Senate Bill 23-008 Summary

• The Commissioner of Education must appoint youth representatives from school nominations to participate in state education standards development processes beginning September 1, 2023, and annually thereafter.

• Youth representatives must be selected from rural, small rural, and urban school districts, with preference for geographic diversity when possible.

• Youth representatives may receive reimbursement for actual and reasonable expenses and may receive a stipend determined by the Department of Education for state-level participation, but serve without compensation for regional and local education provider reviews.

• Two youth representatives must participate in regional educator meetings and in each local education provider's standards review process every six years.

• "Youth" is defined as individuals meeting the age eligibility requirements for membership in the Colorado Youth Advisory Council under Section 2-2-1303(1)(b)(I).

• The bill appropriates $7,650 to the Department of Education for the 2023-24 fiscal year from the general fund for content specialists to implement the act.