Colorado 2024 Regular Session

Colorado House Bill HB1223 Compare Versions

Version 1 (Old)

Version 2 (New)

Old	New		Differences
	1	+	Second Regular Session
	2	+	Seventy-fourth General Assembly
	3	+	STATE OF COLORADO
	4	+	REREVISED
	5	+	This Version Includes All Amendments
	6	+	Adopted in the Second House
	7	+	LLS NO. 24-0503.01 Michael Dohr x4347
1	8		HOUSE BILL 24-1223
2		-	BY REPRESENTATIVE(S) Willford and Garcia, Amabile, Bacon, Bird,
3		-	Boesenecker, Brown, Clifford, deGruy Kennedy, Duran, English, Epps,
4		-	Froelich, Hamrick, Hernandez, Herod, Jodeh, Joseph, Kipp, Lieder,
5		-	Lindsay, Lindstedt, Lukens, Marvin, Mauro, McCormick, Parenti, Rutinel,
6		-	Story, Valdez, Vigil, Young, McCluskie;
7		-	also SENATOR(S) Cutter and Michaelson Jenet, Bridges, Exum, Fields,
8		-	Jaquez Lewis, Marchman, Priola, Rodriguez, Sullivan, Winter F.
	9	+	House Committees Senate Committees
	10	+	Health & Human Services State, Veterans, & Military Affairs
	11	+	Appropriations Appropriations
	12	+	A BILL FOR AN ACT
9	13		C
10		-	ONCERNING THE IMPROVEMENT OF PROGRAMS THAT BENEFIT WORKING
11		-	FAMILIES
12		-	, AND, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH , MAKING AN
13		-	APPROPRIATION
14		-	.
15		-
16		-	Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:
17		-	SECTION 1. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly
18		-	finds and declares that:
19		-	(a) Colorado has been committed to reducing the burdens placed on
20		-	families seeking child care assistance and child care providers serving
21		-	children through the Colorado child care assistance program;
22		-	(b) Currently, there are too many families who need child care and
23		-	NOTE: This bill has been prepared for the signatures of the appropriate legislative
24		-	officers and the Governor. To determine whether the Governor has signed the bill
25		-	or taken other action on it, please consult the legislative status sheet, the legislative
26		-	history, or the Session Laws.
27		-	________
28		-	Capital letters or bold & italic numbers indicate new material added to existing law; dashes
29		-	through words or numbers indicate deletions from existing law and such material is not part of
30		-	the act. do not have access, and this problem is especially acute for families in
31		-	under-resourced neighborhoods;
32		-	(c) Federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act infused an
33		-	unprecedented amount of money into Colorado's child care system and
34		-	created additional policy flexibility that provided stability and access for
35		-	families across the state; and
36		-	(d) Administrative burdens serve as unnecessary hurdles for families
37		-	to access the child care they need.
38		-	(2) Therefore, the general assembly determines it is necessary to:
39		-	(a) Make the recent policy changes made as a result of the American
40		-	Rescue Plan Act permanent;
41		-	(b) Simplify the application process for applying for child care
42		-	assistance;
43		-	(c) Authorize presumptive eligibility for child care assistance;
44		-	(d) Increase affordability of child care; and
45		-	(e) Improve payment practices to increase provider financial
46		-	stability.
47		-	SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 26.5-1-110, add (3) as
48		-	follows:
49		-	26.5-1-110. Unified application - child care, services, and
50		-	education. (3) A
51		-	COUNTY DEPARTMENT SHALL NOT ADD ADDITIONAL
52		-	REQUIRED ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA TO THE APPLICATION OR REDETERMINATION
53		-	PROCESS
54		-	.
55		-	SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 26.5-4-103, amend (1);
56		-	and add (1.5) and (3.5) as follows:
57		-	26.5-4-103. Definitions. As used in this part 1, unless the context
58		-	otherwise requires:
59		-	PAGE 2-HOUSE BILL 24-1223 (1) "Child care assistance program" or "CCCAP" means the public
60		-	assistance program for child care known as the Colorado child care
61		-	assistance program established in this part 1 "APPLICANT" MEANS AN
62		-	INDIVIDUAL OR A FAMILY WHO SUBMITS AN APPLICATION TO THE
63		-	COLORADO
64		-	CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
65		-	.
	14	+	ONCERNING THE IMPROVEMENT OF PROGRAMS THAT BENEFIT101
	15	+	WORKING
	16	+	FAMILIES, AND, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, MAKING102
	17	+	AN APPROPRIATION.103
	18	+	Bill Summary
	19	+	(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does
	20	+	not reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted. If this bill
	21	+	passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that
	22	+	applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at
	23	+	http://leg.colorado.gov
	24	+	.)
	25	+	The bill overhauls the Colorado child care assistance program
	26	+	(CCCAP). The bill simplifies the application process by:
	27	+	! Creating a universal application;
	28	+	! Limiting the application information to only what is
	29	+	necessary to determine eligibility;
	30	+	SENATE
	31	+	3rd Reading Unamended
	32	+	May 8, 2024
	33	+	SENATE
	34	+	2nd Reading Unamended
	35	+	May 7, 2024
	36	+	HOUSE
	37	+	3rd Reading Unamended
	38	+	May 3, 2024
	39	+	HOUSE
	40	+	Amended 2nd Reading
	41	+	May 2, 2024
	42	+	HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
	43	+	Willford and Garcia, Amabile, Bacon, Bird, Boesenecker, Brown, Clifford, deGruy
	44	+	Kennedy, Duran, English, Epps, Froelich, Hamrick, Hernandez, Herod, Jodeh, Joseph, Kipp,
	45	+	Lieder, Lindsay, Lindstedt, Lukens, Marvin, Mauro, McCluskie, McCormick, Parenti,
	46	+	Rutinel, Story, Valdez, Vigil, Young
	47	+	SENATE SPONSORSHIP
	48	+	Cutter and Michaelson Jenet, Bridges, Exum, Fields, Jaquez Lewis, Marchman, Priola,
	49	+	Rodriguez, Sullivan, Winter F.
	50	+	Shading denotes HOUSE amendment. Double underlining denotes SENATE amendment.
	51	+	Capital letters or bold & italic numbers indicate new material to be added to existing law.
	52	+	Dashes through the words or numbers indicate deletions from existing law. ! Prohibiting counties from adding additional eligibility
	53	+	requirements; and
	54	+	! When applying for redetermination, requiring the recipients
	55	+	to provide only information that has changed.
	56	+	The bill creates presumptive eligibility for 90 days when basic
	57	+	federal requirements are met that are verified through self-attestation.
	58	+	Income qualifications are changed to correspond with universal preschool
	59	+	program requirements. A county may exclude state and federal assistance
	60	+	program income eligibility guidelines in eligibility determinations.
	61	+	An employee of a child care provider may apply to the CCCAP
	62	+	and be granted full benefits for children from 6 weeks of age to 13 years
	63	+	of age, regardless of the employee's income.
	64	+	The bill directs that child care providers be paid based on
	65	+	enrollment and not on attendance and be paid a weekly rate in advance.
	66	+	Employers are permitted to cover copayments, and copayments are
	67	+	limited to 7% of a family's income. The bill authorizes grants and
	68	+	contracts for underserved populations.
	69	+	The bill lists the crimes that disqualify a child care provider from
	70	+	becoming qualified as license-exempt. Family child care home providers
	71	+	are included as eligible providers.
	72	+	A CCCAP recipient is required to engage in an eligible activity to
	73	+	receive benefits. The bill includes substance use disorder treatment
	74	+	programs, job training, and education activities as eligible activities.
	75	+	The department of early childhood education (department) is
	76	+	directed to evaluate the costs and benefits of a statewide reimbursement
	77	+	process.
	78	+	The bill directs the department to administer the child and adult
	79	+	care food program (CACFP). A participant's eligibility for CACFP must
	80	+	not be based on being qualified as exempt in CCCAP. The department
	81	+	shall develop, implement, and oversee an alternative eligibility process
	82	+	for participation in CACFP that is specifically tailored for license-exempt
	83	+	family, friend, or neighbor providers.
	84	+	Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:1
	85	+	SECTION 1. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly2
	86	+	finds and declares that:3
	87	+	(a) Colorado has been committed to reducing the burdens placed4
	88	+	on families seeking child care assistance and child care providers serving5
	89	+	children through the Colorado child care assistance program;6
	90	+	(b) Currently, there are too many families who need child care and7
	91	+	1223-2- do not have access, and this problem is especially acute for families in1
	92	+	under-resourced neighborhoods;2
	93	+	(c) Federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act infused3
	94	+	an unprecedented amount of money into Colorado's child care system and4
	95	+	created additional policy flexibility that provided stability and access for5
	96	+	families across the state; and6
	97	+	(d) Administrative burdens serve as unnecessary hurdles for7
	98	+	families to access the child care they need.8
	99	+	(2) Therefore, the general assembly determines it is necessary to:9
	100	+	(a) Make the recent policy changes made as a result of the10
	101	+	American Rescue Plan Act permanent;11
	102	+	(b) Simplify the application process for applying for child care12
	103	+	assistance;13
	104	+	(c) Authorize presumptive eligibility for child care assistance;14
	105	+	(d) Increase affordability of child care; and15
	106	+	(e) Improve payment practices to increase provider financial16
	107	+	stability.17
	108	+	SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 26.5-1-110, add (3)18
	109	+	as follows:19
	110	+	26.5-1-110. Unified application - child care, services, and20
	111	+	education. (3) A COUNTY DEPARTMENT SHALL NOT ADD ADDITIONAL21
	112	+	REQUIRED ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA TO THE APPLICATION OR22
	113	+	REDETERMINATION PROCESS .23
	114	+	SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 26.5-4-103, amend24
	115	+	(1); and add (1.5) and (3.5) as follows:25
	116	+	26.5-4-103. Definitions. As used in this part 1, unless the context26
	117	+	otherwise requires:27
	118	+	1223
	119	+	-3- (1) "Child care assistance program" or "CCCAP" means the public1
	120	+	assistance program for child care known as the Colorado child care2
	121	+	assistance program established in this part 1 "APPLICANT" MEANS AN3
	122	+	INDIVIDUAL OR A FAMILY WHO SUBMITS AN APPLICATION TO THE4
	123	+	C
	124	+	OLORADO CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM .5
66	125		(1.5) "C
67		-	HILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM" OR "CCCAP" MEANS THE
68		-	PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR CHILD CARE KNOWN AS THE
69		-	COLORADO
70		-	CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ESTABLISHED IN THIS PART
71		-	1.
72		-	(3.5) "C
73		-	USTOMER SERVICE" MEANS ACTIVITIES THAT PROVIDE
74		-	ONE
75		-	-ON-ONE SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES IN SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS AND
76		-	NAVIGATING SERVICES
77		-	, AND PROVIDING ACCESS TO TRANSPARENT AND
78		-	EASY
79		-	-TO-UNDERSTAND CONSUMER EDUCATION RESOURCES FOR THE
80		-	COLORADO CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM .
81		-	SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 26.5-4-106, amend
82		-	(1)(b), (1)(c) introductory portion, (1)(c)(II), and (2)(a); and add (1)(d) and
83		-	(6) as follows:
84		-	26.5-4-106. Applications for child care assistance - applications
85		-	for child care employees - verification - award - not assignable -
86		-	limitation - rules. (1) (b) O
87		-	N OR BEFORE AUGUST 1, 2026, AND SUBJECT TO
88		-	AVAILABLE FEDERAL APPROPRIATIONS
89		-	, the department rules may
90		-	MUST
91		-	provide for a simplified application in order that SO child care assistance
92		-	may be furnished to eligible persons as soon as possible and shall MUST
93		-	provide adequate safeguards and controls to ensure that only eligible persons receive child care assistance under
94		-	PURSUANT TO this part 1. THE
95		-	DEPARTMENT AND A COUNTY DEPARTMENT SHALL PUBLICLY DISCLOSE OR
96		-	PUBLICIZE INCOME ELIGIBILITY LEVELS BY INCOME PERCENTAGE AND BY
97		-	MONTHLY INCOME FOR FAMILIES TO USE BEFORE APPLYING
98		-	. The unified
99		-	application that the department develops pursuant to section 26.5-1-110
100		-	must at some point include application for child care assistance through
101		-	CCCAP.
102		-	(c) A person seeking child care assistance must
103		-	SHALL submit an
104		-	application in accordance with department rule, and the department shall
105		-	ensure that the application is routed to the applicant's county of residence.
106		-	An application for child care assistance must:
107		-	PAGE 3-HOUSE BILL 24-1223 (II) Include the name, age, and residence of the applicant and a
108		-	statement of the amount of property, both real and personal, in which the
109		-	applicant has an interest and of all income the applicant may have at the
110		-	time of the filing of the application THE APPLICANT'S CURRENT RESIDENCY
111		-	AND NAME OF THE APPLICANT
112		-	; THE AGE AND NAME OF THE CHILD OR
113		-	CHILDREN FOR WHOM CARE IS REQUESTED
114		-	; LOW-INCOME ELIGIBLE ACTIVITY;
115		-	INCOME; INCAPACITATION, IF APPLICABLE; and such other information as
116		-	may be required by department rule and
117		-	THAT IS NECESSARY TO DETERMINE
118		-	ELIGIBILITY
119		-	. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL NOT REQUEST THAT THE APPLICANT
120		-	PROVIDE IMMUNIZATION HISTORY
121		-	, EXCEPT WHEN UTILIZING CHILD CARE
122		-	THAT IS PROVIDED OUTSIDE OF THE CHILD
123		-	'S HOME BY A NON-RELATIVE
124		-	QUALIFIED LICENSE
125		-	-EXEMPT PROVIDER. CUSTODY ARRANGEMENTS SHALL
126		-	NOT BE INCLUDED ON THE APPLICATION OR OTHERWISE COLLECTED TO
127		-	DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY FOR
128		-	CCCAP. THE COUNTY DEPARTMENT MAY
129		-	REQUEST
130		-	, BUT SHALL NOT REQUIRE, INFORMATION ON CHILD CARE PROVIDER
131		-	SELECTION AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION
132		-	.
	126	+	HILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM " OR "CCCAP" MEANS6
	127	+	THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR CHILD CARE KNOWN AS THE7
	128	+	C
	129	+	OLORADO CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ESTABLISHED IN THIS PART8
	130	+	1.9
	131	+	(3.5) "CUSTOMER SERVICE" MEANS ACTIVITIES THAT PROVIDE10
	132	+	ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES IN SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS AND11
	133	+	NAVIGATING SERVICES, AND PROVIDING ACCESS TO TRANSPARENT AND12
	134	+	EASY-TO-UNDERSTAND CONSUMER EDUCATION RESOURCES FOR THE13
	135	+	COLORADO CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM .14
	136	+	SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 26.5-4-106, amend15
	137	+	(1)(b), (1)(c) introductory portion, (1)(c)(II) and (2)(a); and add (1)(d)16
	138	+	and (6) as follows:17
	139	+	26.5-4-106. Applications for child care assistance -18
	140	+	applications for child care employees - verification - award - not19
	141	+	assignable - limitation - rules. (1) (b) ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 1, 2026,20
	142	+	AND SUBJECT TO AVAILABLE FEDERAL APPROPRIATIONS, the department21
	143	+	rules may MUST provide for a simplified application in order that SO22
	144	+	child care assistance may be furnished to eligible persons as soon as23
	145	+	possible and shall MUST provide adequate safeguards and controls to24
	146	+	ensure that only eligible persons receive child care assistance under25
	147	+	PURSUANT TO this part 1. THE DEPARTMENT AND A COUNTY DEPARTMENT26
	148	+	SHALL PUBLICLY DISCLOSE OR PUBLICIZE INCOME ELIGIBILITY LEVELS BY27
	149	+	1223
	150	+	-4- INCOME PERCENTAGE AND BY MONTHLY INCOME FOR FAMILIES TO USE1
	151	+	BEFORE APPLYING. The unified application that the department develops2
	152	+	pursuant to section 26.5-1-110 must at some point include application for3
	153	+	child care assistance through CCCAP.4
	154	+	(c) A person seeking child care assistance must SHALL submit an5
	155	+	application in accordance with department rule, and the department shall6
	156	+	ensure that the application is routed to the applicant's county of residence.7
	157	+	An application for child care assistance must:8
	158	+	(II) Include the name, age, and residence of the applicant and a9
	159	+	statement of the amount of property, both real and personal, in which the10
	160	+	applicant has an interest and of all income the applicant may have at the11
	161	+	time of the filing of the application THE APPLICANT'S CURRENT RESIDENCY12
	162	+	AND NAME OF THE APPLICANT; THE AGE AND NAME OF THE CHILD OR13
	163	+	CHILDREN FOR WHOM CARE IS REQUESTED ; LOW-INCOME ELIGIBLE14
	164	+	ACTIVITY; INCOME; INCAPACITATION, IF APPLICABLE; and such other15
	165	+	information as may be required by department rule and THAT IS16
	166	+	NECESSARY TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY . THE DEPARTMENT SHALL NOT17
	167	+	REQUEST THAT THE APPLICANT PROVIDE IMMUNIZATION HISTORY, EXCEPT18
	168	+	WHEN UTILIZING CHILD CARE THAT IS PROVIDED OUTSIDE OF THE CHILD'S19
	169	+	HOME BY A NON -RELATIVE QUALIFIED LICENSE -EXEMPT PROVIDER.20
	170	+	C
	171	+	USTODY ARRANGEMENTS SHALL NOT BE INCLUDED ON THE APPLICATION21
	172	+	OR OTHERWISE COLLECTED TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY FOR CCCAP.
	173	+	THE22
	174	+	COUNTY DEPARTMENT MAY REQUEST, BUT SHALL NOT REQUIRE ,23
	175	+	INFORMATION ON CHILD CARE PROVIDER SELECTION AT THE TIME OF24
	176	+	APPLICATION.25
133	177		(d) A
134		-	COUNTY DEPARTMENT SHALL NOT ADD ADDITIONAL REQUIRED
135		-	ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA TO THE APPLICATION OR REDETERMINATION
136		-	PROCESSES
137		-	.
138		-	(2) (a) When a county department receives an application for child
139		-	care assistance, it shall promptly make a record concerning the
140		-	circumstances of the applicant to verify the facts supporting the application
141		-	and shall examine all pertinent records. and shall make a diligent effort to
142		-	examine all records prior to granting assistance. The county department
143		-	shall also verify such ANY other information as may be required by
144		-	department rule.
	178	+	COUNTY DEPARTMENT SHALL NOT ADD ADDITIONAL26 REQUIRED ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA TO THE APPLICATION OR27
	179	+	1223
	180	+	-5- REDETERMINATION PROCESSES .1
	181	+	2
	182	+	(2) (a) When a county department receives an application for child3
	183	+	care assistance, it shall promptly make a record concerning the4
	184	+	circumstances of the applicant to verify the facts supporting the5
	185	+	application and shall examine all pertinent records. and shall make a6
	186	+	diligent effort to examine all records prior to granting assistance. The7
	187	+	county department shall also verify such ANY other information as may8
	188	+	be required by department rule.9
	189	+	10
145	190		(6) T
146		-	HE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHALL PROMULGATE RULES FOR THE
147		-	IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS SECTION
148		-	.
149		-	SECTION 5. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 26.5-4-107, amend (1)
150		-	as follows:
151		-	26.5-4-107. Reconsideration and changes. (1) A county
152		-	department shall reconsider child care assistance awarded pursuant to this
153		-	part 1 as frequently as and in the manner required by department rules.
154		-	After such further verification and record as the county department may
155		-	deem DEEMS necessary or department rules may require, the amount of child
156		-	PAGE 4-HOUSE BILL 24-1223 care assistance provided may be changed or child care assistance may be OR
157		-	terminated, if the department or the county department finds that the
158		-	recipient's circumstances have altered sufficiently to warrant such action or
159		-	if changes in state or federal law have been made that would warrant such
160		-	action. A
161		-	COUNTY DEPARTMENT SHALL ONLY REQUIRE AND COLLECT ANY
162		-	DOCUMENTATION THAT HAS CHANGED SINCE THE RECIPIENT
163		-	'S MOST RECENT
164		-	APPLICATION OR REDETERMINATION PROCESS AND THAT IS REQUIRED TO
165		-	DETERMINE THE RECIPIENT
166		-	'S CONTINUED ELIGIBILITY.
167		-	SECTION 6. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 26.5-4-109, add (5) as
168		-	follows:
169		-	26.5-4-109. Provider rates - provider recruitment - provider.
170		-	(5) S
171		-	TARTING JULY 1, 2025, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL CREATE A PILOT
172		-	PROGRAM FOR UNLICENSED PROVIDERS TO SEEK LICENSE
173		-	-EXEMPT STATUS
174		-	AND ESTABLISHMENT AS AN ELIGIBLE
175		-	CCCAP PROVIDER SEPARATE AND
176		-	DISTINCT FROM THE PARENT
177		-	-INITIATED PROCESS. THE PILOT PROGRAM MUST
178		-	OPERATE IN AT LEAST TWO COUNTIES
179		-	, INCLUDING ONE URBAN COUNTY AND
180		-	ONE RURAL COUNTY
181		-	. BY JUNE 30, 2027, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL EVALUATE
182		-	THE OUTCOMES OF THE PILOT PROGRAM ON ENROLLED PROVIDERS AND CHILD
183		-	CARE CAPACITY AND SERVICES IN PARTICIPATING COUNTIES
184		-	.
185		-	SECTION 7. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 26.5-4-111, amend (1),
186		-	(2)(a), (4)(a)(I), (4)(b), (4)(c), (7)(d), and (12)(a); and add (15) as follows:
187		-	26.5-4-111. Services - eligibility - assistance provided - waiting
188		-	lists - rules - exceptions from cooperating with child support
189		-	establishment. (1) Subject to available appropriations and pursuant to
190		-	department rules promulgated for the implementation of this part 1, a
191		-	county shall provide child care assistance to a participant or any person or
192		-	family whose income is not more than one hundred eighty-five percent of
193		-	the federal poverty level. F
194		-	OR PURPOSES OF DETERMINING OR
195		-	REDETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE
196		-	, A COUNTY SHALL
197		-	EXCLUDE FROM THE DEFINITION OF INCOME PAYMENTS MADE TO A FAMILY
198		-	FROM ANY UNRESTRICTED CASH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY
199		-	A GOVERNMENT
200		-	, INTERMEDIARY, NONPROFIT, OR CORPORATE ENTITY .
201		-	Subject to available appropriations and as necessary to comply with federal
202		-	law or to align eligibility across early care and education programs
203		-	specifically to meet the early care and education, income security, and child
204		-	welfare needs of similar populations and as allowed by federal regulations,
205		-	PAGE 5-HOUSE BILL 24-1223 the executive director by rule may adjust the percentage of the federal
206		-	poverty level used to determine child care assistance eligibility and shall
207		-	revise income and
208		-	verification requirements that promote alignment and
209		-	simplification
210		-	WITH THE COLORADO UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL PROGRAM .
211		-	(2) (a) A county may provide child care assistance for any family
212		-	whose income at initial determination exceeds the requirements of
213		-	subsection (1) of this section but does not exceed the maximum federal
214		-	level for eligibility for services of eighty-five percent of the state median
215		-	income for a family of the same size if it is serving all eligible families who
216		-	have applied for CCCAP and whose income level is below that
	191	+	HE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHALL PROMULGATE RULES FOR THE11
	192	+	IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS SECTION.12
	193	+	SECTION 5. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 26.5-4-107, amend13
	194	+	(1) as follows:14
	195	+	26.5-4-107. Reconsideration and changes. (1) A county15
	196	+	department shall reconsider child care assistance awarded pursuant to this16
	197	+	part 1 as frequently as and in the manner required by department rules.17
	198	+	After such
	199	+	further verification and record as the county department may18
	200	+	deem DEEMS necessary or department rules may require, the amount of19
	201	+	child care assistance provided may be changed or child care assistance20
	202	+	may be OR terminated, if the department or the county department finds21
	203	+	that the recipient's circumstances have altered sufficiently to warrant such22
	204	+	action or if changes in state or federal law have been made that would23
	205	+	warrant such action. A
	206	+	COUNTY DEPARTMENT SHALL ONLY REQUIRE AND24
	207	+	COLLECT ANY DOCUMENTATION THAT HAS CHANGED SINCE THE25
	208	+	RECIPIENT'S MOST RECENT APPLICATION OR REDETERMINATION PROCESS26
	209	+	AND THAT IS REQUIRED TO DETERMINE THE RECIPIENT 'S CONTINUED27
	210	+	1223
	211	+	-6- ELIGIBILITY.1
	212	+	SECTION 6. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 26.5-4-109, add (5)2
	213	+	as follows:3
	214	+	26.5-4-109. Provider rates - provider recruitment - provider.4
	215	+	(5) STARTING JULY 1, 2025, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL CREATE A PILOT5
	216	+	PROGRAM FOR UNLICENSED PROVIDERS TO SEEK LICENSE-EXEMPT STATUS6
	217	+	AND ESTABLISHMENT AS AN ELIGIBLE CCCAP PROVIDER SEPARATE AND7
	218	+	DISTINCT FROM THE PARENT-INITIATED PROCESS. THE PILOT PROGRAM8
	219	+	MUST OPERATE IN AT LEAST TWO COUNTIES, INCLUDING ONE URBAN9
	220	+	COUNTY AND ONE RURAL COUNTY . BY JUNE 30, 2027, THE DEPARTMENT10
	221	+	SHALL EVALUATE THE OUTCOMES OF THE PILOT PROGRAM ON ENROLLED11
	222	+	PROVIDERS AND CHILD CARE CAPACITY AND SERVICES IN PARTICIPATING12
	223	+	COUNTIES.13
	224	+	SECTION 7. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 26.5-4-111, amend14
	225	+	(1), (2)(a), (4)(a)(I), (4)(b), (4)(c), (7)(d), and (12)(a); and add (15) as15
	226	+	follows:16
	227	+	26.5-4-111. Services - eligibility - assistance provided - waiting17
	228	+	lists - rules - exceptions from cooperating with child support18
	229	+	establishment. (1) Subject to available appropriations and pursuant to19
	230	+	department rules promulgated for the implementation of this part 1, a20
	231	+	county shall provide child care assistance to a participant or any person21
	232	+	or family whose income is not more than one hundred eighty-five percent22
	233	+	of the federal poverty level. FOR PURPOSES OF DETERMINING OR23
	234	+	REDETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE, A COUNTY24
	235	+	SHALL EXCLUDE FROM THE DEFINITION OF INCOME PAYMENTS MADE TO A25
	236	+	FAMILY FROM ANY UNRESTRICTED CASH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM26
	237	+	ADMINISTERED BY A GOVERNMENT, INTERMEDIARY, NONPROFIT, OR27
	238	+	1223
	239	+	-7- CORPORATE ENTITY. Subject to available appropriations and as necessary1
	240	+	to comply with federal law or to align eligibility across early care and2
	241	+	education programs specifically to meet the early care and education,3
	242	+	income security, and child welfare needs of similar populations and as4
	243	+	allowed by federal regulations, the executive director by rule may adjust5
	244	+	the percentage of the federal poverty level used to determine child care6
	245	+	assistance eligibility and shall revise income and verification7
	246	+	requirements that promote alignment and simplification
	247	+	WITH THE8
	248	+	C
	249	+	OLORADO UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL PROGRAM .9
	250	+	(2) (a) A county may provide child care assistance for any family10
	251	+	whose income at initial determination exceeds the requirements of11
	252	+	subsection (1) of this section but does not exceed the maximum federal12
	253	+	level for eligibility for services of eighty-five percent of the state median13
	254	+	income for a family of the same size if it is serving all eligible families14
	255	+	who have applied for CCCAP and whose income level is below that15
217	256		requirement. A
218		-	COUNTY SHALL EXCLUDE STATE AND FEDERAL ASSISTANCE
219		-	PROGRAM INCOME IN ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATIONS
220		-	.
221		-	(4) (a) (I) A recipient of child care assistance through CCCAP is
222		-	responsible for paying a portion of the recipient's child care costs based
223		-	upon the recipient's income and the formula developed by department rule.
224		-	T
225		-	HE DEPARTMENT AND COUNTIES SHALL PROVIDE PARENT FEE INFORMATION
226		-	IN A VARIETY OF DISSEMINATION METHODS SUCH AS WEBSITES
227		-	, INCLUDING
228		-	THE
229		-	COLORADO SHINES WEBSITE , MASS MEDIA, PAPER FORMS AND
230		-	BROCHURES
231		-	, AND TARGETED OUTREACH. THE INFORMATION MUST INCLUDE
232		-	A CLEAR DEFINITION OF THE PARENT FEE
233		-	; HOW PARENT FEES ARE
234		-	CALCULATED
235		-	; PARENT FEE POLICIES, SUCH AS WHEN THEY MUST BE PAID ;
236		-	THE PARENT FEE AND SLIDING FEE SCALE ; HOW PARENTS AND PROVIDERS
237		-	WERE ENGAGED IN THE PROCESS FOR DETERMINING THE PARENT FEE AND
238		-	SLIDING FEE SCALE
239		-	; AND A DESCRIPTION OF HOW PARENT FEES MIGHT DIFFER
240		-	BASED ON THE PROVIDER THAT A FAMILY SELECTS
241		-	. PARENT FEE SLIDING
242		-	SCALES SHOULD BE PRESENTED IN A CLEAR
243		-	, ACCESSIBLE FORMAT. THE
244		-	INFORMATION MUST ALSO BE ACCESSIBLE IN LANGUAGES IN ADDITION TO
245		-	ENGLISH AND SPANISH, BASED ON THE POPULATIONS THE DEPARTMENT AND
246		-	COUNTIES SERVE
247		-	.
248		-	(b) The executive director by rule shall establish, and at least every
249		-	five years review and revise, as appropriate, a copayment schedule so that
250		-	the copayment gradually increases as the family income approaches
251		-	self-sufficiency income levels,
252		-	BUT MUST BE NO GREATER THAN SEVEN
253		-	PERCENT OF THE FAMILY
254		-	'S GROSS MONTHLY INCOME ON OR BEFORE AUGUST
255		-	1, 2026, REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN CARE , AS
256		-	DETERMINED BASED ON ONE MONTH OF INCOME
257		-	, UNLESS ONE MONTH OF
258		-	INCOME DOES NOT PROVIDE AN ACCURATE INDICATION OF ANTICIPATED
259		-	PAGE 6-HOUSE BILL 24-1223 INCOME, IN WHICH CASE THE COUNTY MAY USE EVIDENCE OF UP TO THE
260		-	MOST RECENT TWELVE MONTHS OF INCOME
261		-	; HOWEVER, IF A FEDERAL RULE
262		-	LIMITS COPAYMENTS TO LESS THAN SEVEN PERCENT OF THE FAMILY
263		-	'S GROSS
264		-	MONTHLY INCOME
265		-	, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL IMMEDIATELY COMPLY WITH
266		-	THE FEDERAL LIMIT
267		-	. This revised copayment schedule should allow families
268		-	to retain a portion of their increases in income.
269		-	(c) A participant who is employed shall pay a portion of the
270		-	participant's income for child care assistance under CCCAP. The
271		-	participant's required copayment pursuant to the provisions of this
272		-	subsection (4)(c) must be IS determined by a formula established by
273		-	department rule that takes into consideration the factors set forth in
	257	+	COUNTY SHALL EXCLUDE STATE AND FEDERAL ASSISTANCE16
	258	+	PROGRAM INCOME IN ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATIONS .17
	259	+	(4) (a) (I) A recipient of child care assistance through CCCAP is18
	260	+	responsible for paying a portion of the recipient's child care costs based19
	261	+	upon the recipient's income and the formula developed by department20
	262	+	rule. T
	263	+	HE DEPARTMENT AND COUNTIES SHALL PROVIDE PARENT FEE21
	264	+	INFORMATION IN A VARIETY OF DISSEMINATION METHODS SUCH AS22
	265	+	WEBSITES,
	266	+	INCLUDING THE COLORADO SHINES WEBSITE, MASS MEDIA,23
	267	+	PAPER FORMS AND BROCHURES , AND TARGETED OUTREACH . THE24
	268	+	INFORMATION MUST INCLUDE A CLEAR DEFINITION OF THE PARENT FEE ;25
	269	+	HOW PARENT FEES ARE CALCULATED ; PARENT FEE POLICIES, SUCH AS26
	270	+	WHEN THEY MUST BE PAID; THE PARENT FEE AND SLIDING FEE SCALE; HOW27
	271	+	1223
	272	+	-8- PARENTS AND PROVIDERS WERE EN GAGED IN THE PROCESS FOR1
	273	+	DETERMINING THE PARENT FEE AND SLIDING FEE SCALE ; AND A2
	274	+	DESCRIPTION OF HOW PARENT FEES MIGHT DIFFER BASED ON THE PROVIDER3
	275	+	THAT A FAMILY SELECTS . PARENT FEE SLIDING SCALES SHOULD BE4
	276	+	PRESENTED IN A CLEAR, ACCESSIBLE FORMAT. THE INFORMATION MUST5
	277	+	ALSO BE ACCESSIBLE IN LANGUAGES IN ADDITION TO ENGLISH AND6
	278	+	S
	279	+	PANISH, BASED ON THE POPULATIONS THE DEPARTMENT AND COUNTIES7
	280	+	SERVE.8
	281	+	(b) The executive director by rule shall establish, and at least9
	282	+	every five years review and revise, as appropriate, a copayment schedule10
	283	+	so that the copayment gradually increases as the family income11
	284	+	approaches self-sufficiency income levels,
	285	+	BUT MUST BE NO GREATER12
	286	+	THAN SEVEN PERCENT OF THE FAMILY 'S GROSS MONTHLY INCOME
	287	+	ON OR13
	288	+	BEFORE AUGUST 1, 2026, REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN14
	289	+	CARE, AS DETERMINED BASED ON ONE MONTH OF INCOME, UNLESS ONE15
	290	+	MONTH OF INCOME DOES NOT PROVIDE AN ACCURATE INDICATION OF16
	291	+	ANTICIPATED INCOME, IN WHICH CASE THE COUNTY MAY USE EVIDENCE OF17
	292	+	UP TO THE MOST RECENT TWELVE MONTHS OF INCOME; HOWEVER, IF A18
	293	+	FEDERAL RULE LIMITS COPAYMENTS TO LESS THAN SEVEN PERCENT OF THE19
	294	+	FAMILY'S GROSS MONTHLY INCOME , THE DEPARTMENT SHALL20
	295	+	IMMEDIATELY COMPLY WITH THE FEDERAL LIMIT . This revised copayment21
	296	+	schedule should allow families to retain a portion of their increases in22
	297	+	income.23
	298	+	(c) A participant who is employed shall pay a portion of the24
	299	+	participant's income for child care assistance under CCCAP. The25
	300	+	participant's required copayment pursuant to the provisions of this26
	301	+	subsection (4)(c) must be IS determined by a formula established by27
	302	+	1223
	303	+	-9- department rule that takes into consideration the factors set forth in1
274	304		subsections (4)(a) and (4)(b) of this section. T
275		-	HE PARTICIPANT'S EMPLOYER
276		-	MAY PAY THE PARTICIPANT
277		-	'S COPAYMENT AT THE PARTICIPANT 'S
278		-	COPAYMENT RATE
279		-	.
	305	+	HE PARTICIPANT'S2
	306	+	EMPLOYER MAY PAY THE PARTICIPANT 'S COPAYMENT AT THE3
	307	+	PARTICIPANT'S COPAYMENT RATE.4
280	308		(7) (d) Subject to available appropriations and
281		-	Pursuant to
282		-	department rules promulgated for the implementation of this part 1, a parent
283		-	who is enrolled in a postsecondary education program or a workforce
284		-	training program is eligible for CCCAP for at least any two years of the
285		-	postsecondary education or workforce training program, provided all other
286		-	CCCAP eligibility requirements are met during those two years. On and
287		-	after July 1, 2023
288		-	JULY 1, 2024, a county may only NOT give priority for
289		-	services to a working family over a family enrolled in postsecondary
290		-	education or workforce training. if the county does not have sufficient
291		-	funding and has received approval from the department before
292		-	implementing the prioritization.
293		-	(12) Each county:
294		-	(a) Upon notification to counties by the department that the relevant
295		-	case management systems, including the Colorado child care automated
296		-	tracking system, are capable of accommodating this subsection (12)(a), and
297		-	pursuant to department rules,
298		-	ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 1, 2026, AND SUBJECT
299		-	TO AVAILABLE FEDERAL APPROPRIATIONS
300		-	, in addition to regular provider
301		-	reimbursement rates,
302		-	THE COUNTY DEPARTMENTS shall pay providers for
303		-	care in alignment with common practices in the private market for child
304		-	care,
305		-	INCLUDING PAYING PROVIDERS WEEKLY FOR EACH CHILD BASED ON
306		-	CHILD ENROLLMENT IN ADVANCE OF THE PROVISION OF SERVICES
307		-	. The
308		-	department rules governing payment policies must allow daily
309		-	PAGE 7-HOUSE BILL 24-1223 reimbursement rates only for drop-in child care, back-up child care, and
310		-	care that is commonly paid on a daily reimbursement basis in the
311		-	PRIVATE
312		-	child care market and must incentivize providers to promote regular
313		-	program attendance. O
314		-	N OR BEFORE AUGUST 1, 2026, AND SUBJECT TO
315		-	AVAILABLE FEDERAL APPROPRIATIONS
316		-	, THE DEPARTMENT AND COUNTY
317		-	DEPARTMENTS SHALL UTILIZE GRANTS AND CONTRACTS FOR UNDERSERVED
318		-	POPULATIONS
319		-	, INCLUDING CHILDREN IN UNDERSERVED GEOGRAPHIC AREAS ,
320		-	INFANTS AND TODDLERS , CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES, AND FAMILIES
321		-	NEEDING NONTRADITIONAL
322		-	-HOUR CARE, TO IMPROVE EQUITABLE ACCESS
323		-	FOR THESE POPULATIONS
324		-	. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ANNUALLY EVALUATE
325		-	DATA REGARDING THE NUMBERS AND PERCENTAGES OF UNDERSERVED
326		-	POPULATIONS BEING SERVED BY
327		-	CCCAP TO DETERMINE IF EQUITABLE
328		-	ACCESS IS IMPROVED OR ACHIEVED
329		-	. THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHALL
330		-	PROMULGATE RULES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS SUBSECTION
331		-	(12).
	309	+	Pursuant to5
	310	+	department rules promulgated for the implementation of this part 1, a6
	311	+	parent who is enrolled in a postsecondary education program or a7
	312	+	workforce training program is eligible for CCCAP for at least any two8
	313	+	years of the postsecondary education or workforce training program,9
	314	+	provided all other CCCAP eligibility requirements are met during those10
	315	+	two years. On and after July 1, 2023 JULY 1, 2024, a county may only NOT11
	316	+	give priority for services to a working family over a family enrolled in12
	317	+	postsecondary education or workforce training. if the county does not13
	318	+	have sufficient funding and has received approval from the department14
	319	+	before implementing the prioritization.15
	320	+	(12) Each county:16
	321	+	(a) Upon notification to counties by the department that the17
	322	+	relevant case management systems, including the Colorado child care18
	323	+	automated tracking system, are capable of accommodating this subsection19
	324	+	(12)(a), and pursuant to department rules, ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 1, 2026,20
	325	+	AND SUBJECT TO AVAILABLE FEDERAL APPROPRIATIONS, in addition to21
	326	+	regular provider reimbursement rates, THE COUNTY DEPARTMENTS shall22
	327	+	pay providers for care in alignment with common practices in the private23
	328	+	market for child care,
	329	+	INCLUDING PAYING PROVIDERS
	330	+	WEEKLY FOR EACH24
	331	+	CHILD BASED ON CHILD ENROLLMENT IN ADVANCE OF THE PROVISION OF25
	332	+	SERVICES. The department rules governing payment policies must allow26
	333	+	daily reimbursement rates only for drop-in child care, back-up child care,27
	334	+	1223
	335	+	-10- and care that is commonly paid on a daily reimbursement basis in the1
	336	+	PRIVATE child care market and must incentivize providers to promote2
	337	+	regular program attendance. ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 1, 2026, AND3
	338	+	SUBJECT TO AVAILABLE FEDERAL APPROPRIATIONS , THE DEPARTMENT AND4
	339	+	COUNTY DEPARTMENTS SHALL UTILIZE GRANTS AND CONTRACTS FOR5
	340	+	UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS , INCLUDING CHILDREN IN UNDERSERVED6
	341	+	GEOGRAPHIC AREAS, INFANTS AND TODDLERS , CHILDREN WITH7
	342	+	DISABILITIES, AND FAMILIES NEEDING NONTRADITIONAL -HOUR CARE, TO8
	343	+	IMPROVE EQUITABLE ACCESS FOR THESE POPULATIONS . THE DEPARTMENT9
	344	+	SHALL ANNUALLY EVALUATE DATA REGARDING THE NUMBERS AND10
	345	+	PERCENTAGES OF UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS BEING SERVED BY CCCAP11
	346	+	TO DETERMINE IF EQUITABLE ACCESS IS IMPROVED OR ACHIEVED . THE12
	347	+	EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHALL PROMULGATE RULES FOR THE13
	348	+	IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS SUBSECTION (12).14
332	349		(15) A
333		-	N APPLICANT CAN SATISFY THE ELIGIBLE ACTIVITY CRITERIA
334		-	FOR UP TO ONE YEAR BY PARTICIPATING IN A SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER
335		-	TREATMENT
336		-	. PARTICIPATION IN A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED ,
337		-	EVIDENCE-BASED SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT PROGRAM AT AN
338		-	INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT SERVICE LEVEL OF CARE OR HIGHER MUST BE
339		-	RECOGNIZED AS AN ELIGIBLE ACTIVITY FOR A WORKFORCE TRAINING
340		-	PROGRAM
341		-	.
342		-	SECTION 8. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 26.5-4-115, amend
343		-	(1)(a) as follows:
344		-	26.5-4-115. Performance contracts. (1) (a) Each county, either
345		-	acting singly or with a group of counties, shall enter into an annual
346		-	performance contract with the department that identifies the county's or
347		-	group of counties' and the department's duties and responsibilities in
348		-	implementing the child care assistance program,
349		-	INCLUDING QUALITY
350		-	CUSTOMER SERVICE TO CLIENTS
351		-	. The performance contract must include, but
352		-	need not be limited to, requirements and provisions that address each party's
353		-	duties and responsibilities to work in a collaborative manner to administer,
354		-	financially support, and implement the child care assistance program using
355		-	fair and objective criteria.
356		-	SECTION 9. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 26.5-4-121 as
357		-	follows:
358		-	PAGE 8-HOUSE BILL 24-1223 26.5-4-121. Child and adult care food program feasibility study.
359		-	(1) T
360		-	HE DEPARTMENT, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC
361		-	HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
362		-	, SHALL CONDUCT OR CONTRACT FOR A STUDY
363		-	TO DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF DE
364		-	-LINKING ELIGIBILITY FOR THE
365		-	FEDERAL CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM FROM THE
366		-	COLORADO
367		-	CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
368		-	. THE STUDY MUST INCLUDE:
369		-	(a) R
370		-	ESEARCH ON ALTERNATIVE ELIGIBILITY PROCESSES FOR
371		-	PARTICIPATION IN THE FEDERAL CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM
372		-	THAT IS SPECIFICALLY TAILORED FOR LICENSE
373		-	-EXEMPT FAMILY, FRIEND, AND
374		-	NEIGHBOR PROVIDERS
375		-	, AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 26.5-3-808; AND
376		-	(b) GUIDELINES AND BEST PRACTICES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF
377		-	ALTERNATIVE ELIGIBILITY PROCESSES TO ENSURE ADEQUATE OVERSIGHT
378		-	WITHOUT CREATING UNDUE ADMINISTRATIVE BURDENS FOR THE
379		-	DEPARTMENT OR LICENSE
380		-	-EXEMPT FAMILY, FRIEND, AND NEIGHBOR
381		-	PROVIDERS
382		-	, WHILE ENSURING THE NUTRITIONAL WELL -BEING OF CHILDREN
383		-	IN THE PROVIDER
384		-	'S CARE.
385		-	SECTION 10. Appropriation. For the 2024-25 state fiscal year,
386		-	$100,000 is appropriated to the department of early childhood for use by the
387		-	community and family support division. This appropriation is from the
388		-	general fund. To implement this act, the division may use this appropriation
389		-	for the child and adult care food program study.
390		-	SECTION 11. Safety clause. The general assembly finds,
391		-	determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate
392		-	preservation of the public peace, health, or safety or for appropriations for
393		-	PAGE 9-HOUSE BILL 24-1223 the support and maintenance of the departments of the state and state
394		-	institutions.
395		-	____________________________ ____________________________
396		-	Julie McCluskie Steve Fenberg
397		-	SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE PRESIDENT OF
398		-	OF REPRESENTATIVES THE SENATE
399		-	____________________________ ____________________________
400		-	Robin Jones Cindi L. Markwell
401		-	CHIEF CLERK OF THE HOUSE SECRETARY OF
402		-	OF REPRESENTATIVES THE SENATE
403		-	APPROVED________________________________________
404		-	(Date and Time)
405		-	_________________________________________
406		-	Jared S. Polis
407		-	GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF COLORADO
408		-	PAGE 10-HOUSE BILL 24-1223
	350	+	N APPLICANT CAN SATISFY THE ELIGIBLE ACTIVITY CRITERIA15
	351	+	FOR UP TO ONE YEAR BY PARTICIPATING IN A SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER16 TREATMENT. PARTICIPATION IN A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED ,17
	352	+	EVIDENCE-BASED SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT PROGRAM AT AN18
	353	+	INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT SERVICE LEVEL OF CARE OR HIGHER MUST BE19
	354	+	RECOGNIZED AS AN ELIGIBLE ACTIVITY FOR A WORKFORCE TRAINING20
	355	+	PROGRAM.21
	356	+	SECTION 8. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 26.5-4-115, amend22
	357	+	(1)(a) as follows:23
	358	+	26.5-4-115. Performance contracts. (1) (a) Each county, either24
	359	+	acting singly or with a group of counties, shall enter into an annual25
	360	+	performance contract with the department that identifies the county's or26
	361	+	group of counties' and the department's duties and responsibilities in27
	362	+	1223
	363	+	-11- implementing the child care assistance program, INCLUDING QUALITY1
	364	+	CUSTOMER SERVICE TO CLIENTS. The performance contract must include,2
	365	+	but need not be limited to, requirements and provisions that address each3
	366	+	party's duties and responsibilities to work in a collaborative manner to4
	367	+	administer, financially support, and implement the child care assistance5
	368	+	program using fair and objective criteria.6
	369	+	7
	370	+	SECTION 9. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 26.5-4-121 as8
	371	+	follows:9
	372	+	26.5-4-121. Child and adult care food program feasibility10
	373	+	study. (1) THE DEPARTMENT, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT11
	374	+	OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT, SHALL CONDUCT OR CONTRACT12
	375	+	FOR A STUDY TO DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF DE-LINKING ELIGIBILITY13
	376	+	FOR THE FEDERAL CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM FROM THE14
	377	+	COLORADO CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. THE STUDY MUST15
	378	+	INCLUDE:16
	379	+	(a) RESEARCH ON ALTERNATIVE ELIGIBILITY PROCESSES FOR17
	380	+	PARTICIPATION IN THE FEDERAL CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM18
	381	+	THAT IS SPECIFICALLY TAILORED FOR LICENSE-EXEMPT FAMILY, FRIEND,19
	382	+	AND NEIGHBOR PROVIDERS, AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 26.5-3-808; AND20
	383	+	(b) GUIDELINES AND BEST PRACTICES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION21
	384	+	OF ALTERNATIVE ELIGIBILITY PROCESSES TO ENSURE ADEQUATE22
	385	+	OVERSIGHT WITHOUT CREATING UNDUE ADMINISTRATIVE BURDENS FOR23
	386	+	THE DEPARTMENT OR LICENSE-EXEMPT FAMILY, FRIEND, AND NEIGHBOR24
	387	+	PROVIDERS, WHILE ENSURING THE NUTRITIONAL WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN25
	388	+	IN THE PROVIDER'S CARE.26
	389	+	SECTION 10. Appropriation. (1) For the 2024-25 state fiscal27
	390	+	1223
	391	+	-12- year, $100,000 is appropriated to the department of early childhood for1
	392	+	use by the community and family support division. This appropriation is2
	393	+	from the general fund. To implement this act, the division may use this3
	394	+	appropriation for the child and adult care food program study.4
	395	+	SECTION 11. Safety clause. The general assembly finds,5
	396	+	determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate6
	397	+	preservation of the public peace, health, or safety or for appropriations for7
	398	+	the support and maintenance of the departments of the state and state8
	399	+	institutions.9
	400	+	1223
	401	+	-13-