C.R.S. § 26.5-2-210: Transfer of functions - legislative intent.

(1) It is the intent of the general assembly that on and after July 1, 2026, the statewide system of early childhood councils is responsible for executing, administering, performing, and enforcing the rights, powers, duties, functions, and obligations vested before July 1, 2026, in the local coordinating organizations established pursuant to part 1 of this article 2, as it existed prior to July 1, 2026.

(2) It is the intent of the general assembly that the rights, powers, duties, functions, and obligations concerning supporting access to and delivery of early childhood and family support programs and services are transferred to the statewide system of early childhood councils, effective July 1, 2026.

(3) It is the intent of the general assembly that any money the department allocates to support a transition period extension pursuant to subsection (7) of this section be a one-time expenditure and not be a source of ongoing program funding or a baseline adjustment.

(4) A local coordinating organization retains the rights, powers, duties, functions, and obligations necessary to satisfy the requirements of a coordinator agreement in force prior to July 1, 2026. An early childhood council may subcontract the provision of services described in this part 2 to a local coordinating organization that is established prior to July 1, 2026, and that is not also an early childhood council. An early childhood council may subcontract the provision of services described in this part 2, including after July 1, 2026, if the subcontracting is consistent with the council's approved agreement and department oversight.

(5) The rules pertaining to the rights, powers, duties, functions, and obligations transferred to the statewide system of early childhood councils that are adopted by the executive director and are in effect as of July 1, 2026, continue in effect and apply to the department and persons providing the services described in part 1 of this article 2 as it existed prior to July 1, 2026, until replaced by rules adopted by the executive director pursuant to this part 2 on or before July 1, 2027.

(6) On and after July 1, 2026, unless otherwise specified, if a provision of law refers to a local coordinating organization with regard to the rights, powers, duties, functions, or obligations specified in subsection (1) of this section, the law is construed as referring to an early childhood council.

(7) (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part 2, if the transfer of rights, duties, functions, and obligations described in this section requires the consolidation, reassignment, or material modification of the duties of an organization providing the services described in part 1 of this article 2, as it existed prior to July 1, 2026, or an early childhood council, the department may authorize a one-time extension of the transition period. The transition period must conclude on or before July 1, 2029, and is not subject to further extension.

(b) During a transition period extension authorized pursuant to subsection (7)(a) of this section, the department may, as necessary to support the administration and coordination of early childhood programs and services, maintain separate contracts with an early childhood council and an organization providing the services described in part 1 of this article 2, as it existed prior to July 1, 2026.

(c) On or before January 1, 2029, the department shall submit a written report to the joint budget committee. The report must include an analysis of transition costs and expenditures, operational readiness, and recommendations for any legislative changes necessary to facilitate local early childhood services administration, coordination, and contracting following a transition period authorized pursuant to subsection (7)(a) of this section.