House Committee of Reference Report
Committee on Appropriations
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This is text that is removed from law. -
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May 7, 2026
After consideration on the merits, the Committee recommends the following:
HB26-1429 be amended as follows, and as so amended, be referred to the Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendation:
Page 1, Line 1Amend printed bill, page 3, strike lines 2 through 21.
Page 1, Line 2Strike page 4.
Page 1, Line 3Page 5, strike lines 1 through 16, and substitute:
Page 1, Line 4"SECTION 1. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly
Page 1, Line 5finds and declares that:
Page 1, Line 6(a) Access to public benefits is fundamental to the health,
Page 1, Line 7stability, and economic security of Colorado residents; the systems used
Page 1, Line 8to administer those benefits must be accessible, efficient, and reliable;
Page 1, Line 9(b) Modern, integrated technology systems are necessary to
Page 1, Line 10support efficient program administration, improve client experience, and
Page 1, Line 11ensure timely and effective delivery of benefits and services;
Page 1, Line 12(c) The state's current benefits technology infrastructure is
Page 1, Line 13fragmented, difficult to navigate, and imposes administrative burdens on
Page 1, Line 14applicants, recipients, and staff who determine applicant eligibility, which
Page 1, Line 15may limit access to services for eligible individuals and families;
Page 1, Line 16(d) Colorado has the opportunity to redesign its benefits
Page 1, Line 17infrastructure through modular technology built on published, open
Page 1, Line 18standards—preserving state control of technology direction; ensuring
Page 1, Line 19ongoing development of a comprehensive, long-term plan to redesign the
Page 1, Line 20state's public benefits system to support cost mitigation; and increasing
Page 1, Line 21administrative efficiency and the delivery of high-quality services for
Page 1, Line 22individuals and families; and
Page 1, Line 23(e) To ensure effective change management and minimize
Page 1, Line 24disruption to services for individuals and families, the approach to
Page 1, Line 25redesigning the safety net must occur within established timelines and
Page 1, Line 26include structured planning processes, intentional stakeholder
Page 2, Line 1engagement, and regular progress updates to the general assembly.
Page 2, Line 2(2) The general assembly further declares that:
Page 2, Line 3(a) The department of human services, the department of early
Page 2, Line 4childhood, and the department of health care policy and financing, in
Page 2, Line 5partnership with counties, front line workers, and other interested
Page 2, Line 6stakeholders, shall conduct a structured, facilitated process to ensure that
Page 2, Line 7Colorado operates a redesigned public benefits delivery model consisting
Page 2, Line 8of no more than twelve cohorts of counties working together to
Page 2, Line 9administer public assistance programs no later than July 1, 2028;
Page 2, Line 10(b) The public benefits delivery system redesign:
Page 2, Line 11(I) Replaces existing benefits technology with modular solutions
Page 2, Line 12built on published, open standards to ensure adaptability, preserve state
Page 2, Line 13control of technology direction, and enable continuous improvement in
Page 2, Line 14service delivery;
Page 2, Line 15(II) Ensures state-directed product management so the state retains
Page 2, Line 16authority over strategy, roadmap, and measurement of user outcomes and
Page 2, Line 17experience;
Page 2, Line 18(III) Streamlines access through unified systems that are
Page 2, Line 19integrated across programs to improve coordination and reduce
Page 2, Line 20administrative burden on residents, applicants, and eligibility technicians;
Page 2, Line 21(IV) Designs eligibility, enrollment, and redetermination
Page 2, Line 22processes around the whole person using plain language and simple
Page 2, Line 23processes so that seeking help is straightforward, dignified, and accessible
Page 2, Line 24regardless of language or ability; and
Page 2, Line 25(V) Adopts published, open standards and interoperability
Page 2, Line 26requirements to ensure ongoing vendor competition and competitive
Page 2, Line 27reprocurement that drives the best outcomes for residents; and
Page 2, Line 28(c) The redesign of the state's benefits technology infrastructure
Page 2, Line 29is a priority necessary to support improved program administration and
Page 2, Line 30resident service delivery. State agencies responsible for benefits
Page 2, Line 31administration should coordinate across programs, prioritize
Page 2, Line 32implementation of redesign efforts, and report annually to the general
Page 2, Line 33assembly, including working demonstrations of deployed service
Page 2, Line 34improvements and measurable outcomes for residents.".
Page 2, Line 35Page 5, line 24, after "service." insert "Pursuant to the terms of the
Page 2, Line 36contract, the county administering the centralized member
Page 2, Line 37integrity service may subcontract with other counties to fulfill
Page 2, Line 38its obligations.".
Page 2, Line 39Page 6, strike line 3, and substitute "and state-level fraud hearings,
Page 2, Line 40intentional program violation waivers, and criminal court
Page 2, Line 41proceedings, concerning program eligibility".
Page 3, Line 1Page 6, after line 10, insert:
Page 3, Line 2"(b) The children's basic health plan established pursuant
Page 3, Line 3to article 8 of title 25.5;".
Page 3, Line 4Reletter succeeding paragraphs accordingly.
Page 3, Line 5Page 7, line 13, strike "and recoveries," and substitute "recoveries,
Page 3, Line 6fraud dispute resolution conferences, state-level fraud
Page 3, Line 7hearings, intentional program violation waivers, and criminal
Page 3, Line 8court proceedings,".
Page 3, Line 9Page 9, strike lines 14 through 18, and substitute:
Page 3, Line 10"(b) "Corrective action plan" means a formal plan for
Page 3, Line 11when a county department fails to meet the requirements of a
Page 3, Line 12performance-based contract in which the county is a party,
Page 3, Line 13performance metrics, or applicable state or federal law or
Page 3, Line 14regulation.".
Page 3, Line 15Page 9, line 21, strike "title 25.5," and substitute "title 25.5; the
Page 3, Line 16children's basic health plan established pursuant to article 8 of
Page 3, Line 17title 25.5;".
Page 3, Line 18Page 10, line 4, strike "September 1, 2026," and substitute "February
Page 3, Line 191, 2027,".
Page 3, Line 20Page 10, line 8 and 9, strike "September 1, 2026," and substitute
Page 3, Line 21"February 1, 2027,".
Page 3, Line 22Page 10, line 12, strike "January 1, 2027," and substitute "July 1,
Page 3, Line 232027,".
Page 3, Line 24Page 11, strike lines 6 through 9.
Page 3, Line 25Reletter succeeding sub-subparagraphs.
Page 3, Line 26Page 11, line 10, strike "Assessing" and substitute "Thresholds for".
Page 3, Line 27Page 11, line 12, strike "Assessing" and substitute "Thresholds for".
Page 3, Line 28Page 11, after line 15, insert:
Page 3, Line 29"(D) Requirements currently included in contracts,
Page 3, Line 30memoranda of understanding, and other agreements between
Page 3, Line 31the state departments and county departments;".
Page 4, Line 1Renumber succeeding sub-subparagraphs accordingly.
Page 4, Line 2Page 11, line 16, strike "Requiring" and substitute "Required".
Page 4, Line 3Page 11, line 19, strike "Assessing" and substitute "Thresholds for".
Page 4, Line 4Page 11, line 22, strike "thresholds," and substitute "thresholds
Page 4, Line 5identified in the performance-based contract,".
Page 4, Line 6Page 12, after line 4, insert:
Page 4, Line 7"(D) Requirements for carrying out management
Page 4, Line 8evaluations and quality assurance reviews;".
Page 4, Line 9Renumber succeeding sub-subparagraphs.
Page 4, Line 10Page 12, line 9, strike "on a regular basis." and substitute "in
Page 4, Line 11accordance with section 26-1-144.".
Page 4, Line 12Page 13, line 2, strike "identifies".
Page 4, Line 13Page 13, line 24, strike "days" and substitute "days, unless and
Page 4, Line 14extension is granted in accordance with rule,".
Page 4, Line 15Page 16, line 12, strike "26-1-144" and substitute "25.5-1-137".
Page 4, Line 16Page 16, line 14, strike "26-1-144." and substitute "25.5-1-137.".
Page 4, Line 17Page 16, after line 21, insert:
Page 4, Line 18"(b) "Departments" means the department of health care
Page 4, Line 19policy and financing, department of human services, and the
Page 4, Line 20department of early childhood.".
Page 4, Line 21Reletter succeeding paragraphs.
Page 4, Line 22Page 16, line 24, after "title 25.5;" insert "the children's basic health
Page 4, Line 23plan established pursuant to article 8 of title 25.5;".
Page 4, Line 24Page 17, strike lines 4 through 13, and substitute:
Page 4, Line 25"(2) Beginning January 2027, and monthly thereafter, the
Page 4, Line 26department of health care policy and financing, in
Page 4, Line 27collaboration with the department of human services and the
Page 4, Line 28department of early childhood, shall establish a single, shared
Page 4, Line 29online dashboard used to publish county-level and statewide
Page 5, Line 1performance on the metrics for each of the public assistance
Page 5, Line 2programs:".
Page 5, Line 3Page 17, line 15, strike "title 25.5:" and substitute "title 25.5 and the
Page 5, Line 4children's basic health plan established pursuant to article 8 of
Page 5, Line 5title 25.5:".
Page 5, Line 6Page 18, strike lines 9 through 12.
Page 5, Line 7Renumber succeeding sub-subparagraphs accordingly.
Page 5, Line 8Page 18, strike lines 16 through 19, and substitute:
Page 5, Line 9"(V) The total number of initial applications and renewal
Page 5, Line 10applications that are pending determination and the total
Page 5, Line 11number deemed untimely based on the timelines required by
Page 5, Line 12federal law and regulation for applications based on disability,
Page 5, Line 13and for all other applications;".
Page 5, Line 14Page 19, line 8, after "below;" insert "and".
Page 5, Line 15Page 19, strike lines 9 through 11.
Page 5, Line 16Reletter succeeding subparagraph accordingly.
Page 5, Line 17Page 19, line 12, strike "eighty-five" and substitute "thirty".
Page 5, Line 18Page 20, line 1, after "methods;" insert "and".
Page 5, Line 19Page 20, strike lines 2 and 3.
Page 5, Line 20Renumber succeeding subparagraph accordingly.
Page 5, Line 21Page 20, line 4, strike the first "The" and substitute "On a quarterly
Page 5, Line 22basis, the".
Page 5, Line 23Page 20, strike lines 6 through 9, and substitute:
Page 5, Line 24"(3) (a) Except as provided in subsection (2)(f)(III) of this
Page 5, Line 25section, the data reported pursuant to subsection (2) of this
Page 5, Line 26section must:
Page 5, Line 27(b) Be published on each of the department's website's in a
Page 5, Line 28publicly accessible format;
Page 5, Line 29(c) Be updated monthly and published in accordance with
Page 5, Line 30data privacy and confidentiality laws of the state; and
Page 6, Line 1(c) Be maintained from previous months in a publicly
Page 6, Line 2accessible manner.".
Page 6, Line 3Page 20, line 13, strike "(2)(a)(VI)" and substitute "(2)(a)(V)".
Page 6, Line 4Page 20, strike lines 14 through 16, and substitute "respective
Page 6, Line 5department.".
Page 6, Line 6Page 20, strike lines 17 and 18 and substitute:
Page 6, Line 7"(5) The state department, in collaboration with the
Page 6, Line 8department of human services and the".
Page 6, Line 9Page 20, line 22, strike "state".
Page 6, Line 10Strike page 21 and 22.
Page 6, Line 11Page 23, strike lines 1 through 8, and substitute:
Page 6, Line 12"26-1-801. Legislative declaration.
Page 6, Line 13(1) The general assembly finds and declares that:
Page 6, Line 14(a) In addition to near-term policy changes needed to
Page 6, Line 15stabilize the safety net, Colorado should develop a
Page 6, Line 16comprehensive, long-term plan to redesign the state's public
Page 6, Line 17benefits system to support cost mitigation, increased
Page 6, Line 18administrative efficiency, and the delivery of higher-quality
Page 6, Line 19services for individuals and families;
Page 6, Line 20(b) To ensure effective change management and to
Page 6, Line 21minimize disruption to services for individuals and families, the
Page 6, Line 22approach to redesigning the safety net must occur within
Page 6, Line 23established timelines and include structured planning
Page 6, Line 24processes, intentional stakeholder engagement, and regular
Page 6, Line 25progress reports to the general assembly;
Page 6, Line 26(c) It is necessary for the department of human services,
Page 6, Line 27the department of early childhood, and the department of
Page 6, Line 28health care policy and financing, in partnership with counties,
Page 6, Line 29front line workers, and other interested stakeholders, to
Page 6, Line 30conduct a structured, facilitated process in order to ensure
Page 6, Line 31that on or before July 1, 2028, Colorado will operate a
Page 6, Line 32redesigned public benefits delivery model consisting of no more
Page 6, Line 33than twelve cohorts of counties working together to
Page 6, Line 34administer public assistance programs; and
Page 6, Line 35(d) Because access to public benefits is fundamental to
Page 6, Line 36the health, stability, and economic security of Colorado
Page 6, Line 37residents, the systems used to administer those benefits must be
Page 7, Line 1accessible, efficient, and reliable.
Page 7, Line 2(2) The general assembly further finds and declares that:
Page 7, Line 3(a) The state's current benefits technology
Page 7, Line 4infrastructure is fragmented, difficult to navigate, and imposes
Page 7, Line 5administrative burdens on applicants, recipients, and staff who
Page 7, Line 6determine applicant eligibility, which may limit access to
Page 7, Line 7services for eligible individuals and families;
Page 7, Line 8(b) Modern, integrated technology systems are necessary
Page 7, Line 9to support efficient program administration, improve recipient
Page 7, Line 10experience, and ensure timely and effective delivery of benefits
Page 7, Line 11and services;
Page 7, Line 12(c) Colorado has the opportunity to redesign its benefits
Page 7, Line 13technology infrastructure through the development of a
Page 7, Line 14state-owned, modular, and interoperable platform to improve
Page 7, Line 15coordination across programs and enhance service delivery;
Page 7, Line 16and
Page 7, Line 17(d) Redesigning the state's benefits technology
Page 7, Line 18infrastructure is necessary to support effective program
Page 7, Line 19administration and service delivery under the redesigned public
Page 7, Line 20benefits delivery model. The redesign of the public benefits
Page 7, Line 21delivery model will be most effective when the state agencies
Page 7, Line 22responsible for benefits administration coordinate across
Page 7, Line 23programs, prioritize implementation of redesign efforts, and
Page 7, Line 24provide reports to the general assembly regarding progress
Page 7, Line 25toward these goals.
Page 7, Line 26(3) Therefore, it is the intent of the general assembly
Page 7, Line 27that the following principles guide benefits technology
Page 7, Line 28redesign:
Page 7, Line 29(a) The state should develop and maintain a state-owned
Page 7, Line 30benefits platform that supports modular design,
Page 7, Line 31interoperability, and long-term adaptability that enable the
Page 7, Line 32measurement of program outcomes and user experience;
Page 7, Line 33(b) The state should develop and maintain a centralized
Page 7, Line 34system through which residents may access, apply for, and
Page 7, Line 35manage benefits across multiple programs in a manner that is
Page 7, Line 36accessible to individuals of all abilities, languages, and levels
Page 7, Line 37of digital access;
Page 7, Line 38(c) The state should implement a whole-person approach
Page 7, Line 39to benefits administration by streamlining and integrating
Page 7, Line 40intake, eligibility, and enrollment processes to improve
Page 7, Line 41coordination and reduce administrative burden on applicants,
Page 7, Line 42recipients, and staff who determine applicant eligibility; and
Page 7, Line 43(d) The state should ensure continuous improvement and
Page 8, Line 1responsiveness by adopting modern product management
Page 8, Line 2practices in its approach to benefits technology redesign,
Page 8, Line 3including ongoing user research, state-led prioritization of
Page 8, Line 4system requirements and enhancements, and iterative, agile
Page 8, Line 5development informed by performance metrics and user
Page 8, Line 6experience data.".
Page 8, Line 7Page 23, line 23, strike "title 25.5," and substitute "title 25.5;
Page 8, Line 8children's basic health plan established pursuant to article 8 of
Page 8, Line 9title 25.5,".
Page 8, Line 10Page 23, lines 26 and 27, strike "title 26.5," and substitute "title 26.5;".
Page 8, Line 11Page 24, line 1, strike "title 26," and substitute "title 26;".
Page 8, Line 12Page 24, line 3, strike "constitution," and substitute "constitution;".
Page 8, Line 13Page 24, strike lines 20 and 21, and substitute:
Page 8, Line 14"(c) Security administration services to manage the
Page 8, Line 15provision and revocation of access by county personnel to
Page 8, Line 16state-provided technology products and systems.".
Page 8, Line 17Page 25, line 18, after "services" insert "and medical assistance
Page 8, Line 18program".
Page 8, Line 19Page 28, line 15, after the second "departments," insert "front line
Page 8, Line 20workers,".
Page 8, Line 21Page 29, line 14, strike "consultation with and input from".
Page 8, Line 22Page 29, line 15, strike "advocates" and substitute "advocates, front
Page 8, Line 23line workers,".
Page 8, Line 24Page 29, lines 15 and 16, strike "counties that vary in size." and
Page 8, Line 25substitute "counties, including counties with rural, urban,
Page 8, Line 26suburban, and resort communities and counties with varying
Page 8, Line 27public assistance program caseloads. The third-party
Page 8, Line 28contractor must have a demonstrated record of expertise in
Page 8, Line 29public assistance program administration, fiscal modeling,
Page 8, Line 30facilitation of multiple working and advisory group structures;
Page 8, Line 31in structured stakeholder engagement; and a demonstrated
Page 8, Line 32ability to effectively operate and engage stakeholders across
Page 8, Line 33the state to arrive at recommendations that reflect a
Page 9, Line 1consensus, when possible.".
Page 9, Line 2Page 30, strike lines 10 through 16 and substitute:
Page 9, Line 3"(2) The implementation work group is composed of the
Page 9, Line 4following fifteen members:
Page 9, Line 5(a) Six members representing counties, appointed by a
Page 9, Line 6Colorado organization that assists county commissioners,
Page 9, Line 7mayors, and council members and encourages counties to work
Page 9, Line 8together, who must be representative of the state of Colorado
Page 9, Line 9and include:
Page 9, Line 10(I) At least one member who must be a county
Page 9, Line 11commissioner, human services director, or a designee of a county
Page 9, Line 12commissioner or human services director, who has relevant
Page 9, Line 13subject matter expertise in human services;
Page 9, Line 14(II) At least one member who must represent a rural
Page 9, Line 15county; and
Page 9, Line 16(III) At least two members who must be county
Page 9, Line 17representatives representing counties with high human services
Page 9, Line 18caseloads;
Page 9, Line 19(b) Three representatives from the governor's office,
Page 9, Line 20appointed by the governor;
Page 9, Line 21(c) A representative from the department of health care
Page 9, Line 22policy and financing, appointed by the executive director of the
Page 9, Line 23department of health care policy and financing;
Page 9, Line 24(d) A representative from the department of human
Page 9, Line 25services, appointed by the executive director of the department
Page 9, Line 26of human services;
Page 9, Line 27(e) A representative from the department of early
Page 9, Line 28childhood, appointed by the executive director of the
Page 9, Line 29department of early childhood; and
Page 9, Line 30(f) Three representatives from philanthropic
Page 9, Line 31organizations, community organizations, or member experience
Page 9, Line 32councils who are not state or county government employees
Page 9, Line 33and have relevant subject matter expertise:
Page 9, Line 34(I) One appointed by the executive director of the
Page 9, Line 35department of health care policy and financing;
Page 9, Line 36(II) One appointed by the executive director of the
Page 9, Line 37department of human services; and
Page 9, Line 38(III) One appointed by the executive director of the
Page 9, Line 39department of early childhood.".
Page 9, Line 40Page 31, line 1, strike "workers, or their supervisors;" and substitute
Page 9, Line 41"workers;".
Page 10, Line 1Page 31, after line 11, insert:
Page 10, Line 2"(c) Members of the subgroup must not be members who
Page 10, Line 3serve on the implementation work group.
Page 10, Line 4(d) The subgroup functions in an advisory role to the
Page 10, Line 5implementation work group.
Page 10, Line 6(e) The implementation work group shall solicit input on
Page 10, Line 7the development and implementation of the transition plan and
Page 10, Line 8corresponding report from the subgroup and include the
Page 10, Line 9subgroup's input in the final report.".
Page 10, Line 10Page 31, strike line 14, and substitute "on topics that may include:".
Page 10, Line 11Page 31, line 19, strike "and".
Page 10, Line 12Page 31, line 20, strike "measures." and substitute "measures; or".
Page 10, Line 13Page 31, after line 20, insert:
Page 10, Line 14"(f) Any other topic the implementation work group deems
Page 10, Line 15appropriate.".
Page 10, Line 16Page 32, line 4, after "members." insert "The implementation work
Page 10, Line 17group may include different approaches and multiple options for
Page 10, Line 18the public benefits delivery model in its reports or
Page 10, Line 19recommendations. A member of the implementation work group
Page 10, Line 20may submit a minority report with an alternative approach or
Page 10, Line 21recommendations as part of the implementation work group's
Page 10, Line 22final report.".
Page 10, Line 23Page 33, line 6, after "model." insert "The transition plan must be
Page 10, Line 24delivered to the joint budget committee by January 1, 2027.".
Page 10, Line 25Page 36, strike lines 16 through 19, and substitute:
Page 10, Line 26"(d) Include recommendations for the role, structure,
Page 10, Line 27authority, and responsibilities of the regional managers
Page 10, Line 28described in section 26-1-803, including the geographical
Page 10, Line 29distribution of the regional managers throughout the state, to
Page 10, Line 30support performance, accountability, and communication of
Page 10, Line 31county departments and cohorts;".
Page 10, Line 32Page 37, line 7, strike "committees;" and substitute "committees. The
Page 10, Line 33transition plan must also include performance data reported
Page 10, Line 34pursuant to section 25.5-1-138 and the following metrics:
Page 10, Line 35(I) For the medical assistance program established
Page 11, Line 1pursuant to articles 4 to 6 of title 25.5:
Page 11, Line 2(A) The percentage of initial applications and renewal
Page 11, Line 3applications determined eligible during the ninety day
Page 11, Line 4reconsideration period, in accordance with 42 CFR 435.916
Page 11, Line 5(b)(2)(III); and
Page 11, Line 6(B) The percentage of personal information change
Page 11, Line 7requests for medical assistance enrollment approved within the
Page 11, Line 8federally required timelines and the percentage denied within
Page 11, Line 9the federally required timelines; and
Page 11, Line 10(II) For each public assistance program, the average call
Page 11, Line 11time, including the call time and experience rating for calls
Page 11, Line 12that occur at a cohort call center.".
Page 11, Line 13Page 37, line 13, after "services," insert "front line workers,".
Page 11, Line 14Page 42, line 13, strike "investigations" and substitute
Page 11, Line 15"investigations, fraud claims, fraud recovery, fraud dispute
Page 11, Line 16resolution conferences, state-level hearings, intentional
Page 11, Line 17program violation waivers, and criminal court proceedings".
Page 11, Line 18Page 42, line 15, after "county" insert "department".
Page 11, Line 19Page 65, line 10, strike "(3) (a) (VII)" and substitute "(3) (a) (VII) (A)".
Page 11, Line 20Page 65, line 12, strike "or medical assistance".
Page 11, Line 21Page 65, after line 20, insert:
Page 11, Line 22"(B) Money withheld for payment of obligations owed the
Page 11, Line 23department of health care policy and financing for
Page 11, Line 24overpayment of public assistance benefits paid pursuant to this
Page 11, Line 25subsection (3) must be deposited with the state treasurer for
Page 11, Line 26disbursement by the department of health care policy and
Page 11, Line 27financing. For all names and associated amounts certified by the
Page 11, Line 28department of health care policy and financing pursuant to
Page 11, Line 29section 25.5-1-137, the executive director of the department of
Page 11, Line 30revenue shall provide to the department of health care policy
Page 11, Line 31and financing the names of taxpayers and the associated
Page 11, Line 32amounts deposited with the state treasurer and any other
Page 11, Line 33identifying information required by the department of health
Page 11, Line 34care policy and financing.
Page 11, Line 35SECTION 23. Appropriation. (1) For the 2026-27 state fiscal
Page 11, Line 36year, $2,438,656 is appropriated to the department of health care policy
Page 11, Line 37and financing for use by the executive director's office. This appropriation
Page 12, Line 1consists of $1,628,568 from the general fund and $810,088 from the
Page 12, Line 2healthcare affordability and sustainability hospital provider fee cash fund
Page 12, Line 3created in section 25.5-4-402.4 (5)(a), C.R.S. To implement this act, the
Page 12, Line 4office may use this appropriation as follows:
Page 12, Line 5(a) $447,737, which consists of $297,166 from general fund and
Page 12, Line 6$150,571 from the healthcare affordability and sustainability hospital
Page 12, Line 7provider fee cash fund, for personal services, which amount is based on
Page 12, Line 8an assumption that the office will require an additional 8.5 FTE;
Page 12, Line 9(b) $35,173, which consists of $23,527 from general fund and
Page 12, Line 10$11,646 from the healthcare affordability and sustainability hospital
Page 12, Line 11provider fee cash fund, for operating expenses;
Page 12, Line 12(c) $907,419, which consists of $606,718 from general fund and
Page 12, Line 13$300,701 from the healthcare affordability and sustainability hospital
Page 12, Line 14provider fee cash fund, for general professional services and special
Page 12, Line 15projects;
Page 12, Line 16(d) $868,590, which consists of $580,997 from general fund and
Page 12, Line 17$287,593 from the healthcare affordability and sustainability hospital
Page 12, Line 18provider fee cash fund, for member case integrity centralized service
Page 12, Line 19related to eligibility determinations and client services;
Page 12, Line 20(e) $60,649, which consists of $40,502 from general fund and
Page 12, Line 21$20,147 from the healthcare affordability and sustainability hospital
Page 12, Line 22provider fee cash fund, for the purchase of information technology
Page 12, Line 23services; and
Page 12, Line 24(f) $119,088, which consists of $79,658 from general fund and
Page 12, Line 25$39,430 from the healthcare affordability and sustainability hospital
Page 12, Line 26provider fee cash fund, for the purchase of legal services.
Page 12, Line 27(2) For the 2026-27 state fiscal year, the general assembly
Page 12, Line 28anticipates that the department of health care policy and financing will
Page 12, Line 29receive $3,051,099 in federal funds for use by the executive director's
Page 12, Line 30office to implement this act, which amount is subject to the "(I)" notation
Page 12, Line 31as defined in the annual general appropriation act for the same fiscal year.
Page 12, Line 32The appropriation in subsection (1) of this section is based on the
Page 12, Line 33assumption that the office will receive this amount of federal funds to be
Page 12, Line 34used as follows:
Page 12, Line 35(a) $460,423 for personal services;
Page 12, Line 36(b) $35,613 for operating expenses;
Page 12, Line 37(c) $1,375,231 for general professional services and special
Page 12, Line 38projects;
Page 12, Line 39(d) $879,420 for member case integrity centralized service related
Page 12, Line 40to eligibility determinations and client services;
Page 12, Line 41(e) $179,840 for the purchase of information technology services;
Page 12, Line 42and
Page 12, Line 43(f) $120,572 for the purchase of legal services.
Page 13, Line 1(3) For the 2026-27 state fiscal year, $212,593 is appropriated to
Page 13, Line 2the department of health care policy and financing. This appropriation
Page 13, Line 3consists of $141,280 from the general fund, which is subject to the "(M)"
Page 13, Line 4notation as defined in the annual general appropriation act for the same
Page 13, Line 5fiscal year, and $71,313 from the healthcare affordability and
Page 13, Line 6sustainability hospital provider fee cash fund created in section 25.5-4-
Page 13, Line 7402.4 (5)(a), C.R.S. To implement this act, the department may use this
Page 13, Line 8appropriation for Colorado benefits management systems, operating and
Page 13, Line 9contract expenses.
Page 13, Line 10(4) For the 2026-27 state fiscal year, the general assembly
Page 13, Line 11anticipates that the department of health care policy and financing will
Page 13, Line 12receive $1,805,948 in federal funds for Colorado benefits management
Page 13, Line 13systems, operating and contract expenses to implement this act. The
Page 13, Line 14appropriation in subsection (3) of this section is based on the assumption
Page 13, Line 15that the department will receive this amount of federal funds.
Page 13, Line 16(5) For the 2026-27 state fiscal year, $240,489 is appropriated to
Page 13, Line 17the office of the governor for use by the office of information technology.
Page 13, Line 18This appropriation is from reappropriated funds received from the
Page 13, Line 19department of health care policy and financing under subsections (1)(e)
Page 13, Line 20and (2)(e) of this section. To implement this act, the office may use this
Page 13, Line 21appropriation to provide information technology services for the
Page 13, Line 22department of health care policy and financing.
Page 13, Line 23(6) For the 2026-27 state fiscal year, $239,660 is appropriated to
Page 13, Line 24the department of law. This appropriation is from reappropriated funds
Page 13, Line 25received from the department of health care policy and financing under
Page 13, Line 26subsection (1)(f) and 2(f) of this section and is based on an assumption
Page 13, Line 27that the department of law will require an additional 1.3 FTE. To
Page 13, Line 28implement this act, the department of law may use this appropriation to
Page 13, Line 29provide legal services for the department of health care policy and
Page 13, Line 30financing.
Page 13, Line 31SECTION 24. Appropriation. (1) For the 2026-27 state fiscal
Page 13, Line 32year, $968,791 is appropriated to the department of human services for
Page 13, Line 33use by the office of economic security. This appropriation is from the
Page 13, Line 34general fund. To implement this act, the office may use this appropriation
Page 13, Line 35as follows:
Page 13, Line 36Administration
Page 13, Line 37Administration$401,997
Page 13, Line 38Colorado benefits management system; ongoing expenses
Page 13, Line 39Operating and contract expenses$146,694
Page 13, Line 40Food and energy assistance
Page 13, Line 41Electronic benefits transfer services$59,850
Page 13, Line 42County administration
Page 13, Line 43Member case integrity centralized service$360,250
Page 14, Line 1
Page 14, Line 2the department of human services for use by the office of economic
Page 14, Line 3security. This appropriation is from the healthy school meals for all
Page 14, Line 4program fund created in section 22-82.9-211 (2)(a), C.R.S. To implement
Page 14, Line 5this act, the office may use this appropriation as follows:
Page 14, Line 6Administration
Page 14, Line 7Administration$143,287
Page 14, Line 8Colorado benefits management system; ongoing expenses
Page 14, Line 9Operating and contract expenses$36,092
Page 14, Line 10Food and energy assistance
Page 14, Line 11Electronic benefits transfer services$18,450
Page 14, Line 12County administration
Page 14, Line 13Member case integrity centralized service$122,462
Page 14, Line 14
Page 14, Line 15anticipates that the department of human services will receive $139,003
Page 14, Line 16for use by the office of economic security. This appropriation is from the
Page 14, Line 17old age pension fund created in section 1 of article XXIV of the state
Page 14, Line 18constitution, which is subject to the "(I)" notation as defined in the annual
Page 14, Line 19general appropriation act for the same fiscal year. To implement this act,
Page 14, Line 20the office may use this appropriation as follows:
Page 14, Line 21Administration
Page 14, Line 22Administration$36,833
Page 14, Line 23Colorado benefits management system; ongoing expenses
Page 14, Line 24Operating and contract expenses$9,278
Page 14, Line 25Food and energy assistance
Page 14, Line 26Electronic benefits transfer services$23,250
Page 14, Line 27County administration
Page 14, Line 28Member case integrity centralized service$69,642
Page 14, Line 29
Page 14, Line 30the department of human services for the office of economic security.
Page 14, Line 31This appropriation is from federal temporary assistance for needy families
Page 14, Line 32block grant funds. To implement this act, the office may use this
Page 14, Line 33appropriation as follows:
Page 14, Line 34Administration
Page 14, Line 35Administration$37,680
Page 14, Line 36Colorado benefits management system; ongoing expenses
Page 14, Line 37Operating and contract expenses$75,531
Page 14, Line 38Food and energy assistance
Page 14, Line 39Electronic benefits transfer services$17,550
Page 14, Line 40County administration
Page 14, Line 41Member case integrity centralized service$58,388
Page 14, Line 42
Page 14, Line 43anticipates that the department of human services will receive $554,880
Page 14, Line 44in federal funds for use by the office of economic security to implement
Page 15, Line 1this act, which amount is subject to the "(I)" notation as defined in the
Page 15, Line 2annual general appropriation act for the same fiscal year. The
Page 15, Line 3appropriations in subsections (1) and (2) of this section are based on the
Page 15, Line 4assumption that the department will receive this amount of federal funds
Page 15, Line 5to be used as follows:
Page 15, Line 6Administration
Page 15, Line 7Administration$238,810
Page 15, Line 8Colorado benefits management system; ongoing expenses
Page 15, Line 9Operating and contract expenses$80,758
Page 15, Line 10Food and energy assistance
Page 15, Line 11Electronic benefits transfer services$30,900
Page 15, Line 12County administration
Page 15, Line 13Member case integrity centralized service$204,412
Page 15, Line 14(6) For the 2026-27 state fiscal year, $2,022,114 is appropriated
Page 15, Line 15to the department of health care policy and financing for use by the
Page 15, Line 16executive director's office. This appropriation is from reappropriated
Page 15, Line 17funds received from the department of human services under subsections
Page 15, Line 18(1), (2), (3), (4), and (5) of this section. To implement this act, the office
Page 15, Line 19may use this appropriation as follows:
Page 15, Line 20General administration
Page 15, Line 21Personal services$198,952
Page 15, Line 22Operating expenses$18,008
Page 15, Line 23Legal services$60,966
Page 15, Line 24Payments to OIT$61,180
Page 15, Line 25General professional services
Page 15, Line 26and special projects$580,681
Page 15, Line 27Information technology contracts and projects
Page 15, Line 28Colorado benefits management systems,
Page 15, Line 29operating and contract expenses$348,353
Page 15, Line 30Eligibility determinations and client services
Page 15, Line 31Member case integrity centralized service$753,974
Page 15, Line 32(7) For the 2026-27 state fiscal year, $61,180 is appropriated to
Page 15, Line 33the office of the governor for use by the office of information technology.
Page 15, Line 34This appropriation is from reappropriated funds received from the
Page 15, Line 35department of health care policy and financing under subsection (6) of
Page 15, Line 36this section for payments to OIT. To implement this act, the office may
Page 15, Line 37use this appropriation to provide information technology services for the
Page 15, Line 38department of health care policy and financing.
Page 15, Line 39(8) For the 2026-27 state fiscal year, $60,966 is appropriated to
Page 15, Line 40the department of law. This appropriation is from reappropriated funds
Page 15, Line 41received from the department of health care policy and financing under
Page 15, Line 42subsection (6) of this section for legal services. To implement this act, the
Page 15, Line 43department of law may use this appropriation to provide legal services for
Page 16, Line 1the department of health care policy and financing.
Page 16, Line 2SECTION 25. Appropriation. (1) For the 2026-27 state fiscal
Page 16, Line 3year, $445,196 is appropriated to the department of early childhood. This
Page 16, Line 4appropriation consists of $222,598 from the general fund and $222,598
Page 16, Line 5from federal child care development funds. To implement this act, the
Page 16, Line 6department may use this appropriation as follows:
Page 16, Line 7(a) $59,283, which consists of $29,641 from general fund and
Page 16, Line 8$29,642 from federal child care development funds, for information
Page 16, Line 9technology systems managed by other departments; and
Page 16, Line 10(b) $385,913, which consists of $192,957 from general fund and
Page 16, Line 11$192,956 from federal child care development funds, for use by early
Page 16, Line 12learning access and quality for county shared services.
Page 16, Line 13(2) For the 2026-27 state fiscal year, $432,913 is appropriated to
Page 16, Line 14the department of health care policy and financing for use by the
Page 16, Line 15executive director's office. This appropriation is from reappropriated
Page 16, Line 16funds received from the department of early childhood under subsection
Page 16, Line 17(1) of this section. To implement this act, the office may use this
Page 16, Line 18appropriation as follows:
Page 16, Line 19General administration
Page 16, Line 20Personal services$61,273
Page 16, Line 21Operating expenses$4,936
Page 16, Line 22Legal services$16,712
Page 16, Line 23Payments to OIT$16,770
Page 16, Line 24General professional services
Page 16, Line 25and special projects$159,174
Page 16, Line 26Information technology contracts and projects
Page 16, Line 27Colorado benefits management systems,
Page 16, Line 28operating and contract expenses$59,283
Page 16, Line 29Eligibility determinations and client services
Page 16, Line 30Member case integrity centralized service$121,892
Page 16, Line 31(3) For the 2026-27 state fiscal year, $16,770 is appropriated to
Page 16, Line 32the office of the governor for use by the office of information technology.
Page 16, Line 33This appropriation is from reappropriated funds received from the
Page 16, Line 34department of health care policy and financing under subsection (2) of
Page 16, Line 35this section for payments to OIT. To implement this act, the office may
Page 16, Line 36use this appropriation to provide information technology services for the
Page 16, Line 37department of health care policy and financing.
Page 16, Line 38(4) For the 2026-27 state fiscal year, $16,712 is appropriated to
Page 16, Line 39the department of law. This appropriation is from reappropriated funds
Page 16, Line 40received from the department of health care policy and financing under
Page 16, Line 41subsection (6) of this section for legal services. To implement this act, the
Page 16, Line 42department of law may use this appropriation to provide legal services for
Page 16, Line 43the department of health care policy and financing.
Page 17, Line 1SECTION 26. Appropriation - adjustments to 2026 long bill.
Page 17, Line 2(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, to implement this
Page 17, Line 3act, the appropriation from federal child care development funds made in
Page 17, Line 4the annual general appropriation act for the 2026-27 state fiscal year to
Page 17, Line 5the department of early childhood for intrastate child care assistance
Page 17, Line 6program redistribution is decreased by $222,598.
Page 17, Line 7(2) Subsection (1) of this section does not require a reduction of
Page 17, Line 8an appropriation in the annual general appropriation act for the 2026-27
Page 17, Line 9state fiscal year if:
Page 17, Line 10(a) The amount of the federal child care development funds
Page 17, Line 11appropriation made in the annual general appropriation act for the
Page 17, Line 122026-27 state fiscal year to the department of early childhood for
Page 17, Line 13intrastate child care assistance program redistribution is less than the
Page 17, Line 14amount of the adjustment required in subsection (1) of this section; or
Page 17, Line 15(b) The annual general appropriation act for the 2026-27 state
Page 17, Line 16fiscal year does not include an appropriation to the department of early
Page 17, Line 17childhood for intrastate child care assistance program redistribution.
Page 17, Line 18SECTION 27. Effective date. This act takes effect upon passage;
Page 17, Line 19except that section 26 of this act takes effect only if the annual general
Page 17, Line 20appropriation act for the 2026-27 state fiscal year becomes law, in which
Page 17, Line 21case section 26 takes effect upon the effective date of this act or of the
Page 17, Line 22annual general appropriation act for state fiscal year 2026-27, whichever
Page 17, Line 23is later.".
Page 17, Line 24Renumber succeeding section accordingly.
Page 17, Line 25Page 1, line 102, strike "programs." and substitute "programs, and,
Page 17, Line 26in connection therewith, making and reducing an
Page 17, Line 27appropriation.".