CO SB002

Creates the Emergency Direct Assistance Grant Program administered by the Division of the Department of Local Affairs to provide grants to individuals experiencing financial hardship from COVID-19 or its second-order effects who are ineligible for unemployment insurance, food assistance, or federal stimulus payments.

Transfers $54 million from the General Fund to the Housing Development Grant Fund within three days of enactment for rental assistance, residential mortgage assistance, and housing stability programs; funds must be used by June 30, 2021.

Transfers $5 million from the General Fund to the Emergency Direct Assistance Grant Program Fund within three days of enactment; division may use up to 3% for administration costs and must distribute funds by June 30, 2021.

Transfers $1 million to the Eviction Legal Defense Fund within three days of enactment to support legal assistance organizations; appropriate organizations must receive grants by January 1, 2021.

Modifies unemployment benefits to allow extended benefits for weeks beginning on or after November 1, 2020, if federal sharing is available under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act; repeals provisions tied to specific December 2010-2011 timeframes.