HB 15-1196: Colorado Flexible Lifetime Learning Expenditures Account Act

• Creates the C-FLEX program allowing parents to direct public education funds (deposited in savings accounts) to purchase educational services and materials for eligible K-12 students, including private schools, tutoring, specialized services, and online programs.

• Students eligible for C-FLEX accounts must be Colorado residents, able to enroll in K-12, and either identified as disabled or gifted children, or be among the first 5,000 students to apply; students become ineligible if enrolled in public school or accepting rebates from providers.

• Annual deposits equal state average per-pupil revenues plus additional amounts for students with disabilities, gifted students, or English language learners, minus 3% retained by the C-FLEX facilitator; parents may deposit up to $10,000 annually from personal funds.

• Parents must spend at least 70% of state deposits annually, use 5% for learner advocate services in first two years, maintain academic progress portfolios, and agree to enroll students in private schools or nonpublic home-based programs; violations result in 30-day cure periods or permanent suspension.

• Establishes requirements for approving learner advocates and education providers through criminal background checks and experience verification; authorizes tax deduction for parental contributions up to $10,000 per year.