Second Regular Session Seventy-third General Assembly STATE OF COLORADO REENGROSSED This Version Includes All Amendments Adopted in the House of Introduction LLS NO. 22-1016.01 Jacob Baus x2173 HOUSE BILL 22-1390 House Committees Senate Committees Education Appropriations A BILL FOR AN ACT C ONCERNING THE FINANCING OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS , AND, IN101 CONNECTION THEREWITH , MAKING AN APPROPRIATION . 102 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 .) Section 1 of the bill finds that current economic conditions have increased the amount of revenue available to the state for the 2022-23 budget year, allowing the state to increase the amount of appropriation for the state's share of total program funding for school districts and institute charter schools, thereby mitigating the impact of the budget stabilization factor. Additionally, it finds there is uncertainty concerning the continuity HOUSE 3rd Reading Unamended April 27, 2022 HOUSE Amended 2nd Reading April 26, 2022 HOUSE SPONSORSHIP McCluskie and McLachlan, Amabile, Bacon, Bernett, Bird, Boesenecker, Caraveo, Cutter, Daugherty, Duran, Esgar, Exum, Froelich, Garnett, Gonzales-Gutierrez, Herod, Hooton, Jodeh, Kipp, Lindsay, Lontine, McCormick, Michaelson Jenet, Mullica, Ortiz, Ricks, Roberts, Sirota, Snyder, Titone, Valdez A., Valdez D., Weissman, Young SENATE SPONSORSHIP Zenzinger and Lundeen, 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. and longevity of these current economic conditions and the reliability of continuing high property values and increased revenue. Section 2 of the bill: ! Increases the statewide base per pupil funding for the 2022-23 budget year by $252.88, to account for inflation of 3.5%, to a new statewide base per pupil funding amount of $7,478.16; and ! Sets the total program funding for the 2022-23 budget year for all school districts and institute charter schools after application of the budget stabilization factor to not less than $8,420,114,162. Section 3 of the bill permits a public school one additional year to discontinue the prohibited use of an American Indian mascot if the public school was first notified of the prohibited use on or after January 1, 2022. Section 4 of the bill extends by one year the requirement for a board of cooperative services (BOCES) to obtain written permission from the school district in which a school operates or is located if the BOCES intends to authorize the school and the school is physically located within the geographic boundaries of a school district that is not a member of the BOCES. Section 5 of the bill extends by one year the ability for local education providers to carry forward more than 15% of per-pupil intervention money received pursuant to the "Colorado READ Act". Sections 6 and 7 of the bill extend by one year the local accountability system grant program and the requirement that the department of education (department) contract with an external evaluator to evaluate the implementation of the local accountability systems. The bill makes an appropriation for this evaluation. Section 8 of the bill extends by one year the completion of the pilot program to develop and use screening and identification processes and intervention strategies for early identification of and support for students enrolled in kindergarten through third grade who may have dyslexia. Section 9 of the bill states that, if a school district permits a student whose parent or guardian is a resident of the state but not a resident of the district to attend school in the district, the school district shall not require the parent, guardian, or student to pay tuition to attend school in the district, regardless of when during the school year, or under what circumstances, the student enrolls in or attends school in the district. Section 10 of the bill authorizes financial assistance through the educator recruitment and retention program to be used for applicants agreeing to teach for 3 years in educator shortage areas in the state. Section 11 of the bill permits a vendor that contracts with the department to develop a quality teacher recruitment program, and commits to satisfying the requirement to match 100% of the money paid 1390 -2- by the department for the contract through gifts, grants, or donations from private donors, to also accept gifts, grants and donations from school districts. Section 12 of the bill removes the department's authority to annually reallocate money among participating schools under the local school food purchasing program. Sections 13 to 16 of the bill extend by one year the K-5 social and emotional health pilot program and amend the requirements for school mental health professionals participating in the pilot program. Section 17 of the bill permits 20% of the money appropriated for the Colorado imagination library program to be used by the contractor for operating costs. Section 18 of the bill requires the state auditor to grant an extension of the time to meet auditing requirements for the 2021-22 budget year for rural and small rural school districts that can demonstrate difficulty in retaining an auditor, in lieu of prohibiting the release of tax revenue for the school districts. 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) The annual total program funding of Colorado's schools is a4 collaborative effort between school districts and the state;5 (b) In recent years, the stabilization of the state budget has6 required a reduction in the amount of the annual appropriation to fund the7 state's share of total program funding for all school districts and institute8 charter schools. This reduction is commonly referred to as the "budget9 stabilization factor".10 (c) The school districts' share of total program funding is11 primarily derived from nonresidential and residential property tax12 revenue. Colorado's current economic conditions, which are driving13 significant increases in property values, are generally increasing the14 school districts' share of total program funding and consequently15 decreasing the state's share of total program funding.16 1390-3- (d) The current economic conditions have also increased the1 amount of revenue available to the state for the 2022-23 budget year,2 allowing the state to significantly increase the amount of appropriation for3 the state's share of total program funding for school districts and institute4 charter schools, thereby mitigating the impact of the budget stabilization5 factor; and6 (e) There is, however, a great deal of uncertainty concerning the7 continuity and longevity of these current economic conditions and8 whether high property values and increased revenue will continue.9 (2) Therefore, the general assembly declares that it is committed10 to continuing the efforts to reduce the budget stabilization factor in11 subsequent budget years to the degree possible, subject to the continuing12 high levels of property values and changing economic conditions.13 SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-54-104, add14 (5)(a)(XXIX) and (5)(g)(I)(M) as follows:15 22-54-104. District total program - definitions. (5) For16 purposes of the formulas used in this section:17 (a) (XXIX) F OR THE 2022-23 BUDGET YEAR, THE STATEWIDE BASE18 PER PUPIL FUNDING IS $7,478.16, WHICH IS AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO19 $7,225.28, SUPPLEMENTED BY $252.88 TO ACCOUNT FOR INFLATION.20 (g) (I) For the 2010-11 budget year and each budget year21 thereafter, the general assembly determines that stabilization of the state22 budget requires a reduction in the amount of the annual appropriation to23 fund the state's share of total program funding for all districts and the24 funding for institute charter schools. The department of education shall25 implement the reduction in total program funding through the application26 of a budget stabilization factor as provided in this subsection (5)(g)(I).27 1390 -4- For the 2010-11 budget year and each budget year thereafter, the1 department of education and the staff of the legislative council shall2 determine, based on budget projections, the amount of such reduction to3 ensure the following:4 (M) T HAT, FOR THE 2022-23 BUDGET YEAR, THE SUM OF THE5 TOTAL PROGRAM FUNDING FOR ALL DISTRICTS , INCLUDING THE FUNDING6 FOR INSTITUTE CHARTER SCHOOLS , AFTER APPLICATION OF THE BUDGET7 STABILIZATION FACTOR, IS NOT LESS THAN EIGHT BILLION FOUR HUNDRED8 TWENTY-TWO MILLION TWO HUNDRED SIXTEEN THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED9 FIFTY-NINE DOLLARS ($8,422,216,159); EXCEPT THAT THE DEPARTMENT10 OF EDUCATION AND THE STAFF OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHALL MAKE11 MID-YEAR REVISIONS TO REPLACE PROJECTIONS WITH ACTUAL FIGURES ,12 INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ACTUAL PUPIL ENROLLMENT , ASSESSED13 VALUATIONS, AND SPECIFIC OWNERSHIP TAX REVENUE FROM THE PRIOR14 YEAR, TO DETERMINE ANY NECESSARY CHANGES IN THE AMOUNT OF THE15 REDUCTION TO MAINTAIN A TOTAL PROGRAM FUNDING AMOUNT FOR THE16 APPLICABLE BUDGET YEAR THAT IS CONSISTENT WITH THIS SUBSECTION17 (5)(g)(I)(M). F OR THE 2023-24 BUDGET YEAR, THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN18 CALCULATED STATEWIDE TOTAL PROGRAM FUNDING AND ACTUAL19 STATEWIDE TOTAL PROGRAM FUNDING MUST NOT EXCEED THE DIFFERENCE20 BETWEEN CALCULATED STATEWIDE TOTAL PROGRAM FUNDING AND21 ACTUAL STATEWIDE TOTAL PROGRAM FUNDING FOR THE 2022-23 BUDGET22 YEAR.23 SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-1-133, add (6) as24 follows:25 22-1-133. Prohibition on use of American Indian mascots -26 exemptions - definitions. (6) (a) N OTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF27 1390 -5- THIS SECTION TO THE CONTRARY , A PUBLIC SCHOOL IN THE STATE IS1 PROHIBITED FROM USING AN AMERICAN INDIAN MASCOT ON OR AFTER2 J UNE 1, 2023, IF:3 (I) THE PUBLIC SCHOOL IS USING AN AMERICAN INDIAN MASCOT;4 (II) T HE PUBLIC SCHOOL DOES NOT MEET THE CRITERIA FOR AN5 EXEMPTION AS OUTLINED IN SUBSECTION (2)(b) OF THIS SECTION;6 (III) T HE PUBLIC SCHOOL WAS NOT IDENTIFIED PURSUANT TO7 SUBSECTION (4)(a) OF THIS SECTION; AND8 (IV) T HE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL OR , IN THE9 CASE OF AN INSTITUTE CHARTER SCHOOL , THE STATE CHARTER SCHOOL10 INSTITUTE, WAS FIRST NOTIFIED ON OR AFTER MAY 1, 2022, BUT BEFORE11 JUNE 1, 2022, BY THE COMMISSION , IN COORDINATION WITH THE12 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION , THAT IT IS USING AN AMERICAN INDIAN13 MASCOT IN VIOLATION OF SUBSECTION (2) OF THIS SECTION.14 (b) W HEN A PUBLIC SCHOOL DESCRIBED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION15 (6)(a) OF THIS SECTION DISCONTINUES ITS USE OF AN AMERICAN INDIAN16 MASCOT PRIOR TO JUNE 1, 2023, THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SHALL NOTIFY ITS17 SCHOOL DISTRICT OR, IN THE CASE OF AN INSTITUTE CHARTER SCHOOL, THE18 STATE CHARTER SCHOOL INSTITUTE , THE COMMISSION , AND THE19 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION , OF THE DISCONTINUATION.20 (c) F OR EACH MONTH DURING WHICH A PUBLIC SCHOOL DESCRIBED21 PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (6)(a) OF THIS SECTION USES AN AMERICAN22 I NDIAN MASCOT AFTER JUNE 1, 2023, THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE PUBLIC23 SCHOOL OR, IN THE CASE OF AN INSTITUTE CHARTER SCHOOL , THE STATE24 CHARTER SCHOOL INSTITUTE , SHALL PAY A FINE OF TWENTY -FIVE25 THOUSAND DOLLARS TO THE STATE TREASURER , WHO SHALL CREDIT THE26 MONEY RECEIVED TO THE STATE EDUCATION FUND CREATED IN SECTION27 1390 -6- 17 (4) OF ARTICLE IX OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION.1 SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-5-111, amend (4)2 as follows:3 22-5-111. Buildings and facilities - repeal.4 (4) (a) Notwithstanding any provision of this article 5 to the contrary,5 during the 2021-22 state fiscal year FROM JULY 1, 2021, THROUGH6 DECEMBER 31, 2022, before authorizing a full-time school or an7 additional location of an existing school that is physically located within8 the geographic boundaries of a school district that is not a member of the9 board of cooperative services, a board of cooperative services must obtain10 written consent from such school district.11 (b) The requirement for written consent set forth in subsection12 (4)(a) of this section does not apply to a school authorized or operating13 prior to June 11, 2021, so long as the school continues to operate for the14 2021-22 school year THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2022.15 (c) This subsection (4) is repealed, effective July 1, 2022 2023.16 SECTION 5. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-7-1210.5, amend17 (6)(b)(II) as follows:18 22-7-1210.5. Per-pupil intervention money - uses - distribution19 - monitoring - repeal. (6) (b) (II) (A) Notwithstanding the provisions of20 subsection (6)(b)(I) of this section, a local education provider may retain21 more than fifteen percent of the amount of per-pupil intervention money22 received in the 2020-21 budget year AND 2021-22 BUDGET YEARS for use23 in accordance with this section in the 2021-22 AND 2022-23 budget year 24 YEARS, RESPECTIVELY.25 (B) This subsection (6)(b)(II) is repealed, effective July 1, 202226 2023.27 1390 -7- SECTION 6. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-11-703, amend1 (5)(b) as follows:2 22-11-703. Local accountability system - grant program3 established - repeal. (5) (b) (I) The amount of a grant awarded pursuant4 to this section must be at least twenty-five thousand dollars per budget5 year but must not exceed fifty thousand dollars per budget year for a grant6 awarded to a single local education provider and must not exceed7 seventy-five thousand dollars per budget year for a grant awarded to a8 group of local education providers. The department shall distribute the9 amount of each grant over three budget years.10 (II) (A) N OTWITHSTANDING ANY PROVISIONS OF SUBSECTION11 (5)(b)(I) OF THIS SECTION TO THE CONTRARY , AS A RESULT OF THE12 SUSPENSION OF FUNDING FOR THE LOCAL ACC OUNTABILITY SYSTEM GRANT13 PROGRAM DURING THE 2020-21 BUDGET YEAR, THE 2020-21 BUDGET YEAR14 IS NOT INCLUDED IN DETERMINING THE THREE BUDGET YEARS FOR GRANT15 DISTRIBUTION.16 (B) T HIS SUBSECTION (5)(b)(II) IS REPEALED, EFFECTIVE JULY 1,17 2024.18 SECTION 7. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-11-705, amend19 (5)(a) as follows:20 22-11-705. Local accountability systems - report. (5) (a) (I) In21 the third year of the grant program, the department shall contract with an22 external evaluator, which may be a state institution of higher education,23 to prepare a summary evaluation report of the implementation of the local24 accountability systems that receive grants. The evaluation must, at a25 minimum, include an evaluation of the success of each local26 accountability system in evaluating student success and the processes for27 1390 -8- ensuring a cycle of continuous improvement within the public schools of1 the participating local education providers. At the annual meeting held2 pursuant to subsection (1) of this section at the end of the first year of the3 grant program, the department, participating local education providers,4 and the accountability system partners shall identify the goals, tools, and5 measures to be addressed by the summary evaluation report. The data6 used for the summary evaluation report must include qualitative and7 quantitative measures.8 (II) N OTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF SUBSECTION (5)(a)(I)9 OF THIS SECTION TO THE CONTRARY, AS A RESULT OF THE SUSPENSION OF10 FUNDING FOR THE LOCAL ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM GRANT PROGRAM11 DURING THE 2020-21 BUDGET YEAR, THE 2020-21 BUDGET YEAR IS NOT12 CONSIDERED A GRANT PROGRAM YEAR FOR PURPOSES OF DETERMINING13 THE THIRD YEAR OF THE GRANT PROGRAM .14 SECTION 8. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-20.5-104, amend15 (3), (4), and (5) as follows:16 22-20.5-104. Pilot program - dyslexia markers - effective17 interventions - created - evaluation report - repeal. (3) At the end of18 the 2021-22 2022-23 school year, the department shall evaluate the19 implementation of the pilot program and the effectiveness of the20 strategies in identifying and supporting more students in the participating21 local education providers than were identified and supported in22 nonparticipating local education providers. Based on the evaluation, the23 department shall refine the resources for technical support, identification,24 and interventions, as necessary, and disseminate the resources to all local25 education providers in the state. Upon request, the department shall also26 provide the technical support necessary to effectively use the resources.27 1390 -9- (4) On or before December 31, 2022 2023, the department shall1 submit to the state board of education and the education committees of2 the senate and the house of representatives, or any successor committees,3 a report concerning the implementation and evaluation of the pilot4 program. The department may include in the report any recommendations5 for legislation that the department deems necessary based on the6 evaluation of the pilot program.7 (5) This section is repealed, effective July 1, 2023 2024.8 SECTION 9. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-36-101, amend9 (2)(a) as follows:10 22-36-101. Choice of programs and schools within school11 districts. (2) (a) Every school district shall adopt such policies and12 procedures as are reasonable and necessary to implement the provisions13 of subsection (1) of this section, including, but not limited to, timelines14 for application to and acceptance in any program or school which THAT15 may provide for enrollment of the student on or before the pupil16 enrollment count day, and, while adopting policies and procedures, the17 school district shall consider adopting a policy establishing that an18 applicant with a proficiency rating of unsatisfactory in one or more19 academic areas who attends a public school that is required to implement20 a turnaround plan pursuant to section 22-11-406 or that is subject to21 restructuring pursuant to section 22-11-210 shall have priority over any22 other applicant for enrollment purposes. I F A SCHOOL DISTRICT PERMITS23 A STUDENT WHOSE PARENT OR GUARDIAN IS A RESIDENT OF THE STATE BUT24 NOT A RESIDENT OF THE DISTRICT TO ATTEND SCHOOL IN THE DISTRICT ,25 THE SCHOOL DISTRICT SHALL NOT REQUIRE THE PARENT , GUARDIAN, OR26 STUDENT TO PAY TUITION TO ATTEND SCHOOL IN THE DISTRICT ,27 1390 -10- REGARDLESS OF WHEN DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR , OR UNDER WHAT1 CIRCUMSTANCES, THE STUDENT ENROLLS IN OR ATTENDS SCHOOL IN THE2 DISTRICT.3 SECTION 10. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-54-103, add4 (10)(i) as follows:5 22-54-103. Definitions. As used in this article 54, unless the6 context otherwise requires:7 (10) (i) AT THE REQUEST OF A DISTRICT THAT INCLUDES IN ITS8 PUPIL ENROLLMENT ONE OR MORE STUDENTS WHO ARE PARTICIPATING IN9 NONPUBLIC HOME-BASED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND ALSO ATTENDING10 A PUBLIC SCHOOL OR PUBLIC PROGRAM FOR A PORTION OF THE SC HOOL11 DAY, THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHALL ASSIGN A SEPARATE SCHOOL12 CODE TO EACH PROGRAM OFFERED THROUGH THE DISTRICT OR A SCHOOL13 OF THE DISTRICT THAT IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE ENRICHMENT SUPPORTS14 AND SERVICES TO STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN NONPUBLIC HOME-BASED15 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS .16 SECTION 11. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-60.3-204,17 amend (1)(b) as follows:18 22-60.3-204. Program eligibility - financial assistance -19 funding. (1) (b) As a condition of receiving financial assistance through20 the program, an applicant must agree to teach for a period of three years21 in a rural or small rural school district OR IN AN EDUCATOR SHORTAGE22 AREA, AS DETERMINED BY THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION . If an23 applicant does not fulfill the service condition of the program, the24 applicant shall repay the awarded financial assistance to the department25 in accordance with the rules promulgated by the state board.26 SECTION 12. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-94-102, amend27 1390 -11- (2)(f) as follows:1 22-94-102. Contract to create quality teacher recruitment2 program. (2) In awarding a contract pursuant to subsection (1) of this3 section, the department shall take into consideration the number of4 districts in which the vendor will place licensed teachers, the number of5 licensed teachers that the vendor will place, and the potential number of6 children who will be taught by the licensed teachers. The department shall7 ensure that it awards the contract to one or more vendors that satisfy the8 following criteria:9 (f) The vendor commits to matching no less than one hundred10 percent of any moneys MONEY that the department pays through a11 contract entered into pursuant to subsection (1) of this section. A vendor12 that responds to the department's solicitation for a contract issued13 pursuant to subsection (1) of this section shall provide written14 documentation from one or more private or corporate donors, OR ONE OR15 MORE SCHOOL DISTRICTS OR OTHER LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, that pledge to16 make gifts, grants, or donations, OR OTHER PLEDGES OF MONEY, WHICH17 MAY INCLUDE IMPACT INCOME, SUCCESS PAYMENTS, AND SPONSORSHIP18 AND EVENT INCOME, BUT SHALL NOT INCLUDE MONEY RECEIVED FROM19 PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS, to the vendor that, in total, equal at least the20 amount that the department has specified will be available for the21 purposes of a contract pursuant to subsection (1) of this section for the22 applicable fiscal year. The written documentation must also include the23 date by which the vendor will receive the gifts, grants, or donations, OR24 OTHER MONEY to be used in furtherance of the requirements of this article25 ARTICLE 94.26 SECTION 13. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-100-102, amend27 1390 -12- (5)(b) as follows:1 22-100-102. Local school food purchasing program - creation2 - report - rules - repeal. (5) (b) The department is authorized to monitor3 the school food purchasing program to ensure program integrity. and to4 annually reallocate money among participating providers to maximize the5 amount of the money given.6 SECTION 14. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-102-103, amend7 (4), (7), and (8) as follows:8 22-102-103. Definitions. As used in this article 102, unless the9 context otherwise requires:10 (4) "School counselor" means a counselor holding a master's11 degree in educational counseling and a professional special services12 license in Colorado PERSON WITH A TEMPORARY EDUCATOR ELIGIBILITY13 AUTHORIZATION ISSUED PURSUANT TO SECTION 22-60.5-111 (5) WHO IS14 WORKING TO ATTAIN A SPECIAL SERVICES PROVIDER LICENSE FOR SCHOOL15 COUNSELING, OR A LICENSE ISSUED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 60.5 OF THIS16 TITLE 22 with an endorsement in school counseling, including but not17 limited to the completion of course work in the areas of academic and18 social-emotional development; assessment for social and emotional19 concerns, including suicide prevention and intervention; crisis20 intervention; social-emotional prevention programs, including character21 education and violence prevention; mental health; protective factors for22 at-risk students; and career awareness, exploration, and planning.23 (7) "School psychologist" means a school psychologist holding a24 master's degree and a professional special services license in Colorado25 PERSON WITH A TEMPORARY EDUCATOR ELIGIBILITY AUTHORIZATION26 ISSUED PURSUANT TO SECTION 22-60.5-111 (5) WHO IS WORKING TO27 1390 -13- ATTAIN A SPECIAL SERVICES PROVIDER LICENSE AS A SCHOOL1 PSYCHOLOGIST, OR A LICENSE ISSUED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 60.5 OF THIS2 TITLE 22 with a school psychologist endorsement.3 (8) "School social worker" means a social worker holding a4 master's degree and a professional special services license in Colorado5 PERSON WITH A TEMPORARY EDUCATOR ELIGIBILITY AUTHORIZATION6 ISSUED PURSUANT TO SECTION 22-60.5-111 (5) WHO IS WORKING TO7 ATTAIN A SPECIAL SERVICES PROVIDER LICENSE AS A SCHOOL SOCIAL8 WORKER, OR A LICENSE ISSUED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 60.5 OF THIS TITLE9 22 with an endorsement in school social work, including but not limited10 to the completion of course work in the areas of school and special11 education law, including content covering functional behavior assessment12 and the development of behavior intervention plans.13 SECTION 15. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-102-104, amend14 (1) and (2)(a) as follows:15 22-102-104. K-5 social and emotional health pilot program -16 creation - selection of pilot schools - rules. (1) There is created the K-517 social and emotional health pilot program in the department to determine18 the impact of dedicated school mental health professionals in19 kindergarten through fifth grade in elementary schools that have20 high-poverty, high-need students. The pilot program is implemented21 within the selected pilot schools and administered by the department as22 a pilot program for three consecutive FOUR school years, unless extended23 by the general assembly. Subject to available appropriations or gifts,24 grants, or donations for the three-year FOUR-YEAR term of the pilot25 program, pursuant to section 22-102-106, the department shall employ or26 contract with a pilot program coordinator and contract for preliminary and27 1390 -14- final program evaluations of the pilot program. The department STATE1 BOARD OF EDUCATION shall promulgate any rules necessary for the2 administration of the pilot program.3 (2) (a) Subject to available appropriations or gifts, grants, or4 donations for the three-year FOUR-YEAR term of the pilot program, no5 later than January 15 immediately preceding the first implementation6 year, the department shall select up to ten pilot schools to participate in7 the pilot program. If available appropriations and gifts, grants, or8 donations are insufficient to fully fund the pilot program, the department9 may select fewer than ten pilot schools to participate in the pilot program.10 The department shall select pilot schools that exhibit the characteristics11 set forth in subsection (2)(b) of this section and that are appropriate test12 schools to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the pilot program. The13 pilot schools must demonstrate a willingness to participate in the pilot14 program and to collect the data and information necessary for the15 evaluation of the pilot program.16 SECTION 16. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-102-105, amend17 (4)(a) as follows:18 22-102-105. Implementation of pilot program. (4) (a) In19 implementing the pilot program, the school mental health professionals20 shall work as a team, with each professional providing services to21 students and offering training and resources to school faculty and22 administrators that WHO are authorized under the school mental health23 professional's special services AUTHORIZATION OR THE PROFESSIONAL 'S24 license and endorsement.25 SECTION 17. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-102-106, amend26 (2)(a) as follows:27 1390 -15- 22-102-106. Pilot program coordinator - evaluation of pilot1 program - student impacts and outcomes. (2) (a) The department shall2 select a professional program evaluator to complete a preliminary3 evaluation of the pilot program on or before September 1 of the second4 full school year of implementation of the pilot program and a final5 evaluation of the pilot program to be completed on or before September6 1 immediately following the conclusion of the final school year of the7 pilot program. Subject to available appropriations or gifts, grants, or8 donations for the three-year FOUR-YEAR term of the pilot program, the9 department shall contract with the evaluator in the school year prior to the10 implementation of the pilot program in the pilot schools to create a11 process for the collection and transmission of data and information to the12 evaluator to ensure that the evaluator has the data and information13 necessary to complete the preliminary and final reports concerning the14 impact and outcomes of the pilot program. The pilot program evaluator,15 in conjunction with the department, shall select a group of control schools16 that have school characteristics and student demographics similar to those17 of the pilot schools to serve as a control group for purposes of evaluating18 the impacts and outcomes of the pilot program on participating students19 and pilot schools. Data collected for pilot schools and control group20 schools must include data from school climate and healthy schools21 surveys for any grade in which such surveys have been created.22 SECTION 18. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 24-90-120, amend23 (4)(a) and (6)(c) as follows:24 24-90-120. Colorado imagination library program - creation25 - request for proposal - state librarian duties - report - legislative26 declaration - definitions. (4) (a) The contractor, in operating the27 1390 -16- program pursuant to subsection (2) of this section, shall pay to the1 national nonprofit foundation fifty percent of the statewide cost to2 provide free books to eligible children enrolled in the program, as3 determined by the national nonprofit foundation. The general assembly4 shall annually appropriate money from the general fund to the department5 of education for the state librarian to distribute to the contractor for the6 state's FIFTY PERCENT share of the cost to provide the books AND OPERATE7 THE PROGRAM.8 (6) (c) Twenty percent of money appropriated for the 2021-229 state fiscal year, and ten percent of money appropriated for the 2022-23 10 fiscal year and each fiscal year thereafter, may be used for the contractor11 operating the program for duties set forth in subsections (2)(a) to (2)(f)12 of this section.13 SECTION 19. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 29-1-606, add (9)14 as follows:15 29-1-606. Submission of reports - repeal.16 (9) (a) N OTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION TO THE17 CONTRARY, FOR A SCHOOL DISTRICT'S 2021-22 BUDGET YEAR, THE STATE18 AUDITOR SHALL NOT AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY TREASURER TO PROHIBIT19 THE RELEASE OF MONEY GENERATED BY THE SCHOOL DISTRICT PURSUANT20 TO SUBSECTION (5)(b)(I) OF THIS SECTION, BUT SHALL GRANT THE SCHOOL21 DISTRICT AN ADDITIONAL EXTENSION OF TWELVE MONTHS TO COMPLETE22 THE AUDIT AND SUBMIT THE AUDIT REPORT , IF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT:23 (I) I S A RURAL SCHOOL DISTRICT OR SMALL RURAL SCHOOL24 DISTRICT, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 22-7-1211 (4);25 (II) H AS EXHAUSTED ALL AVAILABLE EXTENSIONS PERMITTED BY26 THIS SECTION; AND27 1390 -17- (III) DEMONSTRATES TO THE STATE AUDITOR IT WAS UNABLE TO1 RETAIN AN AUDITOR TO COMPLETE THE AUDITING REQUIREMENTS2 PURSUANT TO THIS PART 6.3 (b) I F THE SCHOOL DISTRICT DOES NOT COMPLETE THE AUDIT AND4 SUBMIT THE AUDIT REPORT WITHIN THE ADDITIONAL EXTENSION PROVIDED5 PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (9)(a) OF THIS SECTION, THE STATE AUDITOR6 SHALL MAKE OR CAUSE SUCH AUDIT TO BE MADE , PURSUANT TO7 SUBSECTION (5)(b)(II) OF THIS SECTION.8 (c) T HIS SUBSECTION (9) IS REPEALED, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2024.9 SECTION 20. In Colorado Revised Statutes, amend 22-35-10810 as follows:11 22-35-108. Accelerating students through concurrent12 enrollment program - objectives - non-tuition expenses - rules.13 (1) (a) There is hereby established the accelerating students through14 concurrent enrollment program, Beginning in the 2010-11 school year,15 the department shall administer the ASCENT program pursuant to the16 provisions of this section and guidelines established by the board pursuant17 to subsection (4) of this section. WHICH IS AVAILABLE TO ALL QUALIFIED18 STUDENTS WHO ARE DESIGNATED BY THEIR ENROLLING LOCAL EDUCATION19 PROVIDERS PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (2)(a) OF THIS SECTION. The20 objectives of the ASCENT program are to:21 (I) Increase the percentage of students who participate in22 postsecondary education, especially among low-income and traditionally23 underserved populations;24 (II) Decrease the number of students who do not complete high25 school;26 (III) Decrease the amount of time that is required for a student to27 1390 -18- complete a postsecondary degree or certificate;1 (IV) Reduce state expenditures for public education; and2 (V) Increase the number of educational pathways available to3 students.4 (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this article ARTICLE 355 TO THE CONTRARY, a qualified student who is designated by the6 department A LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER to be an ASCENT program7 participant pursuant to subsection (2) of this section may concurrently8 enroll in postsecondary courses, including academic courses and career9 and technical education courses, in the year directly following the year in10 which he or she THE QUALIFIED STUDENT was enrolled in the twelfth11 grade of a THE local education provider.12 (2) (a) Subject to available appropriations, the department may13 designate as an ASCENT program participant any qualified student who14 A LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER MAY DESIGNATE A QUALIFIED STUDENT AS15 AN ASCENT PROGRAM PARTICIPANT IF THE QUALIFIED STUDENT :16 (I) Has completed or is on schedule to complete at least twelve17 NINE credit hours of postsecondary course work prior to the completion18 of his or her THE QUALIFIED STUDENT'S twelfth-grade year;19 (II) Is not in need of a developmental education course;20 (III) Has been selected for participation in the ASCENT program21 by his or her high school principal or equivalent school administrator;22 (IV) (III) Has been accepted into a postsecondary degree program23 at an institution of higher education; AND24 (V) Has satisfied any other selection criteria established by25 guidelines established by the board pursuant to subsection (4) of this26 section; and27 1390 -19- (VI) (IV) Has not been designated AS an ASCENT program1 participant in any A prior year.2 (b) Repealed.3 (c) (I) Repealed.4 (II) (b) EACH LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER THAT DESIGNATES5 QUALIFIED STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ASCENT PROGRAM SHALL,6 AS PROVIDED BY STATE BOARD RULE , REPORT TO THE DEPARTMENT THE7 ESTIMATED NUMBER OF ASCENT PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS THAT THE8 LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER WILL ENROLL FOR THE FOLLOWING SCHOOL9 YEAR. The department, as part of its annual budget request to the general10 assembly, shall report the ESTIMATED total number of potential ASCENT11 program participants for the following school year.12 (III) Repealed.13 (IV) The department shall not designate a greater number of14 ASCENT program participants for a school year than the number of15 participants that the general assembly approves for funding in the annual16 general appropriation act for the applicable budget year.17 (3) (a) The local education provider of a qualified student who is18 designated by the department as an ASCENT program participant may19 include the student A LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER MAY INCLUDE EACH20 QUALIFIED STUDENT WHOM THE LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER DESIGNATES21 TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ASCENT PROGRAM PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION22 in the district's funded pupil count, or, in the case of a QUALIFIED student23 enrolled in an institute charter school, in the FUNDED PUPIL COUNT OF THE24 school's accounting district, as provided in section 22-54-103 (7).25 (b) A local education provider that receives extended high school26 funding, as described in section 22-54-104 (4.7), in a budget year for27 1390 -20- ASCENT program participants may expend the funding on behalf of1 ASCENT program participants who enroll in an institution of higher2 education during that budget year and on behalf of ASCENT program3 participants who, by May 1 of that budget year, are admitted to an4 institution of higher education to participate in the ASCENT program5 during the next budget year.6 (c) The local education provider shall certify to the department by7 May 10 of each year the list of ASCENT program participants who are8 admitted to an institution of higher education to participate in the9 ASCENT program during the next budget year. At the end of the budget10 year in which the local education provider receives the extended high11 school funding for ASCENT program participants, the local education12 provider shall remit to the department any remaining amount of the13 funding that the local education provider is not using for an ASCENT14 program participant who is included on the certified list.15 (4) The board shall establish guidelines AS NECESSARY for the16 administration of the ASCENT program. including but not limited to17 selection criteria that the department may use pursuant to subparagraph18 (V) of paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of this section to designate19 qualified students as ASCENT program participants.20 (5) For the purposes of part 5 of article 11 of this title 2221 concerning school accountability reports, the department shall include22 ASCENT program participants in the reporting requirements, regardless23 of whether an ASCENT program participant has completed his or her THE24 PARTICIPANT'S graduation requirements.25 (6) (a) Repealed.26 (b) (6) For purposes of applying the provisions of article 11 of this27 1390 -21- title 22 concerning school accountability and reporting graduation rates,1 a qualified student who is an ASCENT program participant shall MUST2 be counted in the enrolling school district's or institute charter school's3 graduation rate in the school year in which the student completes the4 school district's or institute charter school's minimum high school5 graduation requirements. The state board of education shall promulgate6 rules for schools and school districts to follow in satisfying state and7 federal reporting requirements concerning the enrollment status of8 ASCENT program participants. To the extent practicable, the rules must9 ensure that schools and school districts are not adversely affected in10 calculating and reporting the completion of high school graduation11 requirements by qualified students who have been designated by the12 department LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDERS as ASCENT program13 participants. The rules must include, at a minimum, reporting14 requirements relating to:15 (I) (a) The provisions of article 7 of this title 22 concerning16 educational accountability; and17 (II) (b) The provisions of article 11 of this title 22 concerning18 educational accreditation.19 SECTION 21. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-35-105, repeal20 (4) as follows:21 22-35-105. Financial provisions - payment of tuition.22 (4) (a) Before paying the tuition for a course in which a qualified student23 concurrently enrolls, the local education provider in which the qualified24 student is enrolled shall require the qualified student and his or her parent25 or legal guardian to sign a document requiring repayment of the amount26 of tuition paid by the local education provider for the course on the27 1390 -22- qualified student's behalf if the qualified student does not complete the1 course for any reason without the consent of the principal of the student's2 high school.3 (b) If a qualified student concurrently enrolled in a course for4 whom a local education provider pays tuition does not complete the5 course for any reason without the consent of the principal of the high6 school in which the qualified student is enrolled, the qualified student or7 the qualified student's parent or legal guardian shall reimburse the local8 education provider, as provided in the document signed pursuant to9 paragraph (a) of this subsection (4), for the amount of tuition paid by the10 local education provider for the course.11 (c) A local education provider may adopt a policy that requires a12 qualified student and his or her parent or legal guardian to sign a13 document prior to the student's concurrent enrollment in a course, which14 document commits the student or his or her parent or legal guardian to15 reimburse the local education provider for the tuition paid by the local16 education provider for the course in the event that the student receives a17 failing grade in the course.18 SECTION 22. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-35-103, amend19 (6)(a) as follows:20 22-35-103. Definitions. As used in this article 35, unless the21 context otherwise requires:22 (6) (a) "Concurrent enrollment" means the simultaneous23 enrollment of a qualified student in a local education provider and in one24 or more postsecondary courses, including academic or career and25 technical education courses, which may include course work related to26 apprenticeship programs or internship programs, at an institution of27 1390 -23- higher education pursuant to the provisions of this article 35, at no tuition1 cost to the qualified student or the qualified student's parent or legal2 guardian. except as provided in section 22-35-105 (4)(c). As provided in3 section 22-35-104 (5) and (6)(b)(II), upon successfully completing a4 concurrent enrollment postsecondary course, the qualified student must5 receive credit that applies to completion of high school graduation6 requirements and postsecondary credit that applies toward completion of7 developmental education courses, applies toward earning a certificate or8 degree awarded through an approved postsecondary career and technical9 education program, is approved by the department of higher education for10 transfer from a two-year institution to a four-year institution in11 satisfaction of prerequisite courses for a specific major, is approved for12 statewide transfer pursuant to section 23-1-125, or is part of a statewide13 degree transfer agreement pursuant to section 23-1-108 (7)(a).14 SECTION 23. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-35-107, amend15 (6) introductory portion, (6)(c), and (6)(d) as follows:16 22-35-107. Concurrent enrollment advisory board - created -17 membership - duties - reports - repeal. (6) The board shall have HAS18 the following duties:19 (c) Making recommendations as necessary to the general20 assembly, the state board, and the commission concerning the21 improvement or updating of state policies relating to concurrent22 enrollment programs, including but not limited to recommendations of23 policies that will allow every local education provider in the state to have24 adequate resources to enter into at least one cooperative agreement; and25 recommendations of a funding allocation model, to be approved by the26 state board on or before July 1, 2013, in the event that the number of27 1390 -24- qualified students identified by local education providers exceeds1 available appropriations pursuant to section 22-35-108 (2);2 (d) On or before December 1, 2010 DECEMBER 1, 2022,3 considering and making recommendations to the state board and the4 education committees of the house of representatives and senate, or any5 successor committees, regarding the feasibility of a waiver process6 whereby a LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER, ON BEHALF OF A qualified7 student, could apply to the department for a waiver of certain provisions8 of section 22-35-108, which waiver would allow the LOCAL EDUCATION9 PROVIDER TO DESIGNATE THE student to be designated by the department10 as an ASCENT program participant in the second year following the year11 in which he or she THE QUALIFIED STUDENT was enrolled in the twelfth12 grade of a THE local education provider so long as he or she THE13 QUALIFYING STUDENT:14 (I) Was so designated in the year directly following the year in15 which he or she THE QUALIFIED STUDENT was enrolled in the twelfth16 grade of a THE local education provider;17 (II) Requires fifteen or fewer credit hours of postsecondary course18 work to achieve a postsecondary credential; and19 (III) Is eligible for free or reduced-cost REDUCED-PRICE lunch20 pursuant to the federal "Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act",21 42 U.S.C. sec. 1751 et seq.;22 SECTION 24. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-35-112, amend23 (2) introductory portion and (2)(g) as follows:24 22-35-112. Reports. (2) On or before February 1, 2011, and on25 or before February 1 each year thereafter through 2016, and on or before26 April 1, 2017, and on or before April 1 each year thereafter, ON OR27 1390 -25- BEFORE APRIL 1, 2022, AND ON OR BEFORE MAY 1 EACH YEAR1 THEREAFTER, the department and the department of higher education shall2 collaborate to prepare and submit to the education committees of the3 senate and house of representatives, or any successor committees, a report4 concerning the concurrent enrollment of qualified students in5 postsecondary courses, including academic courses and career and6 technical education courses, and courses related to apprenticeship7 programs and internship programs. The report must include, but need not8 be limited to:9 (g) FOR THE PREVIOUS SCHOOL YEAR, the total number of qualified10 students designated by the department as ASCENT or TREP program11 participants in the previous school year THAT LOCAL EDUCATION12 PROVIDERS DESIGNATED AS ASCENT PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS AND THE13 TOTAL NUMBER OF QUALIFIED STUDENTS THE DEPARTMENT DESIGNATED14 AS PARTICIPANTS IN THE TEACHER RECRUITMENT EDUCATION AND15 PREPARATION PROGRAM ;16 SECTION 25. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-35-113, amend17 (1)(f) as follows:18 22-35-113. Concurrent enrollment - website. (1) By July 1,19 2020, the department of education and the department of higher20 education, with advice from the state board, shall make available to the21 public a concurrent enrollment website to provide information to students,22 parents, and legal guardians concerning concurrent enrollment options23 and requirements. The departments must ensure that the website is clear,24 easy to navigate, and generally user-friendly. In addition, the website25 must at a minimum:26 (f) Provide information concerning the payment of the costs of27 1390 -26- concurrent enrollment, including tuition, which is not chargeable to the1 student or the student's parent or legal guardian, except as provided in2 section 22-35-105 (4)(c), fees and books, which may be chargeable to the3 student or the student's parent or legal guardian, and transportation;4 SECTION 26. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-54-112, amend5 (2)(c) as follows:6 22-54-112. Reports to the state board. (2) (c) On or before7 November 10 of each year, the secretary of the state charter school8 institute board shall certify to the state board the pupil enrollment, and the9 online pupil enrollment, AND THE EXTENDED HIGH SCHOOL PUPIL10 ENROLLMENT of each institute charter school taken in the preceding11 October.12 SECTION 27. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-54-114, amend13 (4)(a) as follows:14 22-54-114. State public school fund. (4) (a) For the 1997-9815 fiscal year and fiscal years thereafter, the net amount recovered by the16 department of education during the applicable fiscal year, pursuant to17 school district and institute charter school audits, as overpayments made18 to school districts and institute charter schools and any amount remitted19 by a school district or institute charter school pursuant to section20 22-35-108 (3)(c), that would otherwise be transmitted to the state21 treasurer for deposit in the general fund shall instead be transmitted to the22 state treasurer for deposit in the state public school fund. The amount23 shall be available for appropriation to the department of education in24 subsequent fiscal years.25 SECTION 28. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 23-18-202, amend26 (5)(c)(III) as follows:27 1390 -27- 23-18-202. College opportunity fund - appropriations -1 payment of stipends - reimbursement - report. (5) (c) (III) For an2 eligible undergraduate student who has completed one or more college3 courses while enrolled in high school pursuant to the "Concurrent4 Enrollment Programs Act", article 35 of title 22, or while designated by5 the department of education as an ASCENT program participant pursuant6 to section 22-35-108 or as a TREP program participant pursuant to7 section 22-35-108.5, or while enrolled in a pathways in technology early8 college high school pursuant to article 35.3 of title 22, all college-level9 credit hours earned by the student while so enrolled count against the10 lifetime limitation described in subsection (5)(c)(I) of this section; except11 that credit hours earned from enrollment in a developmental education12 course, as defined in section 23-1-113 (11)(b), do not count against the13 lifetime limitation.14 SECTION 29. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 24-75-220, add (8)15 as follows:16 24-75-220. State education fund - transfers - surplus -17 legislative declaration. (8) ON JULY 1, 2022, THE STATE TREASURER18 SHALL TRANSFER THREE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS FROM THE GENERAL19 FUND TO THE STATE EDUCATION FUND CREATED IN SECTION 17 (4) OF20 ARTICLE IX OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION.21 SECTION 30. Appropriation. For the 2022-23 state fiscal year,22 $100,000 is appropriated to the department of education. This23 appropriation is from the general fund. The department may use this24 appropriation for contracting with an external evaluator to perform the25 evaluation of local accountability systems required pursuant to section26 22-11-705 (5), C.R.S.27 1390 -28- SECTION 31. Appropriation. For the 2022-23 state fiscal year,1 $184,125,900 is appropriated to the department of education. This2 appropriation consists of $2,101,985 from the general fund and3 $182,023,915 from the state education fund created in section 17 (4)(a)4 of article IX of the state constitution. To implement this act, the5 department may use this appropriation for the state share of districts' total6 program funding.7 SECTION 32. Appropriation to the department of education8 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022. Section 2 of HB 21-1329,9 amend Part IV (2)(A) Footnote 8, as follows:10 Section 2. Appropriation.11 8 Department of Education, Assistance to Public Schools, Public12 School Finance, State Share of Districts' Total Program Funding --13 Pursuant to Section 22-35-108 (2)(a) and 22-35-108.5 (2)(b)(II), C.R.S.,14 the purpose of this footnote is to specify what portion of this15 appropriation is intended to be available for the Accelerating Students16 Through Concurrent Enrollment (ASCENT) Program and the Teacher17 Recruitment Education and Preparation (TREP) Program for FY 2022-23.18 It is the General Assembly's intent that the Department of Education be19 authorized to utilize up to $4,249,000 of this appropriation to fund20 qualified students designated as ASCENT Program participants and21 $1,699,600 $1,737,200 of this appropriation to fund qualified students22 designated as TREP Program participants. This amount is calculated23 based on an estimated 500 FTE participants and 200 FTE TREP Program24 participants funded at a rate of $8,498 $8,686 per FTE pursuant to25 Section 22-54-104 (4.7), C.R.S.26 SECTION 33. Appropriation. (1) For the 2022-23 state fiscal27 1390 -29- year, $196,086 is appropriated to the department of education. This1 appropriation is from the general fund. To implement this act, the2 department may use this appropriation as follows:3 (a) $127,973 for the dyslexia markers pilot program;4 (b) $43,113 for college and career readiness, which amount is5 based on an assumption that the department will require an additional 0.56 FTE; and7 (c) $25,000 for information technology services.8 SECTION 34. Safety clause. The general assembly hereby finds,9 determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate10 preservation of the public peace, health, or safety.11 1390 -30-