Advocacy: 2026 Bills
United Way of Larimer County advocates for legislation that supports children and youth, family financial stability, and a thriving nonprofit sector. Learn more about the bills we’re supporting in the 2026 Colorado legislative session.
Continuation of the Child Care Contribution Tax (HB26-1004)
Extends the tax credit that lets taxpayers receive 50% back (up to $100,000) for qualifying donations that support child care in the state through January 1, 2038. This credit contributes significantly to home and center based child care programs, afterschool programs, and grant programs that help keep child care affordable.
United Way of Larimer County supports the CCCTC because it expands access to affordable, quality child care and family financial stability through programs like WomenGive, the Larimer County Child Care Fund, and Loveland Youth Campus.
Colorado Homeless Contribution Tax Credit Extension (HB26-1015)
Extends the tax credit for taxpayers who donate to approved nonprofits supporting housing and services for people experiencing mhomelessness so it can be claimed through 2030 instead of ending after tax year 2026. This credit contributes significantly to organizations in our community that provide essential services to people currently or at the risk of experiencing homelessness.
United Way of Larimer County supports the Homeless Contribution Tax Credit because it helps create pathways to safe, stable housing for families with children across Colorado who are struggling to make ends meet.
Non-Employment Educational Opportunities Background Check Information (HB26-1143)
Prohibits certain public and private entities from requiring a Social Security number for background checks for non-employment educational opportunities and allows fingerprints and ITINs instead, ensuring that citizenship status is not a barrier to completing internships, practicum placements, and job-related training. It maintains safety by still allowing background checks through existing systems, as CBI and FBI processes do not require Social Security numbers.
United Way of Larimer County supports Safety Not Status because it removes barriers to education and future financial stability on the basis of citizenship status. Everyone should be able to learn, volunteer, and participate fully in their communities.
Tax Expenditure Adjustments (HB26-1221), Modify Tax Expenditures (HB26-1222), and Modifying Certain Tax Expenditures (HB26-1223)
These three separate bills are a part of a 2026 Colorado tax package that restores a version of the Family Affordability Tax Credit. Since 2024, the Family Affordability Tax Credit, combined with other credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit, has reduced child poverty in Colorado by nearly 40%. By decoupling Colorado tax code from federal tax code, closing tax loopholes, and directing the revenue to a new family affordability credit, these bills ensure that low-income families with children will continue to receive this critical support.
United Way of Larimer County supports this package because it reduces child poverty and provides consistent, and flexible support for families with children across Colorado struggling to afford the basics.
Legacy Giving to Charitable Organizations (SB26-118)
This bill clarifies the rules around payment to charitable organizations if someone names the charity as a beneficiary of a financial account, insurance policy, or similar in a will or legacy gift. It requires that the gift be released to the nonprofit named within 60 days and received via the organizations’ preferred method.
United Way of Larimer County supports this bill because it ensures that nonprofits serving children and youth and family financial stability are fully able to benefit from legacy or planned gifts made to support their missions and programs, no matter their size.
