CO HB1078

Authorizes Colorado Cooperative Extension Service to expand 4-H programs and youth outreach in forestry, wildland fire, and natural resources from FY 2025-26 through FY 2027-28, including paid summer internships for high school students and scholarships for wildland fire and chainsaw certifications

Creates a $50 million zero-interest revolving loan program for fire departments, funded through an interest-free loan from the Unclaimed Property Trust Fund on July 1, 2025, with eligible uses including fire trucks, facility construction/renovation, and emergency response equipment

Department of Local Affairs may use up to 2% of the loan initially for administrative costs and charge fire departments up to 0.5% administrative fee on individual loans, with full repayment to the Trust Fund due by July 1, 2065

Establishes the Firefighter First Homeownership Program managed by the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority to provide shared equity down payment assistance to firefighters, prioritizing first-time homebuyers using the home as a primary residence

Requires annual reporting on youth outreach program outcomes to the Department of Natural Resources and legislative committees, and annual reporting on homeownership program metrics including number of borrowers, geographic distribution, and median purchase prices