Explore the Key Outcomes of the 2024 Legislative Session

Dear Partners, Supporters, and Community,

As we close another vibrant legislative session, it's crucial to reflect on the changes that may shape the future of our region. The 2024 session brought forth significant legislative decisions, with outcomes that could have substantial impacts on our regional economy and the upward mobility of our young people.

In this update, we've highlighted the most crucial bills monitored by RMP, providing you with a clear snapshot of their status and initial insights into their potential effects. For a more detailed dive into these bills, we have linked a recap document throughout this email.

All in all, over 700 bills were introduced this session, and RMP kept a close eye on 150 of those bills. Of the bills that RMP kept an eye on, 109 passed and have become law or will be signed into law in the coming days.

We invite you to explore the key decisions made this legislative session and join us in navigating the implications for our region. Your insights and feedback are invaluable as we continue to advocate for and adapt to these new changes.

In Partnership,

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Key Highlights

SB24-164, the bill RMP's Civic Influencers testified in support of, has passed.

In partnership with Colorado Succeeds, three of RMP’s Civic Influencers stepped up to the plate this legislative session, testifying in support of SB24-164: Institution of Higher Education Transparency Requirements. This bill calls for transparency in costs, streamlined credit transfers, and recognition of prior learning.

Since then, the bill has officially passed, providing a beacon of hope for the countless learners navigating the complexities of academic transitions, promising a future where educational pathways are smoother and more transparent than ever before.

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Colorado took a step forward to advance education-based workforce readiness with the passage of HB24-1364.

HB24-1364: Education-Based Workforce Readiness takes a comprehensive approach that includes:

The creation and funding of a statewide longitudinal data system
A financial study to evaluate the costs associated with providing learners opportunities to earn college credits, obtain industry credentials, and participate in work-based learning

RMP also recently joined the 'Better Data for Better Decisions' coalition, convened by Colorado Succeeds, which will support the development of the statewide longitudinal data system.

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Impact Overview

702	150	109
total bills were introduced this session	bills were watched by RMP	bills that RMP is watching have passed

Legislation Impacting Early Cradle to Career Outcomes

SB24-188: Public School Finance addresses the financing of public schools in Colorado, with specific emphasis on eliminating the "budget stabilization factor" and increasing state contributions to ensure more equitable funding across districts.

HB24-1448: New Public School Finance Formula introduces a new funding formula for public education in Colorado. It creates a new framework for calculating annual total program amounts, which are funds designated for educational expenses. This formula takes into account several factors, including foundation funding based on per pupil count, additional allotments for at-risk students, English language learners, and special education needs, along with adjustments for district-specific factors like cost of living and size.

To dig more into these and other key decisions made this legislative session and their potential implications for our region, check out our full recap by clicking the button below.

Click Here

Legislation Impacting Later Cradle to Career Outcomes

SB24-104: Career & Technical Education & Apprenticeships focuses on enhancing the linkage between high school career and technical education (CTE) and registered apprenticeships.

SB24-143: Credential Quality Apprenticeship Classification introduces a framework to validate and assure the quality of various credentials beyond traditional degrees, aiming to align them with international standards and make them more recognizable and valued in the job market.

SB24-164: Institution of Higher Education Transparency Requirements focuses on increasing transparency and fairness in the transfer processes within public institutions of higher education in Colorado.

HB24-1364: Education-Based Workforce Readiness is aimed at supporting education-based workforce readiness through the creation and funding of a statewide longitudinal data system and a financial study to evaluate the costs associated with providing learners opportunities to earn college credits, obtain industry credentials, and participate in work-based learning experiences.

HB24-1365: Opportunity Now Grants & Tax Credit establishes a Regional Talent Summit Grant Program and introduces an income tax credit to help address local workforce needs and facilitate strategic planning across the state.

HB24-1439: Financial Incentives Expand Apprenticeship Programs establishes financial incentives for apprenticeship programs, specifically targeting new and emerging industries that are traditionally underrepresented in registered apprenticeships.

To dig more into these and other key decisions made this legislative session and their potential implications for our region, check out our full recap by clicking the button below.

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Legislation Impacting Housing

HB24-1152: Accessory Dwelling Units is focused on increasing the availability of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Colorado, recognizing their potential benefits for housing affordability, flexibility, and environmental sustainability.

HB24-1313: Housing in Transit-Oriented Communities seeks to increase housing affordability by focusing development in areas around public transit systems.

To dig more into these and other key decisions made this legislative session and their potential implications for our region, check out our full recap by clicking the button below.

Click Here

Call to Action

EXPLORE

Check out our 2024 Colorado Legislative Recap to learn more about the new laws positioned to impact RMP's 2030 Strategic Plan.

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ATTEND

Attend one of the many legislative recap events hosted by friends of RMP:

AC-REP's What Happened Under the Gold Dome Legislative Session Recap
Arvada Chamber of Commerce's B.O.L.D. 2026 Policy Changes Forum
Colorado Center on Law and Policy's 2024 Legislative Summary and CLE
Colorado Children's Campaign End-of-Session Update Webinar
Colorado Fiscal Institute's Bars and Graphs End of Session Open House Wrappy Hour
Colorado Health Institute's Hot Issues in Health 2024 Legislative Session review

Stay tuned for more information about upcoming Policy Innovation Labs, where we'll explore opportunities to leverage new laws, identify areas for improvement, and brainstorm additional policy ideas. Join us to share your thoughts and help shape our region's future towards our 71K goal.

Questions? Reach out to Ashley Edinger, RMP's Senior Director of Institute & Strategic Supports at AshleyEdinger@RMPBackbone.org.

About the Rocky Mountain Partnership

Rocky Mountain Partnership (RMP) is a group of leaders and community members who are WORKING TOGETHER to ensure that every young person across our region has the opportunity to embark on a successful journey toward economic and social advancement.

Guided by a globally recognized framework and data, we strive to create impactful, large-scale solutions. We break down silos within existing efforts, optimize regional resources, and advance impactful policies and strategies.

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