HB 24-1365 Summary

• Creates the Regional Talent Summit Grant Program funded with $200,000 to hold seven regional summits across Colorado by July 1, 2025, connecting industry, education, and workforce development stakeholders to identify regional talent needs

• Appropriates $3.8 million to the Opportunity Now grant program focused on infrastructure and building trades workforce development, with not more than 7% for administrative costs

• Establishes a Workforce Shortage Tax Credit allowing qualified applicants in industries affected by federal infrastructure investments to receive refundable income tax credits up to 50% of qualified facility and equipment investments for training programs, usable from tax year 2026-2032

• Modifies the Universal High School Scholarship Program to allow degree-seeking students to waive FAFSA or Colorado state financial aid requirements if unable to complete applications

• Requires local workforce development plans to incorporate tactical plans from regional talent summits beginning January 1, 2026