Colorado House Bill HB1202

Colorado 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/7/22
• Report Pass: 3/3/22
• Refer: 3/3/22
• Report Pass: 3/18/22
• Refer: 3/18/22
• Engrossed: 3/23/22
• Refer: 3/23/22
• Report Pass: 3/31/22
• Refer: 3/31/22
• Report Pass: 4/8/22
• Refer: 4/8/22
• Engrossed: 4/28/22
• Engrossed: 4/29/22
• Enrolled: 4/29/22
• Passed: 5/3/22

Caption

At-risk Student Measure For School Finance

Impact

The introduction of the new at-risk measure aims to simplify eligibility for public benefit programs and enhance the funding allocated to schools serving at-risk students. By recognizing a broader array of socioeconomic factors beyond just household income, the bill seeks to ensure both equitable distribution of funding and better academic outcomes for students who need support. This may ultimately lead to significant changes in how schools budget for resources, allowing for increased assistance where it is most needed.

Summary

House Bill 1202 focuses on creating a new measure within Colorado's public school funding formula to identify at-risk students based on socioeconomic factors. The intention is to enhance educational support for those potentially underperforming academically due to poverty or disadvantages linked to their socioeconomic status. The bill directs the commissioners of relevant departments to establish a working group, which will oversee the implementation and operationalizing of this new measure to be effective starting with the 2023-24 budget year.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1202 is largely supportive among educational advocates and stakeholders who view it as a step towards addressing systemic inequities in school funding. While many express optimism about its potential to improve educational outcomes, there are concerns regarding the resource allocation mechanism and how effectively the funding will reach the students and schools that most require it. The positive reception is anchored in the bill's emphasis on comprehensive consideration of factors that affect student performance.

Contention

Notable contention exists regarding the implementation's logistics and whether the proposed changes will translate effectively into practice. Some legislators express concerns about the bureaucratic complexities involved in establishing the working group and the potential for increased administrative burdens on schools. Additionally, there may be challenges in measuring the actual impact of the new measure on student outcomes, which could lead to debates in future legislative sessions about its efficacy.