Senators Cutter and Bright, primary bill sponsors, introduced House Bill 26-1260, which delays the implementation date by two years, from August 1, 2026 to August 1, 2028, of federally mandated provisions of the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) that require family copayments be limited to no more than 7 percent of the family’s gross monthly income; require counties pay providers a weekly rate based on child enrollment, in advance of the provision of child care services; and require the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) and counties utilize grants and contracts for underserved populations to improve equitable access. Under current law, CDEC prepares an annual report on CCCAP. Beginning November 1, 2026, the bill requires that CDEC include in the report information on the amount of CCCAP allocations spent by CDEC and counties on administration, including direct and indirect expenses.

Sarah Dawson, representing Colorado Department of Early Childhood, testified in support of the bill. Mrs. Christina Walker, representing Healthier Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Additional written testimony was submitted to the committee (Attachment B).

The primary bill sponsors provided closing remarks.