Senate Bill 25-120, titled "Nuclear Workforce Development & Education Program," was introduced during the 2025 Regular Session of the Colorado General Assembly. The bill aims to address the growing workforce demand in Colorado's nuclear energy sector by establishing a dedicated program within the Department of Higher Education.
Key Provisions:
Creation of the Program: The bill establishes the Colorado Nuclear Workforce Development and Education Program within the Department of Higher Education. The program's primary purpose is to meet the increasing workforce demand in the nuclear energy sector by providing grants to institutions for the development or expansion of nuclear engineering degree or certificate programs and related course offerings.
Grant Program: A related grant program is created to provide financial assistance to institutions of higher education for developing or expanding nuclear engineering programs. The Colorado Nuclear Workforce Development and Education Council will advise and assist the department regarding the implementation and evaluation of this grant program.
Funding Sources: The department is authorized to seek, accept, and expend gifts, grants, and donations for program-related purposes. These funds will be credited to the Colorado Workforce Development and Education Cash Fund. The General Assembly will not appropriate general fund dollars to implement or maintain program operations or grant awards. Grant awards will commence only after the cash fund balance reaches or exceeds $500,000.
Reporting Requirements: The bill imposes requirements for reporting to the General Assembly about the program's implementation and use of funds. The program is scheduled for repeal effective September 1, 2032, unless extended pursuant to a sunset review.
These provisions are designed to enhance Colorado's nuclear workforce by supporting educational institutions in developing programs that align with industry needs, thereby fostering a skilled workforce to meet the demands of the nuclear energy sector.
Summary
The bill creates the Colorado nuclear workforce development and
education program (program) in the department of higher education (department) to help meet growing workforce demand in the nuclear energy sector. The bill establishes a related grant program to provide grants to institutions of higher education for the development or expansion of nuclear engineering degree or certificate programs or course offerings. The Colorado nuclear workforce development and education council shall advise and assist the department regarding the grant program's implementation and evaluation.
The department may seek, accept, and expend gifts, grants, and
donations for program-related purposes. The state treasurer shall credit the gifts, grants, and donations to the Colorado workforce development and education cash fund (cash fund). The general assembly shall not appropriate general fund dollars to implement or maintain program operations or grant awards. The department shall begin awarding grants only after the balance of the cash fund reaches or exceeds $500,000.
The bill imposes requirements to report to the general assembly
about the program's implementation and use of funds. The bill repeals the program, effective September 1, 2032, unless the program is extended pursuant to a sunset review.
