Committee weighs moving Read Act and Teacher‑of‑the‑Year programs to State Education Fund appropriations; members request more time on REED Act language

Committee staff presented a bill that would eliminate cash‑fund transfers and instead make appropriations directly from the State Education Fund for programs such as the Colorado Read Act and the Teacher of the Year program. Staff said most balances in those cash funds will transfer on July 1, 2026, and that an early literacy rollover of about $3 million could remain in its cash fund to be spent through 2026–27 before reverting.

Connor Imel of the Office of Legislative Legal Services explained that the constitution creates the State Education Fund and that it is drafting convention to restate permissible uses when authorizing appropriations from that fund. "When you authorize spending from the State Education Fund, we set forth what you're authorizing and then explain why it fits within those permissible purposes," Imel said.

Vice Chair Bridges said she was uncomfortable moving forward without more discussion because, she said, the change goes beyond transparency and "is a much bigger change" that could eliminate the legislature's statutory obligation to fund the REED Act. Bridges asked for time to consider whether the bill should use mandatory language ("shall" or a minimum dollar amount) rather than permissive language ("may"). Multiple members agreed to delay action until Monday to allow further conversations.

Staff advised that if the committee wished to preserve a minimum appropriation, the language to change is on page 4, line 20, where the committee could replace permissive text with a requirement that the general assembly "shall annually appropriate at least X dollars." The presenter said staff could return Monday with draft language if the committee decided to pursue that change.

The committee did not vote on this item and will revisit the State Education Fund appropriation language at its next scheduled meeting.