Bill > SB316

This bill addresses requirements and appropriations for the Auraria Higher Education Center (AHEC) for the 2025-26 fiscal year. It establishes new statutory provisions mandating that any money appropriated to the Department of Higher Education for AHEC must be used according to baseline service level agreements covering operational costs like building maintenance, campus policing, business services, and event management. The bill requires these agreements to be executed by September 1, 2025, with clear descriptions of services, staffing levels, and performance expectations. Additionally, the bill mandates that AHEC manage resources related to these agreements and provide quarterly updates to constituent institutions. A significant component of the bill is the requirement for a comprehensive, independent third-party study of the Auraria campus, which must examine the center's operations, governance, financial structures, and service delivery. The study will involve a detailed review of past plans, an evaluation of the campus's statutory design and mission, and recommendations for potential improvements in governance and operational efficiency. The bill also includes appropriation adjustments, providing $31,435,042 to AHEC for the fiscal year, with $29,545,253 allocated for operational costs and $1,889,789 for deferred maintenance projects.

Budget and Finance

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb25-316