SB 23-008

Senate Bill 23-008, which has been signed into law, aims to involve young people in the review and development of Colorado's education standards. The bill allows youth, starting at the age when they can join the Colorado Youth Advisory Council, to participate on various committees and meetings related to education standards. Schools will nominate students who are then appointed by the commissioner of education or local education providers, ensuring a mix from both urban and rural areas. Starting August 7, 2023, schools will be encouraged to nominate youth representatives, and these young people may receive compensation for their involvement. The bill also allocates $7,650 in funding for content specialists to support this initiative.

Official Summary

The act creates several opportunities for youth, defined as the age of eligibility for membership in the Colorado youth advisory council, to be involved in the review of the state's education standards. Youth representatives are appointed as follows: The commissioner of education (commissioner) shall appoint youth representatives from nominations submitted by schools throughout the state to participate in the standards development process, which includes community engagement; The commissioner shall appoint 2 youth representatives to any regional educator meetings; and Each local education provider shall appoint 2 youth representatives to any review committees for local education providers. In each instance, the appointing authority shall select the youth representatives from nominations submitted by schools throughout the state, and, when possible, one must be from an urban area and one must be from a rural area. Youth representatives may be reappointed pursuant to each committee's process. The department of education (department) may compensate youth representatives for actual expenses incurred with participation, and, if appropriate, provide a stipend in an amount determined by the department. The department shall promote the opportunities for youth involvement and request schools nominate youth to participate. For the 2023-24 state fiscal year, the act appropriates $7,650 to the department of education from the general fund. The department may use this appropriation for content specialists. APPROVED by Governor April 26, 2023 EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023 NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and takes effect 90 days after sine die. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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