Senate repasses K‑12 funding bill after changes to distribution formula; vote splits 23–12

The Colorado Senate on May 12 concurred with House amendments to Senate Bill 135, a measure that increases appropriations for state public K‑12 funding and submits a related ballot question to voters, and then repassed the bill.

Senator Pritchett explained the House amendments that altered the distribution formula to spread more funds across more districts rather than accelerate implementation of a new funding formula. The amendments also adjusted the use of excess funds to prioritize programs supporting Colorado’s children — including childcare and full‑day preschool — and directed that a majority of the additional funding over 10 years go directly to school districts.

On repassage, the chair called the roll. The clerk announced the vote tally as 23 ayes and 12 no, and the motion to repass was adopted. The floor exchange included a brief objection listing dissenting senators.

The bill’s amendments are intended to broaden the distribution of additional funds so more districts receive immediate support and to limit discretionary uses of excess revenue toward child‑focused programs; the transcript records changes made on page 10 of the revised bill and a reallocation of how excess funds are applied. The Senate’s repassage advances the bill toward final passage under the chamber’s calendar.

The transcript does not include an implementation timeline, estimated fiscal impact in dollar terms on the floor, nor the full text of the distribution formula changes; those details are contained in committee files and the bill text rather than the floor excerpt recorded here.