The primary bill sponsors, Representatives Garcia and Willford, introduced House Bill 26-1260 to the House Health and Human Services Committee. The bill delays implementation date of the following federally mandated Colorado Child Care Assistance Program provisions by two years, from August 1, 2026 to August 1, 2028: the requirement that family copayments be limited to no more than 7 percent of the family’s gross monthly income; the requirement that counties pay providers a weekly rate based on child enrollment, in advance of the provision of child care services; and the requirement that the Colorado Department of Early Childhood and counties utilize grants and contracts for underserved populations to improve equitable access.

A handout was provided to the committee (Attachment F).

The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee.

Dr. Pamela Harris, representing Mile High Early Learning, testified in support of the bill. Sarah Dawson, representing Colorado Department of Early Childhood, testified to amend the bill. Ms. Christina Walker, representing Healthier Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Alethea Gomez, representing Executives Partnering to Invest in Children, testified in support of the bill.

Additional written testimony was submitted to the committee (Attachment G).

The panel responded to questions from the committee.