Colorado House approves hiring preference, investment flex for coal-transition communities

The Colorado House on Feb. 20 approved Senate Bill 52, a bipartisan measure intended to give priority to qualified coal transition workers for job openings in communities affected by coal-plant closures. Sponsors said the bill also expands how public entities may deposit or invest funds received as part of transition or settlement payments.

Representative Lukens, who moved Senate Bill 52, said the measure aims to keep "coal transition workers first in line for emerging and ongoing job demand by ensuring qualified workers receive a first opportunity for jobs in their community." Lukens introduced and secured three floor amendments before final passage.

Amendment L4 clarifies that businesses may hire a non-coal worker if a qualified coal transition worker is not available; L5 limits the statutory hiring preference so it applies only to employment within designated coal-transition communities; and L6 narrows the preference language to apply to an individual who works or worked in a Colorado coal transition facility. All three amendments were adopted by voice votes.

Representative Morrow, who said his district includes coal-transition communities, emphasized section 3 of the bill, which "authorizes deposit or investment of settlement or payment funds they receive to offset socioeconomic impacts from coal facility closures." Both Lukens and Morrow urged members to support the bill as a way to prioritize local workers and provide tools to manage transition funds.

The bill passed the House on second reading by voice vote and was placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage.