CO SB037

Expands Just Transition Office investment priorities to include both tier one and tier two coal transition communities, with emphasis on socioeconomic impacts of coal closures, economic diversification opportunities, and local community input

Requires funding decisions on project proposals within 90 days, with applicants given 15 days to remedy deficiencies; all decisions must be publicly accessible with published reasons for denials

Extends deadline for coal transition workforce assistance program funds to be expended or encumbered from fiscal year 2026-27 to fiscal year 2029-30

Authorizes Department of Local Affairs to establish a three-year preference (beginning January 1, 2026) for just transition coal communities when distributing local government severance tax funds

Exempts public funds from coal mine or power plant closure settlements from standard public investment restrictions, and changes interest rates on water/wastewater facility loans to match AA-rated municipal bond rates rather than a fixed 5% minimum