SB 80: Cradle to Career Grant Program Creation

Official summary

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

The act creates the cradle to career grant program (grant program) in the department of human services (CDHS) to provide grants to a local government, local education provider, state institution of higher education, Indian tribe or tribal organization, or community-based nonprofit or not-for-profit organization (eligible entity) to promote coordinated community-based supports and services that open opportunities for economic mobility from poverty. The grant program must connect children and youth with high-quality educational and extracurricular programming and families with key health and social services in order to improve prenatal and early childhood outcomes, student achievement, workforce readiness, and wealth-building opportunities.     The act creates the cradle to career advisory council (council) to approve or disapprove CDHS's potential grant recipients and to collaborate with CDHS to develop grant program guidelines and criteria for awarding grants. Council members must be Colorado residents and must not provide financial support for the grant program.     To receive a grant, an eligible entity must submit an application that includes an economic mobility needs assessment and a comprehensive proposal to address the needs within its designated service area. The application must identify prospective community partners and subcontractors. The act caps the amount that CDHS may award in connection with a single grant application at 49% of available grant program money.     A grant recipient must comply with various health and safety, financial responsibility, and anti-discrimination safeguards. Each grant recipient must annually report to CDHS addressing the recipient's progress using a set of performance indicators to assess the economic mobility outcomes and impacts associated with the grant award. CDHS must make a related report to the health and human services committees of the general assembly and the governor each year.     CDHS may seek, accept, and expend gifts, grants, and donations for grant-program-related purposes. If CDHS does not receive $900,000 for those purposes on or before December 31, 2028, the grant program is repealed. The general assembly shall not appropriate general fund dollars for grant program operations.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 17 · 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 4, 2026Governor Signed
2. May 19, 2026Signed by the President of the Senate
3. May 19, 2026Signed by the Speaker of the House
4. May 19, 2026Sent to the Governor
5. May 13, 2026House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
6. May 13, 2026Senate Considered House Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
7. May 12, 2026House Committee on Appropriations Refer Amended to House Committee of the Whole
8. May 12, 2026House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee
9. May 11, 2026House Committee on Appropriations Postpone Indefinitely
10. May 7, 2026House Committee on Finance Refer Amended to Appropriations
11. April 30, 2026House Committee on Education Refer Unamended to Finance
12. April 22, 2026House Committee on Education Witness Testimony and/or Committee Discussion Only

Showing 12 most recent of 18 actions. Full history