SB 20: Child Care Provider Licensing & Quality

Official summary

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

The act requires the executive director of the Colorado department of early childhood (CDEC) to adopt rules concerning the requirements for licensed child care facilities to maintain up-to-date employee records in the professional development information system currently administered by CDEC.     The act requires CDEC, on or before July 1, 2026, to begin phasing out its reliance on third parties to investigate and inspect facilities applying for certain types of child care licenses where feasible and to prioritize the use of CDEC personnel to conduct the investigations and inspections instead. The act exempts certain health and sanitation inspections from the phase-out. CDEC must establish standardized training, protocols, and supervision for CDEC personnel and authorized or contracted third parties.     A local governing authority that imposes requirements related to the inspection, permitting, licensing, or approval of a child care center or family child care home beyond the state-level licensing standards (local approval process) shall limit associated fees and prioritize concluding a local approval process that has been delayed or disputed.     The act creates the child care licensure task force (task force) to study and report on recommendations for a streamlined child care licensure system in the state. On or before January 1, 2027, the task force must report on its recommendations to the health and human services and education committees of the house of representatives and the senate, the governor, and CDEC. The performance of the task force's work is dependent upon the receipt of sufficient gifts, grants, and donations.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 30 · Republican 2

“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. June 1, 2026Governor Signed
2. May 22, 2026Signed by the President of the Senate
3. May 22, 2026Signed by the Speaker of the House
4. May 22, 2026Sent to the Governor
5. May 8, 2026Senate Considered House Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
6. May 7, 2026House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
7. May 6, 2026House Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended to House Committee of the Whole
8. May 6, 2026House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee
9. April 30, 2026House Committee on Finance Refer Unamended to Appropriations
10. April 23, 2026House Committee on Education Refer Amended to Finance
11. April 13, 2026Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
12. April 13, 2026Introduced In House - Assigned to Education

Showing 12 most recent of 17 actions. Full history