HB23-1246: In-Demand Career Workforce Support

• Creates the In-Demand Short-Term Credentials Program providing $38.6 million in funding for students pursuing credentials in early childhood education, education, law enforcement, fire/forestry, construction, and nursing at community colleges and technical schools for fiscal year 2023-24.

• Establishes the Construction Registered Apprenticeship Grant Program with $1.4 million in funding to provide grants to building trades apprenticeship programs that train apprentices at no cost and serve target populations.

• Appropriates $5 million to develop two new short-term degree nursing programs at community or technical colleges to support training of 200 additional nurses annually.

• Requires annual reporting on program participation, completion rates, employment outcomes, and fund allocation to the Colorado Commission on Higher Education and legislative committees.

• All three programs (credentials program, apprenticeship grants, nursing programs) sunset on July 1, 2027, and unexpended funds carry forward to subsequent fiscal years without reverting to the general fund.