Concerning increasing the number of off-campus courses offered by institutions of higher education to students in concurrent enrollment programs, and, in connection therewith, making and reducing an appropriation.
Summary
HB26-1078 expands access to concurrent enrollment by changing how Colorado treats off-campus courses offered by institutions of higher education. Under current law, off-campus instruction is generally excluded from concurrent enrollment programs except for courses in the teacher recruitment education and preparation (TREP) program. This bill allows off-campus courses to count toward concurrent enrollment when the courses satisfy all concurrent enrollment requirements and also meet the standards of an accrediting agency recognized under federal law.
The bill is aimed at increasing the number of postsecondary course options available to high school students participating in concurrent enrollment. It also includes fiscal provisions that reduce certain higher-education appropriations by $80,178 and provide a $66,056 general fund appropriation to the Department of Education to support administration related to public school finance and postsecondary workforce readiness.
Impact
The bill amends Colorado Revised Statutes section 22-35-110 to create a new exception allowing off-campus higher education courses to be included in concurrent enrollment programs if they meet both state concurrent enrollment requirements and federal-recognized accreditation standards. This changes the scope of eligible concurrent enrollment offerings and may expand dual-enrollment opportunities for students, school districts, and institutions of higher education. The act also adjusts appropriations in the 2026-27 budget, including a reduction to college opportunity fund fee-for-service contracts and a new appropriation to the Department of Education for implementation.
Sentiment
The available record suggests the bill moved forward without recorded committee testimony or vote detail in the provided materials, and it was ultimately signed by the governor. The overall posture of the bill appears favorable, reflecting support for expanding student access to college-level coursework through concurrent enrollment. No explicit opposition is shown in the provided context.
Contention
The main policy issue is whether off-campus courses should be allowed in concurrent enrollment programs, since current law generally excludes them. Supporters are likely to view the bill as a way to broaden access, especially for students who can benefit from more flexible course delivery. Potential concerns would center on maintaining quality control, accreditation, and program consistency, which the bill addresses by requiring compliance with both concurrent enrollment rules and recognized accrediting standards. The fiscal adjustments may also be a point of attention because the bill reduces some higher-education appropriations while adding administrative funding for implementation.