HB 24-1223 Summary

• Requires Colorado to implement a simplified child care assistance application by August 1, 2026, with publicly disclosed income eligibility levels and prohibits counties from adding extra eligibility requirements.

• Caps parent copayments at no more than 7% of gross monthly income by August 1, 2026, regardless of number of children in care, and allows employers to pay participant copayments.

• Mandates counties pay child care providers weekly based on enrollment in advance by August 1, 2026, and requires grants and contracts for underserved populations including infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and nontraditional-hour care.

• Recognizes participation in evidence-based substance use disorder treatment at intensive outpatient level or higher as an eligible workforce training activity for up to one year.

• Appropriates $100,000 for a feasibility study on de-linking federal child and adult care food program eligibility from the Colorado child care assistance program, with focus on license-exempt family, friend, and neighbor providers.