CO HB1231

Reenacts enhanced unemployment insurance compensation benefits for eligible claimants enrolled in approved training programs for high-demand, stable, or long-term occupations, effective July 1, 2015.

Eligible claimants receive enhanced benefits equal to 50% of their regular weekly benefit amount, rounded down, paid weekly in addition to regular benefits, with a maximum of 20 weeks or 40% of the maximum benefit amount on the regular claim, whichever is less.

Approved training programs include vocational training, registered apprenticeships, or entrepreneurial training programs designed to enhance marketable skills and earning power, but exclude general degree programs unless meeting specific certification or licensing requirements.

Director must identify occupations based on local workforce investment board recommendations and labor market information, and develop outreach to traditionally underserved populations about program availability.

Program expires July 1, 2018; appropriates $3,234,294 for fiscal year 2015-16 with a total budget cap of $12 million over three fiscal years (not exceeding $4 million per year); requires annual reports to legislature on program demographics, outcomes, and return-on-investment through December 31, 2017.