CO HB1317

Requires the director of the division of employment and training to annually collect and analyze workforce data from state workforce centers on individuals with disabilities and workers aged 50-55, 56-60, 61-65, 66-70, 71-75, 76-80, and 81+ years old.

Mandates collection of specific data including number of individuals served, educational attainment, training and placement outcomes, measurable skills gained, client satisfaction, referrals to other programs, and percentage of workforce staff trained in age-inclusive and disability-inclusive practices.

Requires the director to conduct or contract for a survey by January 1, 2025 and every three years thereafter to understand the experiences, work preferences, and resource needs of Coloradans aged 50 and older who are considering entering or reentering the workforce, are unemployed, underemployed, or seeking career changes.

Mandates the director meet at least twice yearly with the Colorado Commission on the Aging, Colorado Commission on Higher Education, and other state workforce agencies to identify data gaps, programming needs, and policy changes to support older workers and individuals with disabilities.

Requires the director to make legislative, policy, and program recommendations to the general assembly as part of the department's annual "SMART Act" hearing presentation regarding support for older adults and individuals with disabilities.