit an annual report to the education committees of the house of representatives and the senate concerning specified educational accountability requirements. One of the reporting requirements concerns the level of school readiness demonstrated by students enrolled in kindergarten. The act requires the department to report this information on a statewide basis and to disaggregate the information based on specific characteristics.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes that Colorado lawmakers consider adding guaranteed lifetime income options to the state public employees' retirement defined contribution plan and voluntary savings plans. The measure aims to ensure public employees have access to a reliable income stream in retirement, similar to what is already available in the state's traditional defined benefit plan. By allowing workers to choose options that provide lifetime payouts, the bill seeks to improve retirement security and financial confidence for over 226,000 active public employees. The resolution encourages the General Assembly to study how these new options could help workers retire with dignity while maintaining the portability of their savings.

If approved by the voters of the state at the 2026 general election, the concurrent resolution authorizes a county to allow an exemption from property tax imposed by the county to the owner-occupier of single-family residential real property owned outright by the owner-occupier without a mortgage.(Note: This summary applies to this concurrent resolution as introduced.)

If a mental health provider, substance use disorder provider, or psychiatric nurse (provider) has not submitted a claim for a period of at least 12 months, the act requires a commercial insurance carrier (carrier) to contact the provider to confirm the provider's participation in the carrier's provider network and to determine whether the provider is accepting new patients.     The act includes mental health providers, substance use disorder providers, and psychiatric nurses as providers who may participate in a carrier's provider network.     The act requires carriers to admit prelicensed providers into the carrier's network and to reimburse prelicensed providers for services rendered when provided under the supervision of a mental health provider, substance use disorder provider, or psychiatric nurse.     The act requires a clinical social worker to complete 3,000 hours of practice prior to licensure.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates April 2026 as National Donate Life Month in Colorado. The measure serves to raise public awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation and honors the individuals who contribute to transplant programs. Additionally, the Senate will send a copy of this resolution to the Donor Alliance to support their outreach efforts.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates April 2026 as Second Chance Month in Colorado to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with criminal records. The measure highlights how legal restrictions and social barriers, known as collateral consequences, often prevent formerly incarcerated people from finding employment, accessing housing, and participating fully in society. By honoring the efforts of various community groups and government agencies, the resolution encourages citizens to support programs that help these individuals reintegrate and contribute to their communities. The bill does not change any laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to promote public understanding and compassion for those seeking a fresh start. Copies of the resolution are sent to state and federal leaders, as well as relevant organizations, to further spread the message of redemption and second chances.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 9, 2026, as "Home Education Day" in Colorado to honor parents who educate their children at home. It does not change any laws or affect how education is administered but serves as a symbolic recognition of home schooling within the state. The resolution highlights the number of home-educated students in Colorado and the estimated financial savings to taxpayers associated with this educational choice. Ultimately, the measure is a ceremonial gesture that celebrates home educators without altering existing policies or regulations.

The bill states that the Colorado prescription drug affordability review board has no authority to perform an affordability review of, or to establish an upper payment limit for, a prescription drug that is:Designated as a drug for a rare disease or condition by the food and drug administration (FDA) of the federal department of health and human services; orA licensed biological product that is derived from human whole blood or plasma as indicated on product labeling approved by the FDA.(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution formally recognizes the 43rd anniversary of the sister-state relationship between Colorado and Taiwan while expressing support for their ongoing trade and academic exchanges. The bill highlights recent cooperation in emerging technologies such as quantum computing and semiconductors, and it advocates for Taiwan's participation in international organizations like the World Health Organization and the United Nations. Additionally, the resolution commends Taiwan's democratic system and supports the signing of a U.S.-Taiwan agreement on avoiding double taxation. As a non-binding legislative statement, it does not alter laws or budgets but serves to publicly endorse these diplomatic and economic ties.

The concurrent resolution submits a constitutional amendment to the voters of the state at the 2026 general election that adds to the nonexclusive list of inalienable rights of all persons the right to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their children.(Note: This summary applies to this concurrent resolution as introduced.)