The bill requires the Department of Human Services to implement standardized data collection, reporting, and accountability measures for the Colorado Works Program (which administers Temporary Assistance for Needy Families - TANF funds).
Key Provisions of the BillStandardized Data Collection & Reporting(Effective January 1, 2026)
The Department of Human Services (DHS), in consultation with the Works Allocation Committee, must:
Develop a standardized process for all counties to collect and report data on the Colorado Works Program to the state monthly.
Create recommendations for:
Standardized outcome measures for third-party contracted services.
Required levels of evidence for third-party services funded with TANF funds.
Submit a report to the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) outlining:
The standardized data collection process.
Recommendations for third-party contracted service evaluation.
Annual Reporting & Public Data Access(Effective July 1, 2026, & Annually Thereafter)
DHS must submit an annual report to the JBC detailing:
Data collected through the standardized process.
The total amount of TANF funds redistributed through the state budget, other programs, and services.
DHS must also publish this data monthly on its website in a publicly accessible format.
Evaluation of Basic Cash Assistance Eligibility(Due by July 1, 2026)
DHS must submit a separate report to the JBC with:
Information related to the standard of need for determining eligibility for basic cash assistance under the Colorado Works Program.
Key Takeaways
Improved data transparency for the Colorado Works Program by requiring standardized monthly reporting from counties.
Enhanced accountability for third-party services using standardized outcome measures and evidence-based evaluation.
Increased public access to TANF spending and program data through monthly online updates.
Regular evaluation of TANF fund distribution and basic cash assistance eligibility standards to ensure funding is effectively supporting those in need.
Summary
No later than January 1, 2026, the bill requires the department of
human services (state department), in consultation with the works allocation committee, to:
•
Develop a standardized process for each county to collect and report to the state department on a monthly basis certain information about the Colorado works program; •
Develop recommendations that include standardized outcome measures for third-party contracted services and required levels of evidence for third-party contracted services funded with Colorado's temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) allocation; and
•
Submit a report to the joint budget committee (JBC) that includes a description of the standardized process and recommendations.
Beginning July 1, 2026, and each July thereafter, the bill requires
the state department to submit a report to the JBC that includes the information collected and reported through the standardized process and the total dollar amount of Colorado's TANF allocation that is redistributed through the state budget or other programs and services and publish the information on a monthly basis on the state department's website in a publicly accessible format.
No later than July 1, 2026, the bill requires the state department to
submit a report to the JBC that includes certain information related to the standard of need for eligibility for basic cash assistance.
