Second Regular Session
Seventy-third General Assembly
STATE OF COLORADO
REVISED
This Version Includes All Amendments Adopted
on Second Reading in the Second House
LLS NO. 22-0979.01 Jerry Barry x4341
HOUSE BILL 22-1366
House Committees Senate Committees
Education Appropriations
Appropriations
A BILL FOR AN ACT
C
ONCERNING INCREASING ACCESS TO POSTSECONDARY WORKFORCE101
READINESS WITH FINANCIAL AID
INFORMATION, AND, IN102
CONNECTION THEREWITH , MAKING AN APPROPRIATION .103
Bill Summary
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does
not reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted. If this bill
passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that
applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at
http://leg.colorado.gov
.)
The bill establishes a number of new programs concerning
postsecondary career and education options for students, including:
! Establishing the postsecondary, workforce, career, and
education grant program in the department of education
(CDE) to provide grants to local education providers to
SENATE
2nd Reading Unamended
May 5, 2022
HOUSE
3rd Reading Unamended
May 2, 2022
HOUSE
Amended 2nd Reading
April 29, 2022
HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
Kipp, Amabile, Bacon, Benavidez, Bernett, Bird, Boesenecker, Caraveo, Cutter, Duran,
Esgar, Exum, Garnett, Herod, Hooton, Jodeh, Kennedy, Lindsay, Lontine, McCluskie,
McLachlan, Michaelson Jenet, Ricks, Titone, Valdez A., Valdez D., Woodrow, Young
SENATE SPONSORSHIP
Bridges,
Shading denotes HOUSE amendment. Double underlining denotes SENATE amendment.
Capital letters or bold & italic numbers indicate new material to be added to existing statute.
Dashes through the words indicate deletions from existing statute. improve the training of school educators and
administrators, to support students and families in
developing career and education plans for after high
school, and to increase the number of students for whom
applications for free financial aid are completed;
! Creating regional postsecondary and workforce
coordinators in the CDE to train educators concerning
financial aspects of postsecondary options;
! Updating the financial literacy resource bank to include
more information and training concerning postsecondary
financial aid;
! Creating stipends for teachers who successfully complete
financial aid training;
! Adding a requirement to individual career and
postsecondary education plans to include information about
available state and federal financial aid;
! Requiring the department of higher education (CDHE) to
use technology to assist students and families in completing
postsecondary state and federal financial aid applications;
and
! Requiring the CDHE to make certain improvements to
streamline the Colorado application for financial aid.
The bill appropriates money for each of the programs and specifies
that the CDE and the CDHE may use the money appropriated in
subsequent years without additional appropriation.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:1
SECTION 1. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly2
finds and declares that:3
(a) Research shows that education and training culminating in4
credentials, such as industry certificates, trade school certificates,5
apprenticeships, associate's degrees, and bachelor's degrees, among other6
business and industry-based experiences, are necessary to earn a living7
wage in Colorado. Completion of the federal or state financial aid8
applications are key components of understanding how additional9
education beyond high school can be financially supported. Completion10
of federal or state financial aid applications supports access to these11
1366-2- career pathway options, as they are vehicles to support paying for tuition,1
fees, equipment, and other expenses associated with additional training2
beyond high school.3
(b) An understanding of how to access these career-aligned4
resources and supports is integral to navigating training and education5
resources for students and families. Financial literacy education and6
Colorado's individual career and academic plan can help families7
understand how to obtain federal or state financial aid to support students8
in pursuing additional education and career training.9
(c) Research shows that students and families who do not10
complete financial aid forms do so for one or more of the following11
reasons:12
(I) (A) Students and families are unaware of the true cost of13
attending postsecondary options and the resources available to pay for14
education and training that might be available by federal or state financial15
aid forms; or16
(B) A false belief that grants or scholarships are unavailable based17
on family resources and income levels;18
(II) Students and families often do not have the required tax19
information available due to individual or family circumstances or needed20
support to acquire that information or fill out complex forms, which leads21
to students not completing and submitting federal financial aid or state22
financial aid documents; and23
(III) Students and families fear incurring debt for postsecondary24
education because of the potential difficulty in paying back those loans;25
(d) In 2023, the free application for federal student aid will be26
simplified, reducing the number of questions from 100 to 30 and reducing27
1366
-3- the financial information needed through the federal "FAFSA1
Simplification Act";2
(e) More broadly, Colorado students have the opportunity to3
magnify the impact of state investments in higher education by accessing4
federal dollars to pursue postsecondary education and a credential of5
value to enhance income earning potential. It is estimated that more than6
$30 million in federal resources could be leveraged each year by7
Colorado students completing federal and state financial aid applications.8
(f) Completing federal and state financial aid applications requires9
support among students and their families, K-12 college and career10
readiness programs, and higher education institutions for academic and11
workforce training.12
SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 22-7-1015.5 as13
follows:14
22-7-1015.5. Postsecondary, workforce, career, and education15
grant program - created - application - criteria - awards -16
appropriation - repeal. (1) T
HERE IS CREATED IN THE DEPARTMENT OF17
EDUCATION, REFERRED TO IN THIS SECTION AS THE "DEPARTMENT", THE18
POSTSECONDARY, WORKFORCE, CAREER, AND EDUCATION GRANT19
PROGRAM, REFERRED TO IN THIS SECTION AS THE "GRANT PROGRAM", TO20
AWARD GRANTS TO LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDERS TO IMPROVE THE21
POSTSECONDARY OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS AND TO INCREASE THE22
NUMBER OF STUDENTS COMPLETING THE FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL23
STUDENT AID, REFERRED TO IN THIS SECTION AS "FAFSA", AND THE24
C
OLORADO APPLICATION FOR STATE FINANCIAL AID , REFERRED TO IN THIS25
SECTION AS "CASFA". EACH GRANT HAS A TERM OF THREE YEARS26
BEGINNING IN THE 2022-23 STATE FISCAL YEAR. IN MAKING A GRANT27
1366
-4- AWARD, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL SPECIFY THE AMOUNT OF EACH GRANT .1
(2) T
HE DEPARTMENT SHALL DISTRIBUTE THE GRANT MONEY TO2
THE LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDERS THAT RECEIVE A GRANT FOR THE3
FOLLOWING PURPOSES:4
(a) D
EVELOPING AND DISTRIBUTING INFORMATION TO STUDENTS ,5
FAMILIES, AND SCHOOL LEADERS REGARDING THE FAFSA AND6
APPLICATIONS FOR STATE STUDENT AID , AND THE BENEFITS OF7
COMPLETING THE FAFSA AND APPLICATIONS FOR STATE STUDENT AID ;8
(b) D
EVELOPING AND DISTRIBUTING INFORMATION TO STUDENTS9
AND FAMILIES REGARDING THE STEPS REQUIRED TO COMPL ETE THE FAFSA10
AND APPLICATIONS FOR STATE STUDENT AID ;11
(c) T
RAINING SCHOOL COUNSELORS AND OTHER EDUCATORS ON12
BEST PRACTICES TO SUPPORT STUDENTS AND FAMILIES WITH FILLING OUT13
THE FAFSA AND APPLICATIONS FOR STATE STUDENT AID , WITH AN14
EMPHASIS ON SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE HISTORICALLY LOW15
COMPLETION RATES OF THE FAFSA AND APPLICATIONS FOR STATE16
STUDENT AID;17
(d) O
RGANIZING AND HOSTING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS AND18
FAMILIES TO MEET WITH STAKEHOLDERS WHO ASSIST IN COMPLETING THE19
FAFSA
OR APPLICATIONS FOR STATE STUDENT AID;20
(e) I
NCORPORATING COMPLETION OF APPLICATIONS FOR FEDERAL21
STUDENT AID AND APPLICATIONS FOR STATE STUDENT AID INTO22
INDIVIDUAL CAREER AND ACADEMIC PLANS PURSUANT TO SECTIONS23
22-32-109
AND 22-30.5-525;
24
(f) C
OLLABORATING WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER25
EDUCATION'S EFFORTS PURSUANT TO SECTION 23-3.3-1007 TO SUPPORT26
LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDERS IN EXPLORING POSTSECONDARY OPTIONS27
1366
-5- UNDER THE INDIVIDUAL CAREER AND ACADEMIC PLANS PURSUANT TO1
SECTIONS 22-32-109 AND 22-30.5-525; AND2
(g) COLLABORATING OR PARTNERING WITH NONPROFIT3
ORGANIZATIONS TO SUPPORT LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDERS AND4
STUDENTS WITH EDUCATION AND COMPLETION OF STUDENT APPLICATIONS5
FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID AND APPLICATIONS FOR STATE STUDENT AID.6
(3) A
LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER SEEKING A GRANT MUST7
SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE DEPARTMENT . THE DEPARTMENT SHALL8
REVIEW EACH GRANT APPLICATION RECEIVED AND DETERMINE WHETHER9
AND IN WHAT AMOUNT A GRANT SHOULD BE AWARDED TO THE LOCAL10
EDUCATION PROVIDER. IF THE DEPARTMENT DETERMINES AN APPLICATION11
IS MISSING ANY INFORMATION REQUIRED BY RULE TO BE INCLUDED WITH12
THE APPLICATION, THE DEPARTMENT MAY CONTACT THE LOCAL13
EDUCATION PROVIDER TO OBTAIN THE MISSING INFORMATION .14
(4) A
T A MINIMUM, EACH GRANT APPLICATION MUST SPECIFY :15
(a) T
HE CURRENT PROGRAMS RELATED TO COLLEGE AND CAREER16
READINESS DEVELOPED PURSUANT TO SECTION 22-7-1015 AND INDIVIDUAL17
CAREER AND ACADEMIC PLANS PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 22-32-109 AND18
22-30.5-525
THAT THE LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER USES ;19
(b) W
HETHER THE LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER HAS ENTERED20
INTO, OR HAS COMMITTED TO ESTABLISHING, ONE OR MORE PARTNERSHIPS21
WITH INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION OR POSTSECONDARY SERVICE22
PROVIDERS IN COLORADO TO SUPPORT AND INCREASE THE CAPACITY AND23
EFFECTIVENESS OF CAREER COUNSELING AND POSTSECONDARY24
PREPARATION SERVICES PROVIDED TO STUDENTS ENROLLED IN OR25
RECEIVING EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FROM THE EDUCATION PROVIDER ;26
(c) T
HE LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER 'S PLAN FOR USE OF THE27
1366
-6- GRANT MONEY, INCLUDING THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE GRANT MONEY1
WILL BE USED TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO COMPLETE2
FEDERAL AND STATE FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS AT THE LOCAL3
EDUCATION PROVIDER'S HIGH SCHOOLS SERVED BY THE GRANT AND TO4
PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPM ENT FOR SCHOOL COUNSELORS AND5
OTHER EDUCATORS ON WORK -BASED LEARNING, COMPLETION OF FEDERAL6
AND STATE FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS , AND INTEGRATION OF ALL7
POSTSECONDARY OPTIONS INTO THE INDIVIDUAL CAREER AND ACADEMIC8
PLANS FOR STUDENTS;9
(d) T
HE LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER 'S PLAN FOR INVOLVING10
EDUCATORS AND ADMINISTRATORS AT THE LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER 'S11
SCHOOLS PROVIDING POSTSECONDAR Y PREPARATION SUPPORTS ;12
(e) T
HE EXTENT TO WHICH THE LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER HAS13
DEVELOPED OR PLANS TO DEVELOP PARTNERSHIPS TO SERVE THE14
POSTSECONDARY NEEDS OF ALL OF THE STUDENTS ENROLLED IN OR15
RECEIVING EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FROM THE LOCAL EDUCATION16
PROVIDER;17
(f) T
HE LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER'S USE OF DISTRICT-LEVEL OR18
SCHOOL-LEVEL EXISTING AND POTENTIAL PROGRAMMING FOR19
POSTSECONDARY AND WORKFORCE READINESS , AS DEFINED IN SECTION20
22-7-1008;21
(g) W
HETHER THE LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER INTENDS TO22
PROVIDE MATCHING FUNDS TO AUGMENT ANY GRANT MONEY RECEIVED23
FROM THE PROGRAM AND THE ANTICIPATED AMOUNT AND SOURCE OF ANY24
MATCHING FUNDS; AND25
(h) W
HETHER THE LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER NEEDS TO UPDATE26
THE INDIVIDUAL CAREER AND ACADEMIC PLAN PROCESS TO27
1366
-7- ACCOMMODATE REQUIREMENTS PURSUANT TO SECTION 22-2-136 (1),1
INCLUDING FINANCIAL AID FORM INFORMATION , OR FINANCIAL LITERACY2
CURRICULUM PURSUANT TO SECTION 22-2-127.3
(5) I
N REVIEWING APPLICATIONS, THE DEPARTMENT MAY CONSIDER4
THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA, IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER CRITERIA ADOPTED5
BY RULE OF THE STATE BOARD:6
(a) H
IGH SCHOOLS WITH LOW POSTSECONDARY CREDENTIAL7
ATTAINMENT RATES;8
(b) T
HE LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER 'S HIGH SCHOOLS WITH LOW9
FEDERAL AND STATE FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION COMPLETION RATES ;10
AND11
(c) T
HE GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION OF THE LOCAL EDUCATION12
PROVIDER. THE DEPARTMENT MAY PRIORITIZE AWARDING GRANTS TO13
RURAL AREAS OF THE STATE AND PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO14
RURAL LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDERS REQUESTING SUPPORT .15
(6) (a) S
UBJECT TO AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS , THE16
DEPARTMENT SHALL AWARD GRANTS TO LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDERS17
PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION. EACH GRANT HAS A TERM OF THREE YEARS18
BEGINNING IN THE 2022-23 BUDGET YEAR. IN MAKING A GRANT AWARD ,19
THE DEPARTMENT SHALL SPECIFY THE AMOUNT OF EACH GRANT .20
(b) A
LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER THAT RECEIVES A GRANT21
SHALL USE THE MONEY FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES :22
(I) D
EVELOPING AND DISTRIBUTING TO STUDENTS , FAMILIES, AND23
EDUCATORS INFORMATI ON ABOUT AND STEPS TO COMPLETE THE FEDERAL24
AND STATE FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS;25
(II) T
RAINING SCHOOL COUNSELORS AND OTHER EDUCATORS ON26
BEST PRACTICES TO SUPPORT STUDENTS AND FAMILIES WITH FILLING OUT27
1366
-8- FEDERAL AND STATE FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS WITH AN EMPHASIS ON1
SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE HISTORICALLY LOW COMPLETION2
RATES OF FEDERAL AND STATE FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS ;3
(III) O
RGANIZING AND HOSTING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS4
AND FAMILIES TO MEET WITH STAKEHOLDERS WHO ASSIST IN COMPLETING5
THE FAFSA OR APPLICATIONS FOR STATE STUDENT AID; AND6
(IV) U
PDATING THE LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER 'S INDIVIDUAL7
CAREER AND ACADEMIC PLAN PROCESS WITH FI NANCIAL AID INFORMATION8
AND COMPLETION OF THE APPLICATION FORMS .9
(7) T
HE DEPARTMENT MAY EXPEND NO MORE THAN
TEN PERCENT10
OF THE MONEY ANNUALLY APPROPRIATED FOR THE PROGRAM TO OFFSET11
THE COSTS INCURRED IN IMPLEMENTING THE PROGRAM , INCLUDING THE12
PROVISION OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO RURAL LOCAL EDUCATION13
PROVIDERS, GRANT-RELATED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT , TRAINING,14
AND REPORTING ACTIVITIES.15
(8) O
N OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1, 2023, AND ON OR BEFORE16
S
EPTEMBER 1 EACH YEAR THEREAFTER FOR THE LENGTH OF THE GRANT ,17
EACH LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER RECEIVING GRANT MONEY PURSUANT18
TO THIS SECTION SHALL REPORT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TO THE19
DEPARTMENT:20
(a) A
COMPARISON OF THE DROPOUT RATES , AND THE COLLEGE21
MATRICULATION AND REMEDIATION RATES , IF APPLICABLE, AT THE HIGH22
SCHOOLS SERVED BY THE GRANT FOR THE YEARS PRIOR TO RECEIPT OF THE23
GRANT AND THE YEARS FOR WHICH THE LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER24
RECEIVES THE GRANT; AND25
(b) A
COMPARISON OF THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO COMPLETED26
FEDERAL AND STATE FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS FOR THE YEAR PRIOR27
1366
-9- TO WHICH THE LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER RECEIVED THE GRANT , IF1
AVAILABLE, AND THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO COMPLETED FEDERAL2
AND STATE FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS3
THE EDUCATION PROVIDER RECEIVES THE GRANT .4
(9) N
OTWITHSTANDING SECTION 24-1-136 (11)(a)(I), ON OR5
BEFORE OCTOBER 15, 2023, AND ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 15 EACH YEAR6
THEREAFTER FOR THE LENGTH OF THE GRANT , THE DEPARTMENT SHALL7
SUBMIT TO THE EDUCATION COMMITTEES OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE8
OF REPRESENTATIVES, OR ANY SUCCESSOR COMMITTEES , A REPORT THAT,9
AT A MINIMUM, SUMMARIZES THE INFORMATION RECEIVED BY THE10
DEPARTMENT PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (8) OF THIS SECTION AND THAT11
THE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER12
EDUCATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 23-1-113 (9). THE DEPARTMENT SHALL13
ALSO POST THE REPORT TO ITS WEBSITE.14
(10) F
OR THE 2022-23 STATE FISCAL YEAR, THE GENERAL15
ASSEMBLY SHALL APPROPRIATE TO THE DEPARTMENT
ONE MILLION, ONE16
HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM THE GENERAL FUND17
FOR THE GRANT PROGRAM PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION . ANY UNEXPENDED18
MONEY REMAINING AT THE END OF THE 2022-23 STATE FISCAL YEAR FROM19
THIS APPROPRIATION:20
(I) D
OES NOT REVERT TO THE GENERAL FUND OR ANY OTHER FUND ;21
(II) M
AY BE USED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN THE 2023-24 OR22
2024-25
STATE FISCAL YEAR WITHOUT FURTHER APPROPRIATION ; AND23
(III) M
UST NOT BE USED FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE OTHER THAN24
THE PURPOSES SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION.25
(11) T
HIS SECTION IS REPEALED, EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2027.26
SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-7-1015, amend27
1366
-10- (4)(c); and add (4)(e), (4)(f), and (4)(g) as follows:1
22-7-1015. Postsecondary and workforce readiness program2
- technical assistance - appropriation. (4) The department of education,3
the department of higher education, and the state institutions of higher4
education, upon request, shall provide support to local education5
providers in implementing postsecondary and workforce readiness.6
Beginning with the 2009-10 budget year, the department of education and7
the department of higher education may include in their annual budget8
requests an amount necessary to offset the costs incurred in complying9
with this section. Support may include, but need not be limited to:10
(c) Providing professional development for educators; and11
(e) E
STABLISHING SUPPORT THROUGH REGIONAL POSTSECONDARY12
AND WORKFORCE READINESS COORDINATORS FOR TRAINING THAT ALIGNS13
WITH FINANCIAL AID, FINANCIAL LITERACY, AND SUPPORTS FOR STUDENT14
FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION AND STUDENT STATE FI NANCIAL AID15
APPLICATION COMPLETION;16
(f) (I) S
UPPORTING THE NUMBER OF REGIONAL INDIVIDUAL CAREER17
AND ACADEMIC PLAN COORDINATORS IN THE STATE AND UPDATING THE18
RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THE COORDINATORS TO SUPPORT FINANCIAL19
AID INFORMATION AND APPLICATIONS ;20
(II) R
EQUIRING THE REGIONAL INDIVIDUAL CAREER AND ACADEMIC21
PLAN COORDINATORS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TRAINING AND OUTREACH22
TO SCHOOLS AND COORDINATE WITH THE OUTREACH TEAM IN THE23
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION CREATED PURSUANT TO SECTION24
23-1-119
(6).25
(g) F
OR THE 2022-23 STATE FISCAL YEAR, THE GENERAL26
ASSEMBLY SHALL APPROPRIATE TO THE DEPARTMENT TWENTY -FIVE27
1366
-11- THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM THE GENERAL FUND FOR THE PROGRAMS1
DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (4)(f) OF THIS SECTION. ANY UNEXPENDED2
MONEY REMAINING AT THE END OF THE 2022-23 STATE FISCAL YEAR FROM3
THIS APPROPRIATION:4
(I) D
OES NOT REVERT TO THE GENERAL FUND OR ANY OTHER FUND ;5
(II) M
AY BE USED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN THE 2023-24 OR6
2024-25
STATE FISCAL YEAR WITHOUT FURTHER APPROPRIATION ; AND7
(III) M
UST NOT BE USED FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE OTHER THAN8
THE PURPOSES SET FORTH IN SUBSECTION (4)(f) OF THIS SECTION.9
SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-2-127, add (7) as10
follows:11
22-2-127. Financial literacy - resource bank - technical12
assistance - definitions - appropriation - repeal. (7) (a) T
HE13
DEPARTMENT, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER14
EDUCATION, SHALL:15
(I) U
PDATE FINANCIAL LITERACY INFORMATION AND TRAINING16
PROVIDED TO LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDERS TO INCLUDE DETAILED17
RESOURCES AND TOOLS ABOUT FINANCIAL AID , ACCESS TO FINANCIAL AID18
TOOLS, AND APPLICATIONS AND PROCESSES BEGINNING IN MIDDLE SCHOOL19
OR EARLIER; AND20
(II) D
EVELOP FINANCIAL LITERACY TRAINING OPTIONS ALIGNED21
WITH FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION , FEDERAL AND STATE APPLICATION22
PROCESSES, AND UNDERLYING FINANCIAL LITERACY PRINCIPLES , SUCH AS23
IN-DEMAND, HIGH-WAGE JOBS AND THE NECESSARY TRAINING LEADING TO24
THOSE JOBS. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PRIORITIZE PROVIDING TRAINING TO25
FINANCIAL LITERACY EDUCATORS , CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION26
INSTRUCTORS, COUNSELORS, AND PROFESSIONALS , SUCH AS THOSE27
1366
-12- WORKING IN FAMILY ENGAGEMENT .1
(b) F
OR THE 2022-23 STATE FISCAL YEAR, THE GENERAL2
ASSEMBLY SHALL APPROPRIATE TO THE DEPARTMENT TWO HUNDRED3
SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM THE GENERAL FUND FOR THE4
PROGRAMS PURSUANT TO THIS SUBSECTION (7). ANY UNEXPENDED MONEY5
REMAINING AT THE END OF THE 2022-23 STATE FISCAL YEAR FROM THIS6
APPROPRIATION:7
(I) D
OES NOT REVERT TO THE GENERAL FUND OR ANY OTHER FUND ;8
(II) M
AY BE USED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN THE 2023-24 OR9
2024-25
STATE FISCAL YEAR WITHOUT FURTHER APPROPRIATION ; AND10
(III) M
UST NOT BE USED FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE OTHER THAN11
THE PURPOSES SET FORTH IN THIS SUBSECTION (7).12
(c) T
HIS SUBSECTION (7) IS REPEALED, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025.13
SECTION 5. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 22-2-127.1 as14
follows:15
22-2-127.1. Stipends for financial aid training - definitions -16
appropriation - repeal. (1) A
S USED IN THIS SECTION, UNLESS THE17
CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES :18
(a) "E
LIGIBLE PARTICIPANT" MEANS AN EDUCATOR WHO19
SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES TRAINING IN FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION20
APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT .21
(b) "L
OCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER" MEANS A SCHOOL DISTRICT, A22
CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORIZED BY A SC HOOL DISTRICT PURSUANT TO PART23
1
OF ARTICLE 30.5 OF THIS TITLE 22, A CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORIZED BY24
THE STATE CHARTER SCHOOL INSTITUTE PURSUANT TO PART 5 OF ARTICLE25
30.5
OF THIS TITLE 22, OR A BOARD OF COOPERATIVE SERVICES CREATED26
AND OPERATING PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 5 OF THIS TITLE 22 THAT27
1366
-13- OPERATES ONE OR MORE PUBLIC SCHOOLS .1
(c) "T
RAINING TO IMPROVE FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION2
AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS AND FAMILIES " OR "TRAINING" MEANS A3
TRAINING CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND4
APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT WITH AN EMPHASIS ON IMPROVING THE5
COMPLETION RATE OF STUDENTS COMPLETING THE FREE APPLICATION FOR6
FEDERAL STUDENT AID AND THE COLORADO APPLICATION FOR STATE7
FINANCIAL AID.8
(2) B
EGINNING WITH THE 2022-23 STATE FISCAL YEAR, FOR9
ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS WHO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE TRAINING TO10
IMPROVE FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS AND11
FAMILIES, THE DEPARTMENT, SUBJECT TO AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS ,12
SHALL AWARD TO THE ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANT A ONE -TIME STIPEND IN THE13
AMOUNT OF FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS .14
(3) F
OR THE 2022-23 STATE FISCAL YEAR, THE GENERAL15
ASSEMBLY SHALL APPROPRIATE TO THE DEPARTMENT TWO HUNDRED16
THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO BE USED FOR THE17
STIPENDS PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION . ANY UNEXPENDED MONEY18
REMAINING AT THE END OF THE 2022-23 STATE FISCAL YEAR FROM THIS19
APPROPRIATION:20
(a) D
OES NOT REVERT TO THE GENERAL FUND OR ANY OTHER21
FUND;22
(b) M
AY BE USED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN THE 2023-24 OR23
2024-25
STATE FISCAL YEARS WITHOUT FURTHER APPROPRIATION ; AND24
(c) M
UST NOT BE USED FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE OTHER THAN THE25
PURPOSES SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION.26
(4) T
HIS SECTION IS REPEALED, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025.27
1366
-14- SECTION 6. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-32-109, amend1
(1)(oo)(III)(B.5) and (1)(oo)(III)(C); and add (1)(oo)(III)(D) as follows:2
22-32-109. Board of education - specific duties - definitions. (1)3
In addition to any other duty required to be performed by law, each board4
of education has the following specific duties:5
(oo) (III) At a minimum, each public school shall ensure that, in6
developing and maintaining each student's ICAP, the counselor or teacher7
explains to the student's parent or legal guardian, by electronic mail or8
other written form, and to the student:9
(B.5) The teaching career pathway created pursuant to section10
23-60-110, the career opportunities to which the pathway leads, and11
information concerning participation in the TREP program created in12
section 22-35-108.5; and13
(C) The skills and educational opportunities available through14
military enlistment. In discussing military enlistment with a student and15
his or her parent, each public school is encouraged to provide to the16
student information concerning the military enlistment test;
AND17
(D) T
HE AVAILABILITY AND IMPORTANCE OF COMPLETING THE18
FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID OR THE COLORADO19
APPLICATION FOR STATE FINANCIAL AID , OR SUCCESSOR FORMS FOR20
ACCESSING FEDERAL AND STATE FINANCIAL AID , AND THE AVAILABILITY21
OF HELP IN COMPLETING THE FORMS, IF REQUESTED.22
SECTION 7. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 23-1-119, add (6) as23
follows:24
23-1-119. Department directive - transition between K-1225
education system and postsecondary education system. (6) (a) T
HE26
DEPARTMENT SHALL ESTABLISH AN OUTREACH TEAM TO PROVIDE27
1366
-15- TRAINING TO AND ESTABLISH PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT1
AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS, CHARTER SCHOOLS AUTHORIZED BY A SCHOOL2
DISTRICT PURSUANT TO PART 1 OF ARTICLE 30.5 OF TITLE 22, CHARTER3
SCHOOLS AUTHORIZED BY THE STATE CHARTER SCHOOL INSTITUTE4
PURSUANT TO PART 5 OF ARTICLE 30.5 OF TITLE 22, OR A BOARD OF5
COOPERATIVE SERVICES CREATED AND OPERATING PURSUANT TO ARTICLE6
5
OF TITLE 22 THAT OPERATES ONE OR MORE PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO ASSIST7
THEM IN PREPARING STUDENTS TO TRANSITION FROM THE K-128
EDUCATION SYSTEM. THE TEAM SHALL ALSO PROVIDE OUTREACH AND9
TRAINING TO INDIVIDUALS IN WORKFORCE CENTERS , INDIVIDUALS IN10
CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES, AND FOSTER YOUTH.11
(b) T
HE TRAINING MUST INCLUDE:12
(I) C
AREER ADVISING AS PART OF STUDENT'S INDIVIDUAL CAREER13
AND EDUCATION PLANS;14
(II) F
INANCIAL LITERACY, INCLUDING INFORMATION ON THE FREE15
APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID AND THE COLORADO16
APPLICATION FOR STATE FINANCIAL AID;17
(III) H
OW TO SUPPORT THE COMPLETION OF FEDERAL AND STATE18
FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS;19
(IV) T
HE IMPORTANCE OF, AND RETURN ON INVESTMENT OF, ALL20
POSTSECONDARY
OPTIONS, INCLUDING AVAILABLE STATE-SUPPORTED21
WEBSITES AND NAVIGATION TOOLS ON POSTSECONDARY AND WORKFORCE22
OPPORTUNITIES;23
(V) T
HE AVAILABILITY OF STATE FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS AND24
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR STUDENTS ; AND25
(VI) T
HE DEPARTMENT'S ROLE AND MISSION.26
(c) T
HE TRAINING MUST BE AVAILABLE TO EDUCATORS IN27
1366
-16- CONJUNCTION WITH THE TRAINING APPROVED PURSUANT TO SECTION1
22-2-127.1.2
SECTION 8. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 23-3.3-106 and3
23-3.3-107 as follows:4
23-3.3-106. Technology to support FAFSA and CASFA -5
definitions. (1) A
S USED IN THIS SECTION, UNLESS THE CONTEXT6
OTHERWISE REQUIRES:7
(a) "CASFA"
MEANS THE COLORADO APPLICATION FOR STATE8
FINANCIAL AID.9
(b) "D
EPARTMENT" MEANS THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER10
EDUCATION.11
(c) "FAFSA"
MEANS THE FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL12
STUDENT AID.13
(d) "L
OCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER" MEANS A SCHOOL DISTRICT, A14
CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORIZED BY A SC HOOL DISTRICT PURSUANT TO PART15
1
OF ARTICLE 30.5 OF TITLE 22, A CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORIZED BY THE16
STATE CHARTER SCHOOL INSTITUTE PURSUANT TO PART 5 OF ARTICLE 30.517
OF TITLE 22, OR A BOARD OF COOPERATIVE SERVICES CREATED AND18
OPERATING PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 5 OF TITLE 22 THAT OPERATES ONE OR19
MORE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.20
(2) (a) T
HE DEPARTMENT SHALL USE TECHNOLOGY TO ASSIST IN21
INCREASING THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO COMPLETE THE FAFSA AND22
CASFA
FORMS. ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 15, 2023, THE DEPARTMENT23
SHALL DEVELOP A TOOL KIT AND TRAINING OUTLINING WEB TOOLS AND24
RESOURCES FOR USE BY HIGHER EDUCATION ADMINISTRATORS , MIDDLE25
AND HIGH SCHOOLS, AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS THAT SUPPORT THE26
COMPLETION OF FAFSA AND CASFA FORMS. THE TOOL KIT MUST27
1366
-17- INCLUDE FREE RESOURCES, INCLUDING:1
(I) N
ET PRICE CALCULATORS AND INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO2
USE CALCULATORS TO OUTLINE RESOURCES AVAILABLE BASED ON3
FINANCIAL NEED;4
(II) S
UPPORTS FOR POPULATIONS OF STUDENTS WHO HAVE5
ACCOMMODATIONS AS OUTLINED BY THE FAFSA OR YOUTH WHO MAY BE6
CONSIDERED INDEPENDENT ACCORDING TO FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF7
EDUCATION POLICIES, INCLUDING:8
(A) Y
OUTH WHO HAVE DECEASED PARENTS , ARE CURRENTLY OR9
PREVIOUSLY WERE IN FOSTER CARE, OR ARE A WARD OF THE COURT;10
(B) E
MANCIPATED MINORS;11
(C) Y
OUTH UNDER A LEGAL GUARDIANSHIP ; AND12
(D) Y
OUTH WHO ARE HOMELESS, SELF-SUPPORTING, OR AT RISK OF13
HOMELESSNESS;14
(III) I
NFORMATION FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE THE FIRST IN THEIR15
FAMILY TO ATTEND COLLEGE AND HOW TO NAVIGATE FINANCIAL AID16
RESOURCES AND APPLICATION PROCESSES ; AND17
(IV) P
UBLIC INFORMATION AVAILABLE THR OUGH STATE OR18
FEDERAL ENTITIES.19
(b) T
HE INFORMATION IN THE TOOL KIT MUST BE:20
(I) O
FFERED IN MULTIPLE LANGUAGES ; AND21
(II) U
PDATED ANNUALLY FOR EDUCATORS AND NONPROFIT22
ORGANIZATIONS TO SUPPORT STUDENTS AND FAMILIES IN DEVELOPING23
INDIVIDUAL CAREER AND EDUCATION PLANS PURSUANT TO SECTIONS24
22-32-109
(1)(OO) AND 22-30.5-525 AND CAREER -CONNECTED25
STRATEGIES, SUCH AS WORK-BASED LEARNING IN SUPPORT OF FINANCIAL26
LITERACY EDUCATION AND COMPLETION OF THE FINANCIAL AID FORMS .27
1366
-18- (c) THE DEPARTMENT SHOULD CONSIDER AVOIDING DUPLICATION1
OF EFFORTS BY LEVERAGING EXISTING RESOURCES IN CREATING THE TOOL2
KIT.3
(3) N
OTWITHSTANDING SECTION 24-1-136 (11)(a)(I), ON OR4
BEFORE OCTOBER 15, 2023, AND ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 15 EACH YEAR5
THEREAFTER, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL SUBMIT TO THE EDUCATION6
COMMITTEES OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES , OR7
ANY SUCCESSOR COMMITTEES , A REPORT CONCERNING:8
(a) T
HE STEPS THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAS MADE TO IMPROVE THE9
TOOL KIT;10
(b) A
NY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LEGISLATIVE CHANGES11
NECESSARY TO IMPROVE FAFSA AND CASFA COMPLETION RATES;12
(c)
SUBJECT TO DATA AVAILABILITY AND DATA PRIVACY13
REQUIREMENTS, DATA INDICATING THE FAFSA AND CASFA COMPLETION14
RATES BY HIGH SCHOOL AND SCHOOL DISTRICT AND , WHERE AVAILABLE,15
DISAGGREGATED BY RACE , ETHNICITY, FIRST-GENERATION STATUS, AND16
P
ELL GRANT ELIGIBILITY FOR:17
(I) A
DULTS BY COUNTY; AND18
(II) H
IGH SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS; AND19
(d) O
THER INFORMATION AS DETERMINED BY THE DEPARTMENT OR20
PARTNER AGENCIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE COLORADO21
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION , COLORADO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT22
COUNCIL, COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT , OR23
OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INTERNATIONAL TRADES IN24
SUPPORT OF COLORADO'S ECONOMIC AND JOB NEEDS.25
(4) (a) T
HE DEPARTMENT SHALL MAKE IMPROVEMENTS TO ITS26
WEB-BASED FINANCIAL AID COMPLETION TOOL TO SUPPORT SCHOOLS AND27
1366
-19- SCHOOL DISTRICTS ACROSS COLORADO IN DETERMINING WHICH STUDENTS1
HAVE COMPETED FINANCIAL AID FORMS BY :2
(I) U
PDATING AND MODERNIZING THE COMPLETION TOOL WITH3
FEDERAL AND STATE FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION ; AND4
(II) D
ISPLAYING THE INFORMATION FOR FAFSA AND CASFA5
COMPLETION AND VERIFICATION STATUS ON A LOCAL LEVEL TO SHOW HOW6
MANY STUDENTS IN A HIGH SCHOOL HAVE COMPLETED AN APPLICATION7
FORM AND MAKE THE INFORMATION ACCESSIBLE BY SCHOOL OR DISTRICT8
ADMINISTRATORS IN ALIGNMENT WITH STATE DATA PRIVACY9
REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS .10
(b) F
INANCIAL INFORMATION SHALL NOT BE SHARED IN THIS TOOL .11
T
HE TOOL MAY ONLY BE USED TO SHOW APPLICATION COMPLETION ,12
PARTIAL COMPLETION, AND VERIFICATION STATUS.13
(5) T
HE DEPARTMENT SHALL SUPPORT COLLEGE ACCESS ACTIVITIES14
BY:15
(a) P
ROVIDING CAREER ADVISING ALIGNED WITH COLORADO'S16
CRITICAL INDUSTRY SHORTAGE AREAS ;17
(b) P
ROVIDING INFORMATION ABOUT DEGREE PROGRAMS IN18
ALIGNMENT WITH IN-DEMAND, HIGH-WAGE JOBS;19
(c) P
ROVIDING INFORMATION ABOUT THE APPLICATION AND20
FINANCIAL AID PROCESSES ASSOCIATED WITH ACCESSING POSTSECONDARY21
EDUCATION;22
(d) S
UPPORTING STUDENTS AND FAMILIES IN COMPLETING23
FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS; AND24
(e) P
ROVIDING INFORMATION ASSOCIATED WITH25
RETURN-ON-INVESTMENT AND FINANCIAL LITERACY EDUCATION IN26
RELATION TO ADDITIONAL EDUCATION BE YOND HIGH SCHOOL , INCLUDING:27
1366
-20- (I) DEGREE PROGRAMS;1
(II) C
REDENTIALS;2
(III) A
PPRENTICESHIPS;3
(IV) W
ORK-BASED LEARNING; AND4
(V) S
CHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS, AND OTHER FINANCIAL TOOLS TO5
SUPPORT POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION .6
(6) F
OR THE 2022-23 STATE FISCAL YEAR, THE GENERAL7
ASSEMBLY SHALL APPROPRIATE SIX HUNDRED EIGHTY THOUSAND DOLLARS8
FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS9
SECTION. ANY UNEXPENDED MONEY REMAINING AT THE END OF THE10
2022-23
STATE FISCAL YEAR:11
(a) D
OES NOT REVERT TO THE GENERAL FUND OR ANY OTHER12
FUND;13
(b) M
AY BE USED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN SUBSEQUENT STATE14
FISCAL YEARS WITHOUT FURTHER APPROPRIATION ; AND15
(c) S
HALL NOT BE USED FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE OTHER THAN THE16
PURPOSES SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION.17
23-3.3-107. Improvements to CASFA - definitions - repeal.18
(1) A
S USED IN THIS SECTION, UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE19
REQUIRES:20
(a) "CASFA"
MEANS THE COLORADO APPLICATION FOR STATE21
FINANCIAL AID.22
(b) "D
EPARTMENT" MEANS THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER23
EDUCATION.24
(c) "FAFSA"
MEANS THE FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL25
STUDENT AID.26
(2) O
N OR BEFORE JULY 1, 2024, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL MAKE27
1366
-21- THE FOLLOWING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CASFA:1
(a) I
MPROVE THE ACCESSIBILITY AND EASE OF USE IN COMPLETING2
THE CASFA FORMS;3
(b) I
MPROVE THE FORM AND APPLICATION BY CONDUCTING FOCUS4
GROUPS AND CONSULTING ORGANIZATIONS SERVING CASFA-ELIGIBLE5
STUDENTS AND FAMILIES , INCLUDING STREAMLINING TO MIRROR6
MODERNIZATIONS IN THE FAFSA APPLICATION;7
(c) A
SSESSING THE EXISTING FUNCTIONALITY OF THE CASFA8
PROCESS, WEB TOOL, AND APPLICATION;9
(d) I
DENTIFYING AND IMPROVING WEBSITE FUNCTIONALITY ; AND10
(e) P
ROVIDING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WITH SUPPORT11
FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES ON AN ONGOING CAPACITY .12
(3) F
OR THE 2022-23 STATE FISCAL YEAR, THE GENERAL13
ASSEMBLY SHALL APPROPRIATE THREE HUNDRED TWENTY THOUSAND14
DOLLARS FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE15
PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION. ANY UNEXPENDED MONEY REMAINING AT THE16
END OF THE 2022-23 STATE FISCAL YEAR:17
(a) D
OES NOT REVERT TO THE GENERAL FUND OR ANY OTHER18
FUND;19
(b) M
AY BE USED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN SUBSEQUENT STATE20
FISCAL YEARS WITHOUT FURTHER APPROPRIATION ; AND21
(c) S
HALL NOT BE USED FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE OTHER T HAN THE22
PURPOSES SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION.23
(4) T
HIS SECTION IS REPEALED, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025.24
SECTION 9. Appropriation. (1) For the 2022-23 state fiscal25
year, $1,625,000 is appropriated to the department of education. This26
appropriation is from the general fund. Any money appropriated in this27
1366
-22- subsection (1) not expended prior to July 1, 2023, is further appropriated1
to the department for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 state fiscal years for the2
same purpose. To implement this act, the department may use this3
appropriation as follows:4
(a) $1,150,000 for the postsecondary, workforce, career, and5
education grant and readiness program, which amount is based on an6
assumption that the department will require an additional 0.9 FTE; and7
(b) $475,000 for financial aid training stipends and resource bank,8
which amount is based on an assumption that the department will require9
an additional 1.0 FTE.10
(2) For the 2022-23 state fiscal year, $1,000,000 is appropriated11
to the department of higher education. This appropriation is from the12
general fund. Any money appropriated in this subsection (2) not expended13
prior to July 1, 2023, is further appropriated to the department for the14
2023-24 and 2024-25 state fiscal years for the same purpose. To15
implement this act, the department may use this appropriation as follows:16
(a) $680,000 for a financial aid toolkit, which amount is based on17
an assumption that the department will require an additional 2.0 FTE; and18
(b) $320,000 for financial aid assessment tool improvements, 19
which amount is based on an assumption that the department will require20
an additional 1.0 FTE.21
(3) For the 2022-23 state fiscal year, $250,000 is appropriated to22
the department of higher education. This appropriation is from the general23
fund and is based on an assumption that the department will require an24
additional 2.0 FTE. To implement this act, the department may use this25
appropriation for Colorado commission on higher education and higher26
education special purpose program administration.27
1366
-23- SECTION 10. Safety clause. The general assembly hereby finds,1
determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate2
preservation of the public peace, health, or safety.3
1366
-24-