SB 23-216

Senate Bill 23-216, which has been approved by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2023, changes how Colorado funds its universal preschool program. Instead of transferring money from general or education funds to a specific preschool fund as previously required, it now directs the state legislature to allocate money directly to the Department of Early Childhood for this purpose. The bill also mandates that these allocations increase annually by the rate of inflation starting in 2024-25. This means more stable and growing funding for Colorado’s universal preschool program each year.

Official Summary

Current law requires the general assembly to transfer money to the preschool programs cash fund from the general fund or the state education fund in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 state fiscal years. Beginning in the 2024-25 state fiscal year, the amount transferred is required to increase by the rate of inflation. The act repeals those requirements and instead requires the general assembly to appropriate money to the department of early childhood (department) for the 2023-24 state fiscal year for purposes of the Colorado universal preschool program. Beginning in the 2024-25 state fiscal year, and each year thereafter, the amount appropriated must increase annually by the rate of inflation. APPROVED by Governor April 20, 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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