HB 1259: Department of Early Childhood Clean-Up

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

The act makes changes and clarifications in the provisions related to the department of early childhood (department). The act:Eliminates the scheduled repeal of licensing exemptions for certain in-home child care arrangements in which the children are related to the caregiver, are siblings, or number fewer than five;Updates provisions related to early care and education provider reimbursement for services performed before final eligibility determinations in the Colorado child care assistance program;Lowers the age limit for children served by the early childhood mental health consultation program from 8 years old to 6 years old and adjusts that program's reporting requirements;Clarifies the sources of money appropriated to the universal preschool program;Requires the department to keep confidential identifying records and facts regarding children and their relatives;Clarifies that child care facilities approved, certified, or licensed by tribal governments are exempt from the department's licensing rules; andAdjusts the membership requirements and duties of the early childhood leadership commission and subcommittee membership requirements for the rules advisory council.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 45 · Republican 3

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. May 5, 2026Governor Signed
2. April 28, 2026Signed by the Speaker of the House
3. April 28, 2026Signed by the President of the Senate
4. April 28, 2026Sent to the Governor
5. April 2, 2026House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
6. April 1, 2026Senate Third Reading Passed with Amendments - Floor
7. March 31, 2026Senate Third Reading Laid Over to 04/01/2026 - No Amendments
8. March 30, 2026Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments - Committee
9. March 25, 2026Senate Committee on Education Refer Amended to Senate Committee of the Whole
10. March 18, 2026Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Education
11. March 13, 2026House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
12. March 12, 2026House Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments

Showing 12 most recent of 14 actions. Full history