HB21-1290 Summary

• Appropriates $15 million total from the general fund to support coal transition workers and communities: $8 million to the Just Transition Cash Fund and $7 million to the Coal Transition Worker Assistance Program Account.

• Expands definitions of "coal transition worker," "coal transition community," and "coal transition facility" to include workers and facilities active in 2017 (not just those laid off after May 28, 2019).

• Establishes "Tier One" and "Tier Two" classifications for workers and communities based on economic impact severity, with Tier One receiving priority investment emphasis.

• Requires 70% of appropriated funds to be spent by the end of fiscal year 2021-22, with remaining funds expended by end of fiscal year 2022-23.

• Directs funds toward apprenticeship programs, tuition reimbursement, job search assistance, economic development, infrastructure projects, and worker support services aligned with the final Just Transition Plan for Colorado.