Colorado 2026 Regular Session Status: Enacted Bipartisan · 4 D · 1 R cosponsors

SB 156 — Change Practices of Work Force Development Council

Last action — Governor Signed

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed Senate
  4. ✓
    Passed House
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced April 07, 2026. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Jared Polis (Democratic) on June 02, 2026.

Odds of enactment

High chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a high chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 98% · high confidence

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 8 sponsors

    4 primary, 4 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (4 D · 1 R) — cross-party backing.

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 7 recorded votes so far.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

In plain language

The bill updates the practices of the state workforce development council.

This bill streamlines the talent pipeline report requirements and allows more flexibility in creating career pathways. It also updates the council's duties and decreases funding for the department of labor and employment.

Summary

The act implements changes to the practices of the state work force development council (council), including by:Streamlining requirements for the council's talent pipeline report based on industry changes over the last several years;Creating greater flexibility to allow the council to develop certain criteria for the creation of career pathways based on data and feedback collected by the council;Updating the duties of the council to better reflect the council's current education, training, and workforce preparation practices; andAmending the directives for and duties of the position of the postsecondary and workforce readiness statewide coordinator, who works under the direction of the council, to better align with the updated working structure of that position as related to several other entities.     The act decreases the 2026-27 state fiscal year general fund appropriation to the department of labor and employment for use by the division of employment and training, as reflected in the annual general appropriations act, by $46,605, unless the amount of general fund money appropriated for use for the council is less than the adjustment or no general fund money is appropriated for use for the council.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

528 added · 586 removed

Plain-language change summary

The amendment to SB 156 includes a note indicating that the bill has been prepared for the signatures of the appropriate legislative officers and the Governor. It also updates the definition of "apprenticeship" to clarify that it refers to a registered program that helps move an apprentice from entry-level to full occupational proficiency, in accordance with federal standards. This matters because it establishes clear requirements for apprenticeship programs within the state's workforce development framework.

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Second Regular Session Seventy-fifth General Assembly STATE OF COLORADO REREVISED This Version Includes All Amendments Adopted in the Second House LLS NO.
NOTE:
26-0938.01 Renee Leone x2695 SENATE BILL 26-156 SENATE SPONSORSHIP Kipp and Carson, Coleman, Exum, Marchman HOUSE SPONSORSHIP Phillips and Gonzalez R., Duran d d e 6 a 0 S n , U g 1 H d y e a Senate Committees House Committees R M Business, Labor, & Technology Business Affairs & Labor 3 Appropriations Appropriations A BILL FOR AN ACT e n 6 C ONCERNING CHANGES TO THE STATE WORK FORCE DEVELOPMENT E m 0 U n , COUNCIL 'S PRACTICES , AND , IN CONNECTION THEREWITH , O g y H i M REDUCING AN APPROPRIATION .
This bill has been prepared for the signatures of the appropriate legislative officers and the Governor.
a R n Bill Summary e (Note:
To determine whether the Governor has signed the bill or taken other action on it, please consult the legislative status sheet, the legislative history, or the Session Laws.
This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does n notreflectanyamendmentsthatmaybesubsequentlyadopted.Ifthisbill m 2 T n 2 passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that A U 9 applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at E i l S a p http://leg.colorado.gov.) R A r The bill implements changes to the practices of the state work force development council (council), including by:
SENATE BILL 26-156 BY SENATOR(S) Kipp and Carson, Exum, Marchman, Coleman;
! Streamlining requirements for the council's talent pipeline n report based on industry changes over the last several d e 2 years;
also REPRESENTATIVE(S) Phillips and Gonzalez R., Duran .
T R 2 A n 8 E d l Shading denotes HOUSE amendment.
C ONCERNING CHANGES TO THE STATE WORK FORCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL S PRACTICES ,AND ,IN CONNECTION THEREWITH ,REDUCING AN APPROPRIATION .
Double underlining denotes SENATE amendment.
S e p Capital letters or bold & italic numbers indicate new material to be added to existing law.n A Dashes through the words or numbers indicate deletions from existing law.
m A ! Creating greater flexibility to allow the council to develop certaincriteriaforthecreationofcareerpathwaysbasedon data and feedback collected by the council;
! Updating the duties of the council to better reflect the council's current education, training, and workforce preparation practices;
and ! Amending the directives for and duties of the position of the postsecondary and workforce readiness statewide coordinator, who works under the direction of the council, to better align with the updated working structure of that position as related to several other entities.
SECTION 1.
SECTION1.
In Colorado Revised Statutes, amend with relocated provisions 24-46.3-100.3 as follows:
InColoradoRevisedStatutes,amendwithrelocated provisions 24-46.3-100.3 as follows:
(1) [Formerly 24-46.3-104 (2)(a)] "Apprenticeship" means a registered apprenticeship program with a written plan that is designed to move an apprentice from a low- or no-skill entry-level position to full occupationalproficiency.Theprogrammustcomplywiththeparameters establishedundertheFEDERAL "NationalApprenticeshipAct",29U.S.C.
(1) [Formerly 24-46.3-104 (2)(a)] "Apprenticeship" means a registered apprenticeship program with a written plan that is designed to move an apprentice from a low- or no-skill entry-level position to full occupational proficiency.
sec.50,asamended,andregulationspromulgatedundertheact,andmust be administered by the United States department of labor's office of apprenticeshipLABOR ora state apprenticeshipagencyrecognizedbythe United States department of labor.
The program must comply with the parameters established under the FEDERAL "National Apprenticeship Act", 29 U.S.C.
An individual business, an employer association, or a labor organization sponsorsaregistered apprenticeship.
Uponfinishingatrainingprogram, theapprenticeearnsa"completionof registered apprenticeship" certificate, which is an industry-issued and nationally recognized credential that validates proficiency in an apprenticeable occupation, or is awarded a certificate of completion.
-2- 156 (2) [Formerly 24-46.3-104 (2)(b)] "Career pathway" means a seriesofconnectededucationandtrainingstrategiesandsupportservices that enable individuals INDIVIDUAL to secure industry-relevant skills and OR certification where applicable, to obtain employment within an occupationalarea,andtoadvancetohigherlevelsoffutureeducationand employment.
(3) [Formerly 24-46.3-104 (2)(b.5)] "Certificate of completion" means a certificate awarded to an apprentice in recognition of the successful completion of an apprenticeship program.
(1)(4) "Department" means the department of labor and employment.
(2(5) "Federalact"meansthefederal"WorkforceInnovationand Opportunity Act", 29 U.S.C.
50, as amended, and regulations promulgated under the act, and must ________ Capital letters or bold & italic numbers indicate new material added to existing law;
dashes through words or numbers indicate deletions from existing law and such material is not part of the act.
be administered by the United States department of labor's office of apprenticeship LABOR or a state apprenticeship agency recognized by the United States department of labor.
An individual business, an employer association, or a labor organization sponsors a registered apprenticeship.
Upon finishing a training program, the apprentice earns a "completion of registered apprenticeship" certificate, which is an industry-issued and nationally recognized credential that validates proficiency in an apprenticeable occupation, or is awarded a certificate of completion.
(2)[Formerly24-46.3-104(2)(b)]"Careerpathway"meansaseries of connected education and training strategies and support services that enable individuals ANINDIVIDUAL tosecureindustry-relevantskills and OR certificationwhereapplicable,toobtainemploymentwithinanoccupational area, and to advance to higher levels of future education and employment.
(3) [Formerly 24-46.3-104 (2)(b.5)] "Certificate of completion" meansacertificateawardedtoanapprenticeinrecognitionofthesuccessful completion of an apprenticeship program.
(1) (4) "Department" means the department of labor and employment.
(2)(5) "Federal act" means the federal "Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act", 29 U.S.C.
sec.
(a) Projected to create new jobs annually for at least the next ten years;OR (b) ALIGNED WITH THE STATE 'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY .
(a) Projected to create new jobs annually for at least the next ten years;
(7) [Formerly 24-46.3-104 (2)(e)] "Partners" means, at a minimum, state agencies and organizations described in section 24-46.3-103, the state board for community colleges and occupational education created in section 23-60-104, C.R.S., and interested postsecondary education providers.
OR (b) ALIGNEDWITHTHESTATE 'SECONOMICDEVELOPMENTSTRATEGY .
(3)(8) "State council" means the state work force development council created in section 24-46.3-101 (1).
(7)[Formerly24-46.3-104(2)(e)]"Partners"means,ataminimum, stateagenciesandorganizationsdescribedinsection24-46.3-103,thestate boardforcommunitycollegesandoccupationaleducationcreatedinsection 23-60-104, C.R.S., and interested postsecondary education providers.
(9) [Formerly 24-46.3-104 (2)(g)] "Top jobs" means jobs that -3- 156 have strong projected average openings per year for ten years and pay a livingHIGH wage as defined in the Colorado talent pipeline report prepared pursuant to section 24-46.3-103.
(3) (8) "State council" means the state work force development council created in section 24-46.3-101 (1).
PAGE 2-SENATE BILL 26-156 (9) [Formerly 24-46.3-104 (2)(g)] "Top jobs" means jobs that have strong projected average openings per year for ten years and pay a living HIGH wage as defined in the Colorado talent pipeline report prepared pursuant to section 24-46.3-103.
In Colorado RevisedStatutes,amend24-46.3-103 as follows:
InColoradoRevisedStatutes,amend24-46.3-103as follows:
(1) (a) The general assembly hereby finds determines, and declares that:
(1) (a) The general assemblyhereby finds determines, and declares that:
(II) Colorado'skeyROWING industryemployerscontinuetolack the skilled workers they need to stay and grow in the state;
(II) Colorado's key GROWING industry employers continue to lack the skilled workers they need to stay and grow in the state;
(III) T HESE CONTINUOUSLY UNFILLED ROLES IN GROWING INDUSTRIESCONSTITUTEIN DEMANDOCCUPATIONSIN COLORADO ANDIT ISIMPERATIVETOTHESTATE SCOMMUNITIESANDECONOMYTHATTHERE IS A PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF HOW T:
(III) THESE CONTINUOUSLY UNFILLED ROLES IN GROWING INDUSTRIES CONSTITUTE IN -DEMAND OCCUPATIONS IN C OLORADO ,AND IT ISIMPERATIVETOTHESTATE SCOMMUNITIESANDECONOMYTHATTHEREIS A PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF HOW TO :
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(A) D ETERMINE WHICH OCCUPATIONS ARE I-DEMAND ;AND (B) A CCESS TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR JOB PLACEMENT IN IN-DEMAND OCCUPATIONS ;
(A) D ETERMINE WHICH OCCUPATIONS ARE IN -DEMAND ;AND (B) A CCESS TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR JOB PLACEMENT IN IN-DEMAND OCCUPATIONS ;
(III)IV) Coloradansmissopportunitiesforgoodjobsingrowing industriesbecausetheydonothaveaccesstotherighteducation,training, or adequate hands-on experience at the right timere employment IN I-DEMAND OCCUPATIONS ;
(III)(IV) Coloradans miss opportunities for good jobs in growing industries because they do not have access to the right education, training, or adequate hands-on experience at the right timeto secure employment IN IN-DEMAND OCCUPATIONS ;
(IV)(V) Providingclearaccesstoindustry-drivencareerpathways -4- 156 for education and employment advancement can result in long-term improvementsintheeconomicwell-beingofColoradansandwillprovide industries with the talent pipeline needed to thrive now and in the future M AINTAINING A COORDINATED STRATEGY ACROSS STATE AGENCIES TO PROMOTE ACCESS TO INDUSTRY DRIVEN CAREER PATHWAYS IS CRITICAL TO SUPPORTING THE ECONOMIC WELL BEING OF C OLORADANS AND OF C OLORADO 'S INDUSTRIE;
(IV) (V) Providing clear access to industry-driven career pathways for education and employment advancement can result in long-term improvements in the economic well-being of Coloradans and will provide PAGE 3-SENATE BILL 26-156 industries with the talent pipeline needed to thrive now and in the future M AINTAINING A COORDINATED STRATEGY ACROSS STATE AGENCIES TO PROMOTE ACCESSTOINDUSTRY -DRIVENCAREERPATHWAYSISCRITICALTO SUPPORTING THE ECONOMIC WELL -BEING OF COLORADANS AND OF C OLORADO S INDUSTRIES ;
(V) (VI) Creating a coordinated system to advance the skills and educationalattainmentofColoradansacrossworkforcedevelopmentand education, in alignment with economic development goals, and in partnershipwithindustry NSURINGTHATPROVIDERSOFEDUCATIONAND TRAINING ,WORKFORCEDEVELOPMENTEXPERTS ,ECONOMICDEVELOPERS , THESTATE ANDLOCALCOMMUNITIESHAVEACLEARUNDERSTANDINGOF THE LABOR MARKET AND THE STATE S OCCUPATIONAL NEEDS is the most promisingwaytoadvanceColoradansandsupplyindustrywiththetalent it demands;
(V) (VI) Creating a coordinated system to advance the skills and educational attainment of Coloradans across workforce development and education, in alignment with economic development goals, and in partnership with industry NSURING THAT PROVIDERS OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING ,WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT EXPERTS ,ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS , THE STATE ,AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES HAVE A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF THE LABOR MARKET AND THE STATE S OCCUPATIONAL NEEDS is the most promising way to advance Coloradans and supply industry with the talent it demands;
(VI) (VII) Deep, authentic, and ongoing employer engagement and input isRE critical to ensure that education and training programs arealignedwithDESIGNEDTOMEET therealandcurrentneedsofindustry;
(VI)(VII) Deep, authentic, and ongoing employer engagement and input isARE critical to ensure that education and training programs are aligned withDESIGNED TO MEET the real and current needs of industry;
and (VII) (VIII) Sector partnerships are a proven, established model of engaging employers and coordinating workforce development, economic development, and education STRATEGIES in response to the needs of industry and on behalf of workersIVIDUALS seeking good jobs.
and (VII)(VIII) Sector partnerships are a proven, established model of engaging employers and coordinating workforce development, economic development, and education STRATEGIES in response to the needs of industry and on behalf of workersNDIVIDUALS seeking good jobs.
(b) The general assembly further finds determines,declares that it will beSbeneficial to create a working group with the state -5- 156 council,comprisedofrepresentativesfromtherelevantstatedepartments andoffices,todiscussanddeterminethemosteffectivewaytousesector partnerships at the regional level to align workforce development, economic development, and education in the state tohe needs of key GROWING industrieAND INDEMAND OCCUPATIONS .
(b) Thegeneralassemblyfurtherfindsdetermines, anddeclaresthat it will beISbeneficial to create a working group with the state council, comprised of representatives from the relevant state departments and offices, to discuss and determine the most effective way to use sector partnershipsattheregionalleveltoalignworkforcedevelopment,economic development, and education in the state toH the needs of keGROWING industriesAND IN-DEMAND OCCUPATIONS .
(2) The state council, the department of higher education, the department of education, the department of labor and employment, and theColoradoofficeof economicdevelopmentshallworkcollaboratively to:
(2) The state council, the department of higher education, the department of education, the department of labor and employment, and the Colorado office of economic development shall work collaboratively to:
(a) Discuss and determine needs across key industries and A NALYZE COLORADO 'S LABOR MARKET CONDITIONS TO IDENTIFY GROWING INDUSTRIES AND IN DEMAND occupations includingAND IDENTIFYchallengeTO andopportunitiesiFORdevelopingandgrowing relevant talent pipelines;
(a) Discussanddetermineneedsacrosskeyindustriesand A NALYZE C OLORADO S LABOR MARKET CONDITIONS TO IDENTIFY GROWING INDUSTRIES AND IN -DEMAND occupations including AND IDENTIFY PAGE 4-SENATE BILL 26-156 challenges TO and opportunities inFOR developing and growing relevant talent pipelines;
(b) IENTIFY THE I-DEMAND AND HIGH -WAGE OCCUPATIONS IN C OLORADOTHATAREELIGIBLEFORFEDERALSUPPORT ,ASDEFINEDINTHE FEDERAL "H IGHERE DUCATION ACT OF 1965", 20 U.S.CSEC.
(b) IDENTIFY THE IN -DEMAND AND HIGH WAGE OCCUPATIONS IN C OLORADO THAT ARE ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERAL SUPPORT ,AS DEFINED IN THE FEDERAL "H IGHER EDUCATION A CT OF 1965",20U.S.C.
1001ET SEQ.,OR A SUCCESSOR AC;
SEC.1001 ET SEQ ., OR A SUCCESSOR ACT ;
(I) A listening process to collect workforce needs for key industries'EDBACK ON OCCUPATIONAL DEMAND FROM employers;
(I) Alisteningprocesstocollectworkforceneedsforkeyindustries' FEEDBACK ON OCCUPATIONAL DEMAND FROM employers;
(II) Curriculumalignmentforhigh-demandoccupationskillneeds A NALYSISOFTHE STATE'SCURRENT TRAININGCAPACITYANDABILITYTO SUPPORT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FOR IN -DEMAND OCCUPATIONS ;
(II) Curriculum alignment for high-demand occupation skill needs A NALYSIS OF THE STATE 'S CURRENT TRAINING CAPACITY AND ABILITY TO SUPPORT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FOR IN DEMAND OCCUPATIONS ;
(III) Occupation-aligned education and training options with a clearly articulated progressionYSIS OF THE SKILLS ESSENTIAL FOR -6- 156 INDEMAND OCCUPATIONS TO ASSIST TRAINING PROVIDERS IN MAINTAINING THE RELEVANCE OF THEIR PROGRAMS ;AND (IV) Skills assessments;
(III) Occupation-aligned education and training options with a clearly articulated progression NALYSIS OF THE SKILLS ESSENTIAL FOR IN-DEMANDOCCUPATIONSTOASSISTTRAININGPROVIDERSINMAINTAINING THE RELEVANCE OF THEIR PROGRAMS ;AND (IV) Skills assessments;
(I) Advise the development of career pathway programs for critical-DEMAND occupations in keGROWING industries;
(I) Advise the development of career pathwayprograms for critical IN-DEMAND occupations in keyGROWING industries;
and (II) Ensurethecoordinationofeducationandworkforceinitiatives to develop a strong talent pipeline;
and (II) Ensure the coordination of education and workforce initiatives to develop a strong talent pipeline;
and (III) PROVIDE RESOURCES TO , PARTICIPATE IN,AND PROMOTE CAREER EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES THAT ARE ALIGNED WITH IN -DEMAND OCCUPATIONS ,AS APPROPRIATE ;AND (d)(e) Utilize existing measures and data systems to improve systemsalignment and interagency communication.
and (III) PROVIDE RESOURCES TO , PARTICIPATE IN , AND PROMOTE CAREER EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES THAT ARE ALIGNED WITH IN -DEMAND OCCUPATIONS ,AS APPROPRIATE ;AND (d) (e) Utilize existing measures and data systems to improve PAGE 5-SENATE BILL 26-156 systems alignment and interagency communication.
(3) (a) In doing the work specified in subsection (2) of this section, the state council, in partnership with the department of higher education, the department of education, the department of labor and employment, and the Colorado office of economic development, shall coordinate the production ofODUCE an annual Colorado talent report.
(3) (a) In doing the work specified in subsection (2) of this section, thestatecouncil,inpartnershipwiththedepartmentofhighereducation,the department of education, the department of labor and employment, and the Coloradoofficeof economicdevelopment, shall coordinatetheproduction of PRODUCE an annual Colorado talent report.
In preparing the annual Colorado talent report, the state council, the departments,andtheofficemayusepreviouslycollecteddataandarenot required to collect new data.
In preparing the annual Colorado talent report, the state council, the departments, and the office mayuse previouslycollected data and are not required to collect new data.
for the purposes of the report.lent report shallST :
for the purposes of the report.he talent report shallMUST :
(I) Take into consideration the data contained in the annual job skillsreportproducedbythedepartmentofhighereducationandusesuch data to inform workforce development issues across key industries;
(I) Takeintoconsiderationthedatacontainedintheannualjobskills reportproducedbythedepartmentof highereducationandusesuchdatato inform workforce development issues across key industries;
(II)(I) Utilize state-level data generated from state-level sources -7- 156 whenever possible;
(II) (I) Utilize state-level data generated from state-level sources whenever possible;
(III)II) Utilizeand,as appropriate, expand existingdata-sharing agreements between agencies and partners;
(III)(II) Utilize and, as appropriate, expand existing data-sharing agreements between agencies and partners;
(V) (III) Provide an analysis of data regarding the skills required for key industry jobs-DEMAND OCCUPATIONS ;AND (VI) (IV) Include recommendations related to FOR advancing talent pipeline and career pathways development.
(V)(III) Provideananalysisofdataregardingtheskillsrequiredfor key industry jobs INDEMAND OCCUPATIONS ;
(VII) Include recommendations regarding the alignment and consistencyof datanomenclature,collectionpractices, and data-sharing.
AND (VI)(IV) Includerecommendationsrelated to FOR advancingtalent pipeline and career pathways development.
The recommendations shall not allow the disclosure of the personally identifiable information of a student enrolled in kindergarten or one of gradesonethroughtwelvewithoutinformedwrittenpermissionfromthe student's parent or legal guardian.
(VII) Include recommendations regarding the alignment and consistency of data nomenclature, collection practices, and data-sharing.
The recommendations may disclose d e - i d e n t i f i e a n o n y m o u s , o r a g g r e g a t e kindergarten-through-twelfth-gradestudentdatawithoutpermissionfrom a parent or legal guardian.
The recommendations shall not allow the disclosure of the personally identifiable information of a student enrolled in kindergarten or one of grades one through twelve without informed written permission from the student's parent or legal guardian.
The recommendations may disclose de-identified,anonymous,oraggregatekindergarten-through-twelfth-grade student data without permission from a parent or legal guardian.
(IX) Includethereportregardingtheindustryinfrastructuregrant program, prepared as required by section 24-46.3-405.
PAGE 6-SENATE BILL 26-156 (IX) Include the report regarding the industry infrastructure grant program, prepared as required by section 24-46.3-405.
(b) The heads of the department of higher education, the department of education, the department of labor and employment, and the Colorado office of economic development shall include the recommendations from the state council, and any comments they may wish to add concerning the recommendations, to the house of representativesandsenatecommitteesofreferencewithjurisdictionover -8- 156 business issues by January 1, 2015.
(b) Theheadsofthedepartmentofhighereducation,thedepartment of education, the department of labor and employment, and the Colorado office of economic development shall include the recommendations from the state council, and any comments they may wish to add concerning the recommendations,tothehouseofrepresentativesandsenatecommitteesof reference with jurisdiction over business issues by January 1, 2015.
The heads of the departments shall annually present such recommendations and comments during the legislative hearings required pursuant to the "State Measurement for Accountable,Responsive,andTransparent(SMART)GovernmentAct", part 2 of article 7 of title 2, C.R.S.
The headsofthedepartmentsshallannuallypresentsuchrecommendationsand comments during the legislative hearings required pursuant to the "State Measurement for Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent (SMART) Government Act", part 2 of article 7 of title 2, CMAY SHARE THEIR ANALYSIS ON HOW DATA IN THE REPORT IMPACTS THE STATE 'S STRATEGIC GOALS THROUGH THEIR REGULAR REPORTING MECHANISMS .
THEIR ANALYSIS ON HOW DATA IN THE REPORT IMPACTS THE STATS STRATEGIC GOALS THROUGH THEIR REGULAR REPORTING MECHANISMS .
(c) I N JANUARY OF EACH YEAR , THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION ,THEDEPARTMENTOFEDUCATION ,THEDEPARTMENTOFLABOR AND EMPLOYMENT , AND THE C OLORADO OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SHALL SUMMARIZE THE COLORADO TALENT REPORT ,THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS ,AND OTHER COMMENTS IN A PRESENTATION TO THE SENATE BUSINESS ,LABOR ,AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE AND THE HOUSE OFREPRESENTATIVESBUSINESSAFFAIRS AND LABOR COMMITTEE ,ORTHEIR SUCCESSOR COMMITTEES ,DURING THE HEARINGS HELD PURSUANT TO THE "SMART A CT",PART 2 OF ARTICLE7 OF TITLE2.
(c) IN ANUARY OF EACH YEAR ,THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION ,THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION , THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT , AND THE COLORADO OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTSHALLSUMMARIZETHE COLORADOTALENTREPORT ,THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS ,AND OTHER COMMENTS IN A PRESENTATION TO THE SENATEBUSINESS ,LABOR,ANDTECHNOLOGYCOMMITTEEANDTHEHOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BUSINESS AFFAIRS AND LABOR COMMITTEE , OR THEIR SUCCESSOR COMMITTEES,DURING THE HEARINGS HELD PURSUANT TO THE "SMART A CT"PART 2 OF ARTICLE7OF TITLE2.
SECTION 3.
SECTION3.
In Colorado Revised Statutes, 24-46.3-104, amend (1), (3)(a), (3)(b), (3)(c), (6), and (7);
InColoradoRevisedStatutes,24-46.3-104,amend (1), (3)(a), (3)(b), (3)(c), (6), and (7);
Careerpathways-design-legislativedeclaration - definition.
Career pathways - design - legislative declaration - definition.
(1) The general assembly hereby finds that creating industry-drivencareerpathwaysforeducationassistsstudentsinentering the work forceWORKFORCE and provides industries with the talent pipelinenecessarytofuelColorado'seconomy.Recognizingtheneedfor thecoordinateddevelopmentofcareerpathwaysforstudents,thegeneral assembly enacted section 24-46.3-103 in 2014, tasking the state council -9- 156 to work collaboratively with the department of higher education, the department of education, the department of labor and employment, and theColoradoofficeofeconomicdevelopmenttocreatethetalentpipeline development infrastructure for use in creatingZE C OLORADO S LABOR MARKET CONDITIONS AND IN-DEMAND OCCUPATIONS TO INFORM THECREATIONANDEVOLUTIONOF careerpathwaysforstudents.Creating careerpathwaysforgrowingColoradoindustrieswithoccupationsinhigh demand JOB PLACEMENT IN GROWING INDUSTRIES AND IN -DEMAND OCCUPATIONS will:
(1) Thegeneralassemblyhereby findsthatcreatingindustry-driven career pathways for education assists students in entering the work force WORKFORCE and provides industries with the talent pipeline necessary to fuel Colorado's economy.
(a) Increase the number of Colorado citizens accessing postsecondary education and apprenticeshipsVE EDUCATION AND CAREER ADVISING AND NAVIGATION FOR C OLORADANS INTERESTED IN POSTSECONDARY OPPORTUNITIES DESIGNED TO MEET LABOR MARKET NEEDS ;
Recognizing the need for the coordinated developmentofcareerpathwaysforstudents,thegeneralassemblyenacted section 24-46.3-103 in 2014, tasking the state council to work collaborativelywith the department of higher education, the department of PAGE 7-SENATE BILL 26-156 education, the department of labor and employment, and the Colorado office of economic development to create the talent pipeline development infrastructure for use in creatiANALYZE COLORADO S LABOR MARKET CONDITIONSANDIN -DEMANDOCCUPATIONSTOINFORMTHECREATIONAND EVOLUTION OF career pathways for students.
(b) Increase the number of Colorado citizensOLORADANS completing degrees, apprenticeships, and other credentials;
Creating career pathways for growing Colorado industries with occupations in high demand JOB PLACEMENT IN GROWING INDUSTRIES AND IN -DEMAND OCCUPATIONS will:
(c) Decrease the need for remediation at the postsecondarylevel;
(a) Increase the number of Colorado citizens accessing postsecondary education and apprenticeships IMPROVE EDUCATION AND CAREER ADVISING AND NAVIGATION FOR C OLORADANS INTERESTED IN POSTSECONDARYOPPORTUNITIESDESIGNEDTOMEETLABORMARKETNEEDS ;
(d) Increaseentryintoemployment-DEMANDOCCUPATIONS and increase wages over time;
(b) Increase the number of Colorado citizens COLORADANS completing degrees, apprenticeships, and other credentials;
(e) Create better transitions for students in the career pathways from high school, community colleges, or adult education programs to apprenticeships, higher education, or into the work force ;
(c) Decrease the need for remediation at the postsecondary level;
(f) Create better connections between postsecondaryON andworkforce WORKFORCE readinessinitiativesinhighschoolandadult work forceWORKFORCE programs;
(d) Increase entry into employmentIN-DEMAND OCCUPATIONS and increase wages over time;
and (g) Through partnerships with industry, assist students in obtaining work experience and employment during and afterEIR -10- 156 participation TRAINING AND educational programs.
(e) Createbettertransitionsforstudentsinthecareerpathwaysfrom high school, community colleges, or adult education programs to apprenticeships, higher education, or into the work forceKFORCE ;
(f) Createbetterconnectionsbetweenpostsecondary EDUCATION and workforce WORKFORCE readiness initiatives in high school and adult work forceWORKFORCE programs;
and (g) Through partnerships with industry, assist students in obtaining work experience and employment during and after THEIR participation in TRAINING AND educational programs.
(a) "Apprenticeship" means a registered apprenticeship program with a written plan that is designed to move an apprentice from a low- or no-skillentry-levelpositiontofulloccupationalproficiency.Theprogram must comply with the parameters established under the "National Apprenticeship Act", 29 U.S.C.
(a) "Apprenticeship" means a registered apprenticeship program with a written plan that is designed to move an apprentice from a low- or no-skill entry-level position to full occupational proficiency.
The program must comply with the parameters established under the "National Apprenticeship Act", 29 U.S.C.
50, as amended, and regulations promulgatedundertheact,andmustbeadministeredbytheUnitedStates department of labor's office of apprenticeship or a state apprenticeship agency recognized by the United States department of labor.
50, as amended, and regulations PAGE 8-SENATE BILL 26-156 promulgated under the act, and must be administered by the United States department of labor's office of apprenticeship or a state apprenticeship agencyrecognized bythe United States department of labor.An individual business, an employer association, or a labor organization sponsors a registeredapprenticeship.Uponfinishingatrainingprogram,theapprentice earns a "completion of registered apprenticeship" certificate, which is an industry-issued and nationally recognized credential that validates proficiency in an apprenticeable occupation, or is awarded a certificate of completion.
An individual business, an employer association, or a labor organization sponsors a registered apprenticeship.
(b) "Career pathway" means a series of connected education and training strategies and support services that enable individuals to secure industry-relevant skills and certification where applicable, to obtain employmentwithinanoccupationalarea,andtoadvancetohigherlevelsof future education and employment.
Upon finishing a training program, the apprentice earns a "completion of registered apprenticeship" certificate, which is an industry-issued and nationally recognized credential that validates proficiency in an apprenticeable occupation, or is awarded a certificate of completion.
(b.5) "Certificate of completion" means a certificate awarded to an apprenticeinrecognitionofthesuccessfulcompletionofanapprenticeship program.
(b) "Career pathway" means a series of connected education and training strategies and support services that enable individuals to secure industry-relevant skills and certification where applicable, to obtain employmentwithinanoccupational area, andtoadvancetohigherlevels of future education and employment.
(c) "Criticaloccupations"meanstopjobsoremploymentinjobsthat lead to top jobs.
(b.5) "Certificate of completion" means a certificate awarded to an apprentice in recognition of the successful completion of an apprenticeship program.
(d) "Growing industries" means industries that are projected to create new jobs annually for at least the next ten years.
(c) "Critical occupations" means top jobs or employment in jobs that lead to top jobs.
(d) "Growing industries" means industries that are projected to -11- 156 create new jobs annually for at least the next ten years.
(g) "Top jobs" means jobs that have strong projected average openings per year for ten years and pay a living wage as defined in the Coloradotalentpipelinereportpreparedpursuanttosection24-46.3-103.
(g) "Top jobs" means jobs that have strong projected average openings per year for ten years and pay a living wage as defined in the Colorado talent pipeline report prepared pursuant to section 24-46.3-103.
(3) (a) The state council, in collaboration with its partners, and after consulting with local work foWORKFORCE boards and a task force within the department of education consisting of leadership from thedepartmentofeducationandsuperintendentsoflocalschooldistricts, shall design,AINTAIN ,AND UPDATE integrated career pathways for students within industry sectors identified in the annual Colorado talent report prepared pursuant to section 24-46.3-103 that aregrowing industriesandthathavecritical-DEMAND occupations.thatarewithout clearly articulated career pathways.
(3)(a) Thestatecouncil,incollaborationwithitspartners,andafter consultingwithlocalworkforce WORKFORCE boardsandataskforcewithin PAGE 9-SENATE BILL 26-156 the department of education consisting of leadership from the department of education and superintendents of local school districts, shall design, MAINTAIN ,AND UPDATE integrated career pathways for students within industry sectors identified in the annual Colorado talent report prepared pursuanttosection24-46.3-103thatare AS growingindustriesandthathave criticalN-DEMAND occupations.
(b) (I) In collaboration with its partners pursuant to subsection (3)(a) of this section,AT THE BEGINNING OFTHE 2026-27 ACADEMIC YEARANDAT THE BEGINNINGOFEACHACADEMICYEARTHEREAFTER ,the state council shall, (A) Design at least one career pathway that is ready for implementation by or before the 2016-17 academic year for critical occupations in a growing industry;
that are without clearlyarticulated career pathways.
and (B) subject to available appropriation or money from other -12- 156 sources,designatleasttwORUPDATE careerpathwaysthatarereadyfor implementation at the beginning of each subsequent academic year critical-DEMAND occupations in growing industries.
(b)(I) Incollaborationwithitspartnerspursuanttosubsection(3)(a) of this section,ND AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 2026-27 ACADEMIC YEAR AND AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH ACADEMIC YEAR THEREAFTER , the state council shall, (A) Design at least one career pathway that is ready for implementation by or before the 2016-17 academic year for critical occupations in a growing industry;
(II) Based on the top jobs listing in the talent pipeline report prepared in January2014, the first three growing industries for design of a career pathwayare construction and related skilled trades, information technology, and health careE STATE COUNCIL SHALL CONTINUE TO WORKTOIDENTIFYGROWINGINDUSTRIESANDIN -DEMANDOCCUPATIONS THAT ARE APPROPRIATE FORCAREERPATHWAYDEVELOPMENT BASEDON THE DATA PROVIDED IN THE ANNUALCOLORADO TALENT REPORT .
and (B) subjecttoavailableappropriationormoneyfromothersources, design at least two OR UPDATE career pathways that are ready for implementation at the beginning of each subsequent academic year for criticalN-DEMAND occupations in growing industries.
(c) Industry, through regional sector partnerships, and tradeassociationANDOTHERAPPROPRIATECOUNCILSORENTITIES ,shall review each career pathway annually to ensure that the career pathway remains relevant to the industry and shall provide input for ongoing adjustmentstothecareerpathwaytomeetworkforceWORKFORCE needs.
(II) Based on the top jobs listing in the talent pipeline report prepared in January2014, the first three growing industries for design of a career pathway are construction and related skilled trades, information technology,andhealthcareT HESTATECOUNCILSHALLCONTINUETOWORK TOIDENTIFYGROWINGINDUSTRIESANDIN DEMANDOCCUPATIONSTHATARE APPROPRIATE FOR CAREER PATHWAY DEVELOPMENT BASED ON THE DATA PROVIDED IN THE ANNUAL C OLORADO TALENT REPORT .
(5) The state council and partners shall use the model developed to create the manufacturing career pathway pursuant to section 23-60-1003,C.R.S.,includinganyimprovementstothemodelbasedupon theimplementationofthemanufacturingcareerpathway.Consistentwith the manufacturing career pathway, career pathways created pursuant to this section must have the components described in section 23-60-1003 (2), C.R.S., as they relate to the specific career pathway being created.
(c) Industry, through regional sector partnerships, and statewide trade associations,AND OTHER APPROPRIATE COUNCILS OR ENTITIES , shall review each career pathway annually to ensure that the career pathway remains relevant to the industry and shall provide input for ongoing adjustments to the career pathway to meet work force WORKFORCE needs.
(5.5) (a) As used in this subsection (5.5), "energy sector" means current and emerging establishments and partnerships engaged in electromechanical generation and maintenance, electrical energy transmission and distribution, energy efficiency and environmental technology,andrenewableenergyproduction.Theenergysectorincludes -13- 156 but is not limited to occupations and activities relating to the development, installation, and maintenance of products or technologies in the areas of carbon capture, energy storage, building electrification, electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, hydrogen fuel cell technology, and renewable natural gas.
(5) The state council and partners shall use the model developed to create the manufacturing career pathway pursuant to section 23-60-1003, C.R.S., including any improvements to the model based upon the implementation of the manufacturing career pathway.
(b) The state council and partners, including the department of natural resources, shall create an industry-driven energy sector career pathwayforimplementationbyorbeforethe2022-23academicyear.The state council shall comply with the provisions of this section, including careerpathwaydesign,components,implementation,industryreview,and promotion of the energy sector career pathway.
Consistent with the PAGE 10-SENATE BILL 26-156 manufacturing career pathway, career pathways created pursuant to this section must have the components described in section 23-60-1003 (2), C.R.S., as they relate to the specific career pathway being created.
(c) The strengthening photovoltaic and renewable careers (SPARC) workforce development program, created in part 5 of this article 46.3, shall provide money and other supports for in-demand and growingoccupationsintheenergysectorcareerpathwaycreatedpursuant to this subsection (5.5).
(5.5) (a) As used in this subsection (5.5), "energy sector" means current and emerging establishments and partnerships engaged in electromechanical generation and maintenance, electrical energy transmission and distribution, energy efficiency and environmental technology, and renewable energy production.
(6) Once a career pathway is completed pursuant to this section, the state council,N COORDINATION WITH PARTNER AGENCIES ,TRADE ASSOCIATIONS , AND OTHER COUNCILS OR ENTITIES , shall facilitate outreachandtrainingrelatedtoadvisingOADVISE studentsonthecareer pathways for all partners involved in implementing the career pathway, as well as other local, regional, or state entities that are interested in promoting the career pathway to students.
The energy sector includes but is not limited to occupations and activities relating to the development, installation, and maintenance of products or technologies in the areas of carbon capture, energy storage, building electrification, electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, hydrogen fuel cell technology, and renewable natural gas.
(7) (a) Once a career pathway is completed pursuant to this section, the state council shall, subject to available appropriation or money from other sources, collaborate with the department of higher education and the department of labor and employment to create a -14- 156 micrositeconcerninPUBLISHthecareerpathwayonastate-provided,free online resource.
(b) The state council and partners, including the department of natural resources, shall create an industry-driven energy sector career pathway for implementation by or before the 2022-23 academic year.
At a minimum, the following information must be included:
The state council shall comply with the provisions of this section, including career pathwaydesign, components, implementation, industryreview, and promotion of the energy sector career pathway.
(c) Thestrengtheningphotovoltaicandrenewablecareers(SPARC) workforcedevelopmentprogram,createdinpart5of thisarticle46.3,shall providemoneyand other supports for in-demand and growing occupations intheenergysectorcareerpathwaycreatedpursuanttothissubsection(5.5).
(6) Onceacareerpathwayiscompletedpursuanttothissection,the state council, IN COORDINATION WITH PARTNER AGENCIES , TRADE ASSOCIATIONS ,ANDOTHERCOUNCILS OR ENTITIES , shall facilitate outreach and training related to advisingTO ADVISE students on the career pathways for all partners involved in implementing the career pathway, as well as other local, regional, or state entities that are interested in promoting the career pathway to students.
(7) (a) Once a career pathwayis completed pursuant to this section, the state council shall, subject to available appropriation or money from other sources, collaborate with the department of higher education and the department of labor and employment to create a microsite concerning PUBLISH the career pathway on a state-provided, free online resource.
At a PAGE 11-SENATE BILL 26-156 minimum, the following information must be included:
(IV) Informationonprogramswithinthecareerpathway,services provided, and financial aid opportunities for students;
(IV) Information on programs within the career pathway, services provided, and financial aid opportunities for students;
(b) ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS MAY ,IN DESIGNING OR UPDATING PROGRAMS :
(b) A CADEMIC INSTITUTIONS MAY , IN DESIGNING OR UPDATING PROGRAMS :
(I) NTEGRATE CAREER PATHWAYS INTO STUDENT ADVISING AND ACADEMIC PLANNING ;
(I) ITEGRATE CAREER PATHWAYS INTO STUDENT ADVISING AND ACADEMIC PLANNING ;
(II) ALIGN ACADEMIC AND TRAINING PROGRAMS TO PROVIDE CLEAR CURRICULAR SEQUENCES THAT LEAD TO STACKABLE , INDUSTRY RECOGNIZED CREDENTIALS ;AND (III) EEDALIGNED ,WORK BASEDLEARNINGOPPORTUNITIESAS AN INTEGRAL COMPONENT OF THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE IN COLLABORATION WITH INDUSTRY .
(II) AIGNACADEMICANDTRAININGPROGRAMSTOPROVIDECLEAR CURRICULARSEQUENCESTHATLEADTOSTACKABLE ,INDUSTRY -RECOGNIZED CREDENTIALS ;AND (III) MBEDALIGNED ,WORK -BASEDLEARNINGOPPORTUNITIESASAN INTEGRAL COMPONENT OF THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE IN COLLABORATION WITH INDUSTRY .
(b)(c) The state council may use money appropriated by the generalassemblypursuanttosection24-46.3-101(13)ormoneyfromany other source to add additional information and tools to aINE PLATFORM THAT PROMOTES career pathways.
(b)(c) Thestatecouncilmayusemoneyappropriatedbythegeneral assembly pursuant to section 24-46.3-101 (13) or money from any other source to add additional information and tools to aE ONLINE PLATFORM THATPROMOTES career pathways.microsite,similartotheinformationand tools provided in the microsite relating to the manufacturing career pathway.
microsite, similar to the information and tools provided in the microsite relating to the manufacturing career pathway.
SECTION 4.
SECTION4.
In Colorado Revised Statutes, 24-46.3-302, amend (1) and (2)(a) as follows:
InColoradoRevisedStatutes,24-46.3-302,amend (1) and (2)(a) as follows:
24-46.3-302.
-15- 156 24-46.3-302.
Postsecondary and workforce readiness statewide coordinator - position created - duties.
Postsecondaryandworkforcereadinessstatewide coordinator - position created - duties.
PAGE 12-SENATE BILL 26-156 (1)(a) Thereiscreatedthepositionofpostsecondaryandworkforce WORKFORCE readinessstatewidecoordinatortoworkunderthedirectionof thestateworkforcedevelopment council.Thestatewidecoordinatorworks SHALL WORK with and helps to HELP coordinate the efforts of local education providers, businesses, industry, area technical colleges, communitycolleges,apprenticeshipprograms,thedepartmentofeducation, the work force development STATE council, the career and technical education division within the Colorado community college system, the department of higher education, college preparation programs, and other appropriate entities to raise the level of postsecondary and work force WORKFORCE readiness that Colorado high school graduates achieveHAVE ACCESSTO ,especiallywithregardtoreadinessuponhighschoolgraduation, for skilled career positions in business and industry, INCLUSIVE OF INDICATORS IDENTIFIED IN THE SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY FRAMEWORK .
(1) (a) There is created the position of postsecondary and work forceWORKFORCE readiness statewide coordinator to work under the direction of the state work force developmentcil.
(b) The executive committee of the state work force development council shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the commissionerofeducationasnecessarytoenablethestatewidecoordinator to collaborate with the office of postsecondary readiness and other appropriate offices and divisions within the department of education in implementing initiatives to increase the level of postsecondary and work forceWORKFORCE readiness that high school graduates achieve.
The statewide coordinator worksHALL WORK with and helps tHELP coordinate the efforts of local education providers, businesses, industry, area technical colleges, community colleges, apprenticeship programs, the department of education, the work force developmentE council, the career and technical education division within the Colorado community college system,thedepartmentofhighereducation,collegepreparationprograms, andotherappropriateentitiestoraisethelevelofpostsecondaryandwork forceWORKFORCE readinessthatColoradohighschoolgraduatesachieve HAVE ACCESS TO , especially with regard to readiness upon high school graduation, for skilled career positions in business and industry, INCLUSIVE OF INDICATORS IDENTIFIED IN THE SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY FRAMEWORK .
(2) (a) The statewide coordinator shall assist localORKFORCE CENTERS AND education providers in:
(b) Theexecutivecommitteeofthestateworkforcedevelopment council shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the commissioner of education as necessary to enable the statewide coordinatortocollaboratewiththeofficeof postsecondaryreadinessand otherappropriateofficesanddivisionswithinthedepartmentofeducation in implementing initiatives to increase the level of postsecondary and work forceWORKFORCE readiness that high school graduates achieve.
(I) Developingand implementing initiatives to increase the level of postsecondary and work force WORKFORCE readinessOPPORTUNITIES that high school graduates achieve, which may include but need not be limited to HAVE ACCESS TO ,INCLUDING specialized, industry-based curricula and programs;
(2) (a) The statewide coordinator shall assist localE CENTERS AND education providers in:
(I) Developing and implementing initiatives to increase the level -16- 156 of postsecondary and work forcWORKFORCE readinessOPPORTUNITIES that high school graduates achieve, which may include but need not be limited to HAVE ACCESS TO ,INCLUDING specialized, industry-based curricula and programs;
(II) Implementingconcurrentenrollmentprogramsasprovidedin article 35 of title 22, C.R.S., and in entering into concurrent enrollment agreements with area technical colleges, community colleges, and four-year institutions of higher education;
(II) Implementing concurrent enrollment programs as provided in article 35 of title 22, C.R.S., and in entering into concurrent enrollment agreementswithareatechnicalcolleges,communitycolleges,andfour-year institutions of higher education;
(III)II) Identifying local industry and work fWORKFORCE needs and existing educational tools, programs, and resources to help prepare middle and high school students to meet those needs upon graduating from high school;
(III) (II) Identifying local industry and work forcWORKFORCE needs and existing educational tools, programs, and resources to help prepare middle and high school students to meet those needs upon PAGE 13-SENATE BILL 26-156 graduating from high school;
(IV)(III) Working with state and federal programs that provide career and work forceWORKFORCE development opportunities foAND OUT -OF-SCHOOLYOUTHAND studentsenrolledinmiddle and high school and in accessing anystate or federal moneys that MONEY THAT IS available to local education providers to support and implement the programs;
(IV)(III) Working with state and federal programs that provide career and work force WORKFORCE development opportunities for AND OUT -OF-SCHOOL YOUTH AND students enrolled in middle and high school and in accessing any state or federal moneys that are MONEY THAT IS available to local education providers to support and implement the programs;
(V)(IV) Promoting opportunities for industry to engage in the classroom with students enrolled in grades six through twelvAND OUT -OF-SCHOOL YOUTH ;AND (VI) Engaging students with the manufacturing career pathway created pursuant to section 23-60-1003, C.R.S.;
(V) (IV) Promoting opportunities for industry to engage in the classroom with students enrolled in grades six through twelve AND OUT -OF-SCHOOL YOUTH ;AND (VI) Engaging students with the manufacturing career pathway created pursuant to section 23-60-1003, C.R.S.;
and (VII)(V) Developing partnerships with businesses, industry, INDUSTRIES , unions, area technical colleges, community colleges, apprenticeship programs, and other entities to create opportunities for -17- 156 students to participate in educational and training programs that lead to obtaining a career entry-level credentialLL,CREDENTIALS ,AND EXPERIENCE NECESSARY TO OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT IN IN -DEMAND OCCUPATIONS INC OLORADO .
and (VII) (V) Developing partnerships with businesses, industry, INDUSTRIES , unions, area technical colleges, community colleges, apprenticeship programs, and other entities to create opportunities for students to participate in educational and training programs that lead to obtaining a career entry-level credentialE SKILLS ,CREDENTIALS ,AND EXPERIENCE NECESSARY TO OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT IN IN-DEMAND OCCUPATIONS IN C OLORADO .
In Colorado RevisedStatutes,amend24-46.3-303 as follows:
InColoradoRevisedStatutes,amend24-46.3-303as follows:
The state work force developmentncil and the department of education shall annuallyreview the work of the statewide coordinator in implementing the duties described in section 24-46.3-302,CH REVIEWSHALLINCLUDESPECIFICMETRICSANDDATATHATDEMONSTRATE THEPROGRESSANDGROWTHOFTHESTATEWIDECOORDINATOR .Thestate work force developmentouncil shall include a summary of the review intheColoradotalentreportpreparedpursuanttosection24-46.3-103(3).
The state work force development council and the department of education shall annually review the work of the statewide coordinator in implementing the duties described in section 24-46.3-302, AND SUCH REVIEW SHALL INCLUDE SPECIFIC METRICS AND DATA THAT DEMONSTRATE THE PROGRESS AND GROWTH OF THE STATEWIDE COORDINATOR .
SECTION6.
The state work force development council shall include a summary of the review in the Colorado talent report prepared pursuant to section 24-46.3-103 (3).
InColoradoRevisedStatutes,22-43.7-109,amend (14) as follows:
SECTION 6.
22-43.7-109.
In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-43.7-109, amend (14) as follows:
PAGE 14-SENATE BILL 26-156 22-43.7-109.
(14) For fiscal year 2019-20 and for each succeeding fiscal year, the board, with the support of the division and subject to the approval of the state board regarding financial assistance awards as specified in this section, may provide financial assistance in the form of career and technical education capital construction grants.
(14) Forfiscalyear2019-20andforeachsucceedingfiscalyear,the board, with the support of the division and subject to the approval of the stateboardregardingfinancialassistanceawardsasspecifiedinthissection, may provide financial assistance in the form of career and technical educationcapitalconstructiongrants.Inconjunctionwithitsestablishment of an annual financial assistance timeline as required by subsection (2)(a) of this section, the board shall annually notify all potential applicants, by such means astheboarddeemsappropriate,thatitwill accept and consider applications for financial assistance in the form of career and technical education capital construction grants.
In conjunction with its establishment of an annual financial assistance timeline as required by subsection (2)(a) of this section, the board shall annually notify all -18- 156 potential applicants, by such means as the board deems appropriate, that itwillacceptandconsiderapplicationsforfinancialassistanceintheform of career and technical education capital construction grants.
To be eligible for a career and technical education capital construction grant, an applicant for financial assistance must apply specifically for that grant in accordance with the financialassistancetimelineestablishedbytheboardpursuanttosubsection (2)(a) of this section and must submit an application in the formprescribed by the board pursuant to subsection (4) of this section.
To be eligibleforacareerandtechnicaleducationcapitalconstructiongrant,an applicant for financial assistance must applyspecificallyfor that grant in accordancewiththefinancialassistancetimelineestablishedbytheboard pursuant to subsection (2)(a) of this section and must submit an applicationintheformprescribedbytheboardpursuanttosubsection(4) of this section.
In awarding grants, the board shall consider whethereachgrantapplicationdescribesacareerandtechnicaleducation capital construction project that concerns a professional field that is identified as akeyOWING industryin the most recent annual Colorado talent report produced by the state work force development council pursuant to section 24-46.3-103 (3).
In awarding grants, the board shall consider whether each grant application describes a career and technical education capital construction project that concerns a professional field that is identified as a keyROWING industry in the most recent annual Colorado talent report produced by the state work force development council pursuant to section 24-46.3-103 (3).
SECTION7.
SECTION 7.
Appropriation-adjustmentsto2026longbill.To implement this act, the general fund appropriation made in the annual general appropriation act for the 2026-27 state fiscal year to the department of labor and employment for use by the division of employmentandtrainingforworkforcedevelopmentcouncilisdecreased by $46,605.
Appropriation - adjustments to 2026 long bill.
(1) To implement this act, the general fund appropriation made in the annual general appropriation act for the 2026-27 state fiscal year to the departmentoflaborandemploymentforusebythedivisionofemployment and training for workforce development council is decreased by $46,605.
-19- 156 (a) The amount of the general fund appropriation made in the annual general appropriation act for the 2026-27 state fiscal year to the department of labor and employment for use by the division of employment and training forworkforcedevelopment council is less than theamountoftheadjustmentrequiredinsubsection(1)ofthissection;or (b) The annual general appropriation act for the 2026-27 state fiscal year does not include an appropriation to the department of labor and employment for use by the division of employment and training for workforce development council.
PAGE 15-SENATE BILL 26-156 (a) Theamountofthegeneralfundappropriationmadeintheannual generalappropriationactforthe2026-27statefiscalyeartothedepartment oflaborandemploymentforusebythedivisionofemploymentandtraining for workforce development council is less than the amount of the adjustment required in subsection (1) of this section;
or (b) Theannualgeneralappropriationactforthe2026-27statefiscal year does not include an appropriation to the department of labor and employment for use by the division of employment and training for workforce development council.
on the day following the expiration of the ninety-dayperiodafterfinaladjournmentofthegeneralassembly(August 12,2026,if adjournmentsinedieisonMay13,2026);exceptthatsection 7 of this act takes effect only if the annual general appropriation act for the 2026-27 state fiscal year becomes law, in which case section 7 takes effect upon the effective date of this act or of the annual general appropriation act for state fiscal year 2026-27, whichever is later, and except that, if a referendum petition is filed pursuant to section 1 (3) of article V of the state constitution against this act or an item, section, or part of this act within such period, then the act, item, section, or part will nottakeeffectunlessapprovedbythepeopleatthegeneralelectiontobe held in November 2026 and, in such case, will take effect on the date of the official declaration of the vote thereon by the governor.
on the day following the expiration of the ninety-dayperiod after final adjournment of the general assembly(August 12, 2026, if adjournment sine die is on May 13,2026);
-20- 156
except that section of this act takes effect onlyif the annual general appropriation act for the 2026-27 state fiscal year becomes law, in which case section 7 takes effect upontheeffectivedateof thisactorof theannualgeneralappropriationact for state fiscal year 2026-27, whichever is later, and except that, if a referendumpetitionisfiledpursuanttosection1(3)ofarticleVofthestate constitution against this act or an item, section, or part of this act within such period, then the act, item, section, or part will not take effect unless PAGE 16-SENATE BILL 26-156 approvedbythepeopleatthegeneralelectiontobeheldinNovember2026 and, in such case, will take effect on the date of the official declaration of the vote thereon by the governor.
____________________________ ____________________________ James Rashad Coleman, Sr.
Julie McCluskie PRESIDENT OF SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE THE SENATE OF REPRESENTATIVES ____________________________ ____________________________ Esther van Mourik Vanessa Reilly SECRETARY OF CHIEF CLERK OF THE HOUSE THE SENATE OF REPRESENTATIVES APPROVED________________________________________ (Date and Time) _________________________________________ Jared S.
Polis GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF COLORADO PAGE 17-SENATE BILL 26-156
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Action History

  1. Governor Signed

  2. Signed by the President of the Senate

  3. Signed by the Speaker of the House

  4. Sent to the Governor

  5. House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

  6. House Third Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments

  7. House Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended to House Committee of the Whole

  8. House Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments

  9. House Committee on Business Affairs & Labor Refer Unamended to Appropriations

  10. Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

  11. Introduced In House - Assigned to Business Affairs & Labor

  12. Senate Committee on Appropriations Refer Amended - Consent Calendar to Senate Committee of the Whole

  13. Senate Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee

  14. Senate Committee on Business, Labor, & Technology Refer Amended to Appropriations

  15. Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Business, Labor, & Technology

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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4 sponsors · 4 co-sponsors · 93 not signed on · 17 voted No

Sponsors (4)

Co-sponsors (4)

Not signed on (93)

93 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 93 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

BILL

Passed 47 Yea · 17 Nay · 1 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 40001
Republican 31600
Unaffiliated 4100
Total 471701
% of votes cast 72%26%0%2%
How each member voted (65)
Member Party Vote
Gonzalez R. — Yea
Stewart K. — Yea
Stewart R. — Yea
Winter T. — Yea
Garcia Sander — Nay
Alex Valdez Democrat Yea
Amy Paschal Democrat Yea
Andrew Boesenecker Democrat Yea
Bob Marshall Democrat Yea
Brianna Titone Democrat Yea
Cecelia Espenoza Democrat Yea
Chad Clifford Democrat Yea
Eliza Hamrick Democrat Yea
Elizabeth Velasco Democrat Yea
Emily Sirota Democrat Yea
Gretchen Rydin Democrat Yea
Jacque Phillips Democrat Yea
Jamie Jackson Democrat Yea
Javier Mabrey Democrat Yea
Jennifer Bacon Democrat Yea
Jenny Willford Democrat Yea
Julie McCluskie Democrat Yea
Junie Joseph Democrat Yea
Karen McCormick Democrat Yea
Kenny Nguyen Democrat Yea
Kyle Brown Democrat Yea
Lesley Smith Democrat Yea
Lindsay Gilchrist Democrat Yea
Lisa Feret Democrat Yea
Lorena Garcia Democrat Yea
Lori Goldstein Democrat Yea
Mandy Lindsay Democrat Yea
Manny Rutinel Democrat Yea
Matthew Martinez Democrat Yea
Meg Froelich Democrat Yea
Meghan Lukens Democrat Yea
Michael Carter Democrat Yea
Monica Duran Democrat Yea
Naquetta Ricks Democrat Not Voting
Regina English Democrat Yea
Sean Camacho Democrat Yea
Sheila Lieder Democrat Yea
Steven Woodrow Democrat Yea
Tammy Story Democrat Yea
Tisha Mauro Democrat Yea
Yara Zokaie Democrat Yea
Anthony Hartsook Republican Yea
Ava Flanell Republican Nay
Brandi Bradley Republican Nay
Carlos Barron Republican Nay
Chris Richardson Republican Nay
Dan Woog Republican Nay
Dusty Johnson Republican Nay
Jarvis Caldwell Republican Yea
Ken DeGraaf Republican Nay
Larry Don Suckla Republican Nay
Mary Bradfield Republican Nay
Matt Soper Republican Nay
Max Brooks Republican Nay
Rebecca Keltie Republican Nay
Rick Taggart Republican Yea
Ron Weinberg Republican Nay
Scott Bottoms Republican Nay
Scott Slaugh Republican Nay
Stephanie Luck Republican Nay

Official roll call →

Refer Senate Bill 26-156 to the Committee of the Whole.

Passed 9 Yea · 2 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 8000
Republican 1200
Total 9200
% of votes cast 82%18%0%0%
How each member voted (11)
Member Party Vote
Andrew Boesenecker Democrat Yea
Brianna Titone Democrat Yea
Elizabeth Velasco Democrat Yea
Emily Sirota Democrat Yea
Junie Joseph Democrat Yea
Karen McCormick Democrat Yea
Kyle Brown Democrat Yea
Yara Zokaie Democrat Yea
Chris Richardson Republican Nay
Rick Taggart Republican Yea
Scott Bottoms Republican Nay

Official roll call →

Refer Senate Bill 26-156 to the Committee on Appropriations.

Passed 9 Yea · 2 Nay · 2 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 2201
Democrat 7001
Total 9202
% of votes cast 69%15%0%15%
How each member voted (13)
Member Party Vote
Bob Marshall Democrat Yea
Gretchen Rydin Democrat Yea
Javier Mabrey Democrat Yea
Naquetta Ricks Democrat Not Voting
Regina English Democrat Yea
Sean Camacho Democrat Yea
Sheila Lieder Democrat Yea
Tisha Mauro Democrat Yea
Chris Richardson Republican Not Voting
Larry Don Suckla Republican Yea
Max Brooks Republican Nay
Rebecca Keltie Republican Nay
Ryan Gonzalez Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Refer Senate Bill 26-156, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole and with a recommendation that it be placed on the consent calendar.

Passed 7 Yea · 0 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 4000
Republican 3000
Total 7000
% of votes cast 100%0%0%0%
How each member voted (7)
Member Party Vote
Chris Kolker Democrat Yea
Jeff Bridges Democrat Yea
Judy Amabile Democrat Yea
Julie Gonzales Democrat Yea
Barbara Kirkmeyer Republican Yea
Byron Pelton Republican Yea
Larry Liston Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

labor education
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Frequently asked questions

What does SB 156 do?
The act implements changes to the practices of the state work force development council (council), including by:Streamlining requirements for the council's talent pipeline report based on industry changes over the last several years;Creating greater flexibility to allow the council to develop certain criteria for the creation of career pathways based on data and feedback collected by the council;Updating the duties of the council to better reflect the council's current education, training, and workforce preparation practices; andAmending the directives for and duties of the position of the postsecondary and workforce readiness statewide coordinator, who works under the direction of the council, to better align with the updated working structure of that position as related to several other entities.     The act decreases the 2026-27 state fiscal year general fund appropriation to the department of labor and employment for use by the division of employment and training, as reflected in the annual general appropriations act, by $46,605, unless the amount of general fund money appropriated for use for the council is less than the adjustment or no general fund money is appropriated for use for the council.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
Who sponsors SB 156?
SB 156 is sponsored by M. Duran, J. Phillips, R. Gonzalez, John Carson (Republican), Cathy Kipp (Democrat), James Coleman (Democrat), Tony Exum (Democrat), and Janice Marchman (Democrat).
What is the current status of SB 156?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced April 07, 2026. Enacted.
Where can I track SB 156?
Track SB 156 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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