(Repealed)

8-15-101. (Repealed) Source: L. 2016: Entire article RC&RE, (HB 16-1287), ch. 224, p. 857, � 2, effective August 10. Editor's note: (1) This article was numbered as article 1 of chapter 9, C.R.S. 1963. It was repealed in 1987 and was subsequently recreated and reenacted in 2016, resulting in the addition, relocation, or elimination of sections as well as subject matter. For amendments to this article prior to 1987, consult the Colorado statutory research explanatory note beginning on page vii in the front of this volume. (2) Subsection (5) provided for the repeal of this section, effective July 1, 2017. (See L. 2016, p. 857.) ARTICLE 15.5 Displaced Homemakers Editor's note: This article was repealed in 1979 and was subsequently recreated and reenacted in 1980, resulting in the addition, relocation, and elimination of sections as well as subject matter. For amendments to this article prior to 1979, consult the Colorado statutory research explanatory note and the table itemizing the replacement volumes and supplements to the original volume of C.R.S. 1973 beginning on page vii in the front of this volume. Law reviews: For article, Colorado's Displaced Homemakers Act, see 27 Colo. Law. 129 (June 1998). 8-15.5-101. Short title. This article shall be known and may be cited as the Displaced Homemakers Act. Source: L. 80: Entire article RC&RE, p. 452, � 1, effective July 1. 8-15.5-102. Definitions. As used in this article, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) Department means the department of labor and employment. (2) Displaced homemaker means an individual who: (a) Has worked in the home, providing unpaid household services for family members for a substantial number of years; (b) Is not gainfully employed; (c) Has had, or would have, difficulty finding employment; and (d) (I) Has depended on the income of a family member and has lost that income; or (II) Has depended on government assistance as the parent of dependent children, but who is no longer eligible for such assistance, or is supported, as the parent of minor children, by government assistance, but whose children are within two years of reaching the age of eighteen years. (3) Executive director means the executive director of the department of labor and employment. Source: L. 80: Entire article RC&RE, p. 452, � 1, effective July 1. 8-15.5-103. Multipurpose service centers for displaced homemakers. (1) The executive director may establish multipurpose service centers for displaced homemakers and is authorized to enter into contracts with and make grants to agencies or organizations, public or private, to establish, organize, and administer the various programs enumerated in section 8-15.5-104. (2) Each service center shall include the following services: (a) Job counseling services which shall: (I) Be specifically designed for displaced homemakers; and (II) Operate to counsel displaced homemakers with respect to appropriate job opportunities; (b) Job training and job placement services which shall: (I) Develop, by working with state and local government agencies and private employers, training and placement programs for jobs in the public and private sectors; (II) Assist displaced homemakers in gaining admission to existing public and private job-training programs and opportunities; and (III) Assist in identifying community needs and creating new jobs in the public and private sectors; (c) Health education and counseling services in cooperation with existing health programs with respect to: (I) General principles of preventive health care; (II) Health-care consumer education, particularly in the selection of physicians and health-care services, including, but not limited to, health maintenance organizations and health insurance; (III) Family health care and nutrition; (IV) Substance use disorders; and (V) Other related health-care matters; (d) Financial management services which provide information and assistance with respect to insurance, taxes, estate and probate problems, mortgages, loans, and other related financial matters; (e) Educational services, including: (I) Outreach and information about courses offering credit through secondary or postsecondary education programs, including bilingual programming where appropriate; and (II) Information about such other programs which are determined by the executive director to be of interest and benefit to displaced homemakers; (f) Legal counseling and referral services; and (g) Outreach and information services with respect to employment, education, health, public assistance, and unemployment assistance programs which the executive director determines would be of interest and benefit to displaced homemakers. (3) Supervisory, technical, and administrative positions relating to centers established under this article shall, to the maximum extent feasible, be filled by displaced homemakers. Source: L. 80: Entire article RC&RE, p. 453, � 1, effective July 1. L. 83: (1) amended, p. 395, � 2, effective June 3. L. 2017: (2)(c)(IV) amended, (SB 17-242), ch. 263, p. 1263, � 33, effective May 25. Cross references: For the legislative declaration in SB 17-242, see section 1 of chapter 263, Session Laws of Colorado 2017. 8-15.5-104. Selection and administration of centers. (1) In selecting sites for the centers established under section 8-15.5-103, the executive director shall consider: (a) The location of any existing facilities for displaced homemakers and any existing services similar to those listed in section 8-15.5-103 which might be incorporated into a center; (b) The needs of each region of the state for a center; (c) The needs of both urban and rural communities. (2) The executive director shall select a public or private organization to administer each center. The selection of such an organization shall be made after consultation with local government agencies and shall take into consideration the experience and capability of such organizations in administering the services to be provided by each center. (3) The executive director shall consult and cooperate with the secretary or director of such agencies in the executive branch of the federal and state governments as the executive director considers appropriate to facilitate the establishment of centers under this article with existing state or federal programs of a similar nature. Source: L. 80: Entire article RC&RE, p. 454, � 1, effective July 1. L. 83: (2) amended, p. 396, � 3, effective June 3. 8-15.5-105. Evaluation. (1) The executive director, in cooperation with the administrator of each center, and in consultation with appropriate heads of executive agencies, shall prepare and furnish to the general assembly evaluations of the centers established under this article, including: (a) A thorough assessment of each center; (b) Recommendations covering the administration and expansion of such centers; and (c) Data on the numbers of persons referred to and enrolled in the programs enumerated in section 8-15.5-103, and data on job placements and employment of persons enrolled in such programs. (2) No later than January 1, 1981, the executive director shall submit to the general assembly an evaluation pursuant to this section. Subsequent evaluations shall be made every two years. (3) The executive director, in consultation with the appropriate heads of executive agencies, shall prepare and furnish to the general assembly a study to determine the feasibility of and appropriate procedure for placing displaced homemakers in: (a) Programs established under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, 29 U.S.C. sec. 3101 et seq.; (b) Work incentive programs established under section 432 (b)(1) of the federal Social Security Act; (c) Related federal and state employment, education, and health assistance programs; and (d) Programs established or benefits provided under federal and state unemployment compensation laws by consideration of full-time homemakers as provided eligible for such benefits or programs. Source: L. 80: Entire article RC&RE, p. 454, � 1, effective July 1. L. 2009: (3)(a) amended, (SB 09-292), ch. 369, p. 1939, � 5, effective August 5. L. 2016: (3)(a) amended, (HB 16-1302), ch. 183, p. 626, � 1, effective May 19. Cross references: For section 432 of the Social Security Act, see 42 U.S.C. � 629b. 8-15.5-106. Advisory body. The executive director shall establish an advisory body to the department which shall consist of members who are representative of displaced homemakers, local service deliverers, appropriate state agencies, and the general public. The advisory body shall provide recommendations to the executive director regarding the planning, operation, and evaluation of the activities mandated by this article. Source: L. 80: Entire article RC&RE, p. 455, � 1, effective July 1. 8-15.5-107. Rules and regulations. The executive director shall promulgate rules and regulations to govern the eligibility of persons for the job training and other programs of the multipurpose service center, the level of stipends for the job training programs described in section 8-15.5-103 (2)(b), a sliding fee scale for the service programs described in section 8-15.5-103 (2)(c) to (2)(g), and such other matters as the executive director deems necessary. Source: L. 80: Entire article RC&RE, p. 455, � 1, effective July 1. 8-15.5-108. Displaced homemakers fund - creation. (1) There is hereby created in the state treasury the displaced homemakers fund. All fees collected pursuant to section 14-10-120.5, C.R.S., shall be deposited in said fund. All moneys in the fund shall be subject to annual appropriation by the general assembly and, commencing July 1, 1980, shall be available for carrying out the purposes of this article; except that, if the amount in said fund from fees collected pursuant to section 14-10-120.5, C.R.S., exceeds one hundred forty-five thousand dollars in any fiscal year, the excess of one hundred forty-five thousand dollars shall revert to the general fund. (2) The executive director may apply for and accept any funds, grants, gifts, or services made available by any agency or department of the federal government or any private agency or individual, which funds, grants, gifts, or services shall be used to carry out the total program of this article. Funds and grants received pursuant to this subsection (2) shall be placed in the displaced homemakers fund in a separate account and shall not be included in computing the amount that will revert to the general fund pursuant to subsection (1) of this section. Source: L. 80: Entire article RC&RE, p. 455, � 1, effective July 1. L. 82: (1) amended, p. 233, � 1, effective April 23. L. 93: (1) amended, p. 1515, � 18, effective June 6. ARTICLE 15.7 Apprenticeships PART 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS 8-15.7-101. Definitions. As used in this article 15.7, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) Apprentice means an individual who is sixteen years of age or older, except when a higher minimum age standard is otherwise fixed by law, and who is employed to learn an apprenticeable occupation under the standards of apprenticeship established by this article 15.7. (2) Apprenticeable occupation means an occupation specified by an industry that involves the progressive attainment of skills, competencies, and knowledge that are: (a) Clearly identified and commonly recognized throughout the relevant industry or occupation; (b) Customarily learned or enhanced in a practical way through a structured, systematic program of on-the-job, supervised learning and related instruction to supplement the learning; and (c) Offered through a time-based, competency-based, or hybrid model that the director has determined meets the requirements of this article 15.7 and conforms with federal regulations. (3) Apprenticeship agreement means a written agreement between an apprentice and a sponsor or an apprenticeship committee acting as agent for the sponsor, in conformity with federal regulations. (4) Apprenticeship program means a plan containing all terms and conditions for the qualification, recruitment, selection, employment, and training of apprentices that meets the requirements of this article 15.7 and conforms with federal regulations, including the requirement for a written apprenticeship agreement. (5) Certificate of completion means a certificate awarded to an apprentice in recognition of the successful completion of an apprenticeship program. (6) Certificate of registration means documentation that a registration agency has registered an apprenticeship program pursuant to this article 15.7 and in conformity with federal regulations, as evidenced by a certificate of registration or other written documentation. (6.3) Committee for apprenticeship in new and emerging industries or CANEI means the committee for apprenticeship in new and emerging industries created in section 8-15.7-104. (6.5) Committee for apprenticeship in the building and construction trades or CABCT means the committee for apprenticeship in the building and construction trades created in section 8-15.7-103. (7) Department means the department of labor and employment. (8) Director means the director of the SAA. (9) Executive director means the executive director of the department. (9.5) Federal regulations means the regulations promulgated by the United States secretary of labor under the National Apprenticeship Act, 29 U.S.C. sec. 50. (10) Repealed. (11) Qualified intermediary means an entity that demonstrates expertise in connecting employers or apprenticeship program participants to registered apprenticeship programs or in convening stakeholders to develop registered apprenticeship programs and serves employers and apprenticeship program participants by: (a) Connecting employers to programs under the national apprenticeship system; (b) Assisting in the design and implementation of apprenticeship programs, including curriculum development and delivery for related instruction; (c) Supporting entities, sponsors, or apprenticeship program administrators in meeting and reporting the requirements of this article 15.7; (d) Providing professional development activities, such as training to mentors; (e) Supporting the recruitment, retention, and apprenticeship program completion of potential apprenticeship program participants, including nontraditional participants and apprenticeship populations and individuals with barriers to employment; (f) Developing and providing personalized apprenticeship program participant supports, including partnering with organizations to provide access to or referrals for supportive services and financial advising; (g) Providing services, resources, and supports for the development, delivery, expansion, or improvement of apprenticeship programs under the national apprenticeship system; or (h) Serving as an apprenticeship program sponsor. (12) Quality assurance assessment means a comprehensive review conducted by the SAA regarding all aspects of an apprenticeship program's performance, including determining whether: (a) The apprentices are receiving on-the-job training consistent with the schedule outlined in the registered apprenticeship program standards; (b) Scheduled wage increases are consistent with the registered apprenticeship program standards; (c) Related instruction through the appropriate curriculum and delivery systems is compliant with federal and state standards; and (d) The SAA is receiving notification of all new apprentices in a registered apprenticeship program, apprentices who leave a registered apprenticeship program, and apprentices who complete a registered apprenticeship program. (12.5) Recognized state apprenticeship agency means the state apprenticeship agency, if recognized by the United States department of labor, or any other state apprenticeship agency recognized by the United States department of labor as the apprenticeship agency for the state. (13) Registered apprenticeship program means an apprenticeship program that is registered by the SAA pursuant to this article 15.7. (13.5) Registration agency means the United States department of labor's office of apprenticeship or a recognized state apprenticeship agency. (14) Registration of apprenticeship programs means the acceptance and recording of an apprenticeship program by the United States department of labor's office of apprenticeship or registration or approval of an apprenticeship program by a state apprenticeship agency that is recognized by the United States department of labor's office of apprenticeship in conformity with federal regulations. Approval is evidenced by a certificate of registration or other written documentation. (15) Sponsor means: (a) Any person, association, committee, or organization operating an apprenticeship program and in whose name the program is registered or approved; or (b) Any person, association, committee, or organization that is operating an apprenticeship program and is applying to have the apprenticeship program registered or approved in its name. (16) State apprenticeship agency or SAA means the state apprenticeship agency created in section 8-15.7-102. (17) State apprenticeship council or SAC means the state apprenticeship council established pursuant to section 8-15.7-105. (18) State-approved program means a high school career and technical education program established by a state-level advisory board described in section 8-15.7-201 (2). Source: L. 2021: Entire article added, (HB 21-1007), ch. 309, p. 1879, � 1, effective July 1. L. 2023: (2)(c), (3), (4), (6), (14), (15), and (17) amended, (6.3), (6.5), (9.5), (12.5), and (13.5) added, and (10) repealed, (SB 23-051), ch. 37, p. 134, � 3, effective March 23. L. 2024: (14) amended, (SB 24-103), ch. 32, p. 101, � 3, effective August 7; (18) added, (SB 24-104), ch. 299, p. 2037, � 2, effective August 7. Cross references: For the legislative declaration in SB 24-104, see section 1 of chapter 299, Session Laws of Colorado 2024. 8-15.7-102. State apprenticeship agency - created - director - powers and duties - rules - repeal. (1) There is created in the department the state apprenticeship agency. The executive director shall appoint a director of the SAA. The SAA shall: (a) Serve as the primary point of contact with the United States department of labor's office of apprenticeship; (b) Accelerate new apprenticeship program growth on a geographically diverse basis, especially in high-demand occupations, while ensuring quality standards; (b.5) Establish the state apprenticeship council, which operates under the direction of the SAA, to provide advice and guidance to the SAA; (c) Provide administrative support to the SAC in carrying out its duties; (d) Work in partnership with relevant state agencies to reduce duplication of postsecondary program approval; (e) Seek recognition by the United States department of labor and operate the SAA in conformity with federal regulations; (f) Coordinate the registered apprenticeship programs with Colorado's economic development strategies and publicly funded workforce investment system; and (g) to (j) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2023.) (k) Monitor and evaluate apprenticeship programs' performance and compliance with federal and state standards. (l) to (r) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2023.) (s) (I) Review applications for and issue income tax credit certificates as specified in section 39-22-562 and promulgate rules to establish standards for the certificates. (II) This subsection (1)(s) is repealed, effective December 31, 2037. (2) The SAA is a type 1 entity, as defined in section 24-1-105, and exercises its powers and performs its duties and functions under the department. (3) The SAA must follow all guidance documents issued by the United States department of labor's office of apprenticeship. (4) The director may promulgate rules as necessary to implement this article 15.7, which rules must conform with federal regulations. (5) (a) The director may: (I) Approve the registration of apprenticeship programs in conformity with federal regulations; and (II) Approve the deregistration of apprenticeship programs at the request of the sponsor or after a hearing pursuant to section 8-15.7-107. (b) The determination of the director is a final agency action that is subject to judicial review pursuant to section 24-4-106. (6) The director shall contribute education and workforce data beginning in the 2025-26 state fiscal year, as necessary, to the Colorado statewide longitudinal data system consistent with the governance practices established by the Colorado statewide longitudinal data system governing board pursuant to section 24-37.5-125 (4). Source: L. 2021: Entire article added, (HB 21-1007), ch. 309, p. 1882, � 1, effective July 1. L. 2022: (2) amended, (SB 22-162), ch. 469, p. 3383, � 87, effective August 10. L. 2023: (1) and (4) amended and (5) added, (SB 23-051), ch. 37, p. 135, � 4, effective March 23. L. 2024: (1)(s) added, (HB 24-1439), ch. 163, p. 775, � 3, effective May 10; (6) added, (HB 24-1364), ch. 238, p. 1559, � 6, effective May 23. Cross references: For the short title (the Debbie Haskins 'Administrative Organization Act of 1968' Modernization Act) in SB 22-162, see section 1 of chapter 469, Session Laws of Colorado 2022. 8-15.7-103. Committee for apprenticeship in the building and construction trades - created - members - powers and duties. (1) The director shall establish the committee for apprenticeship in the building and construction trades as a subcommittee of the SAC to advise the SAA on registered apprenticeship programs for the building and construction trades in the state. (2) (a) The CABCT consists of seventeen members appointed as follows: (I) The director shall appoint ten voting members familiar with apprenticeable occupations as follows: (A) Four representatives from employer organizations, one of whom represents a statewide employer organization, one of whom represents an employer involved with an apprenticeship program targeting populations with barriers to employment, and one of whom represents a statewide organization of general and specialty commercial construction contractors that is knowledgeable about registered apprenticeship programs; (B) Four representatives from employee organizations, one of whom represents a statewide employee organization; and (C) Two representatives of the public; and (II) The governor shall appoint seven nonvoting, ex officio members to serve on the CABCT, all of whom are concurrently appointed to the CANEI pursuant to section 8-15.7-104 (2)(a)(II), as follows: (A) One representative from the department; (B) One representative of career and technical education programs; (C) One representative with experience in economic development; (D) One representative of training providers; (E) One representative of the state work force development council created in section 24-46.3-101; (F) One member who is interested in promoting equal opportunity in apprenticeship; and (G) One representative from the department of higher education. (b) (I) Of the members appointed by the director, the initial term of office of three members from employer organizations, two members from employee organizations, and one representative of the public is three years, and the initial term of office of the remaining four members is four years. Thereafter, the terms of the members appointed by the director are four years. (II) Of the members appointed by the governor, the initial term of office of the three members appointed pursuant to subsections (2)(a)(II)(A), (2)(a)(II)(B), and (2)(a)(II)(C) of this section is three years and the initial term of office of the three members appointed pursuant to subsections (2)(a)(II)(D), (2)(a)(II)(E), and (2)(a)(II)(F) of this section is four years. Thereafter, the terms of the members appointed by the governor are four years. (c) The director shall appoint one member of the CABCT to serve as the chair for a term of two years. A chair may be appointed to serve no more than two full terms. (d) If a member fails to complete the member's term, the appointing authority shall appoint a new member to complete the remainder of the term. (e) Members shall serve without compensation for their service; except that members may receive a per diem as established by the director and reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties. (f) The CABCT: (I) Shall meet at least quarterly and at the request of the director as needed to accomplish the objectives of the CABCT; (II) Shall provide timely written notice of all meetings to the department; (III) May determine its own procedural rules; and (IV) Is subject to article 6 of title 24. (g) No member of the CABCT may receive any compensation from an apprenticeship program. (3) For the building and construction trades, the CABCT shall perform the following duties as a subcommittee of the SAC: (a) Advise the SAA on the minimum standards for registration of apprenticeship programs; (b) Advise the SAA on state plans, rules, and administrative procedures pertinent to the operation of apprenticeship programs and equal employment opportunities in apprenticeships; (c) Support the SAA in communications, technical assistance, and promoting promising practices in registered apprenticeship programs; and (d) Provide an annual report to the executive director with apprenticeship data disaggregated by age, race, gender, veteran status, disability, and industry. (e) to (i) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2023.) Source: L. 2021: Entire article added, (HB 21-1007), ch. 309, p. 1883, � 1, effective July 1. L. 2023: (1), IP(2)(a), IP(2)(a)(II), (2)(c), IP(2)(f), (2)(f)(I), (2)(g), and (3) amended, (SB 23-051), ch. 37, p. 137, � 5, effective March 23. L. 2024: IP(2)(a) and IP(2)(a)(II) amended, (SB 24-103), ch. 32, p. 101, � 4, effective August 7. 8-15.7-104. Committee for apprenticeship in new and emerging industries - created - members - powers and duties. (1) The director shall establish the committee for apprenticeship in new and emerging industries as a subcommittee of the SAC to advise the SAA on apprenticeship programs that are not within the jurisdiction of the CABCT. (2) (a) The CANEI consists of fifteen members appointed as follows: (I) The director shall appoint eight voting members who represent, and are regularly evaluated to ensure that the representation aligns with, high-demand jobs, as stated in the annual Colorado talent report prepared pursuant to section 24-46.3-103 (3), as follows: (A) Three representatives of employer organizations that are not within the building and construction trades; at least one of whom represents an employer involved with a program explicitly targeting populations with barriers to employment, including women, people of color, ex-offenders, and persons with disabilities; one of whom represents youth with barriers to employment; and one of whom represents out-of-school youth; (B) Three representatives from employee organizations that are not within the building and construction trades; (C) One representative from a qualified intermediary; and (D) One member of the public. (II) The governor shall appoint seven nonvoting, ex officio members, all of whom are concurrently appointed to the CABCT pursuant to section 8-15.7-103 (2)(a)(II), to the CANEI. (b) (I) Of the members appointed by the director, the initial term of office of one employer member, one employee member, and one representative of the public is three years and the initial term of office of the remaining five members is four years. Thereafter, the terms of the members are four years. (II) The terms of office of the nonvoting, ex officio members appointed pursuant to subsection (2)(a)(II) of this section are the same as the terms of office of those members as specified in section 8-15.7-103 (2)(b)(II). (III) The director shall appoint one member of the CANEI to serve as the chair for a term of two years. A chair may be appointed to serve no more than two full terms. (c) If a member fails to complete the member's term, the appointing authority shall appoint a new member to complete the remainder of the term. (d) Members shall serve without compensation for their service; except that members may receive a per diem as established by the director and reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties. (e) The CANEI: (I) Shall meet at least quarterly and at the request of the director as needed to accomplish the objectives of the CANEI; (II) Shall provide timely written notice of all meetings to the department; (III) May determine its own procedural rules; and (IV) Is subject to article 6 of title 24. (f) No member of the CANEI may receive any compensation from an apprenticeship program. (3) For all apprenticeships that are not within the building and construction trades and not under the jurisdiction of the CABCT, the CANEI shall perform the following duties as a subcommittee of the SAC: (a) Advise the SAA on the minimum standards for registration of apprenticeship programs; (b) Advise the SAA on state plans, rules, and administrative procedures pertinent to the operation of apprenticeship programs and equal employment opportunities in apprenticeships; (c) Support the SAA in communications, technical assistance, and promoting promising practices in registered apprenticeship programs; and (d) Provide an annual report to the executive director with apprenticeship data disaggregated by age, race, gender, veteran status, disability, and industry. (e) to (i) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2023.) Source: L. 2021: Entire article added, (HB 21-1007), ch. 309, p. 1886, � 1, effective July 1. L. 2023: (1), IP(2)(a), (2)(a)(II), (2)(b)(III), IP(2)(e), (2)(e)(I), (2)(f), and (3) amended, (SB 23-051), ch. 37, p. 139, � 6, effective March 23. L. 2024: IP(2)(a) and (2)(a)(II) amended, (SB 24-103), ch. 32, p. 101, � 5, effective August 7. 8-15.7-105. State apprenticeship council - created - members - powers and duties. (1) (a) The director shall establish the state apprenticeship council to provide advice and guidance to the state apprenticeship agency on the operation of the state's apprenticeship system. (b) The SAC: (I) Is composed of persons familiar with apprenticeable occupations; (II) Includes an equal number of representatives of employer and employee organizations and includes members of the public who must not number more than the number of representatives of either employer or employee organizations; (III) Includes all the members of the CABCT and CANEI. (c) The chairs of the CABCT and CANEI shall serve as co-chairs of the SAC. (1.5) The SAC may convene additional subcommittees as needed to fulfill its duties. (2) The SAC shall: (a) Publish a statement defining the CABCT's jurisdiction of the building and construction trades and update the statement periodically as necessary as determined by the SAC; and (b) Resolve conflicts and complaints that arise between the CABCT and the CANEI as determined by the SAC. (3) If there is a tie among the SAC members in determining a resolution to a conflict, the director shall break the tie. A decision of the SAC is final. (4) The CABCT has jurisdiction over apprenticeship programs for occupations in the building and construction trades. For purposes of this section, occupations are in the building and construction trades if either: (a) Workers in the occupation perform construction, reconstruction, renovation, alteration, demolition, painting, repair, or maintenance work for roads, highways, buildings, structures, industrial facilities, or energy production, energy transmission, or energy distribution, or improvements of any type; or (b) Apprentices in the apprenticeship program will be employed by licensed contractors. Source: L. 2021: Entire article added, (HB 21-1007), ch. 309, p. 1888, � 1, effective July 1. L. 2023: Entire section amended, (SB 23-051), ch. 37, p. 140, � 7, effective March 23. 8-15.7-106. Application for registration of apprenticeship programs - diversity initiatives - deregistration - rules. (1) Within thirty days after the United States department of labor recognizes the SAA, the SAA shall accept applications for the registration of apprenticeship programs in conformity with federal regulations. (2) Each apprenticeship program that registers with the SAA shall adopt a written diversity recruitment plan that ensures equal opportunity in the recruitment, selection, employment, and training of apprentices. The plan must comply with federal regulations concerning equal employment. The SAA shall file a compliant equal employment opportunity in apprenticeship state plan in conformity with federal regulations. (3) (a) The SAA may deregister an apprenticeship program at the request of the sponsor or, after a hearing in conformity with federal regulations, for noncompliance with this article 15.7 pursuant to conditions and rules established by the SAA. (b) Any apprenticeship program deregistered for noncompliance with this article 15.7 or any rules promulgated pursuant to this article 15.7 may present evidence to the SAA that the program is compliant. The apprenticeship program's registration may be reinstated: (I) No earlier than one year after issuance of the deregistration order; (II) If the SAA determines that the apprenticeship program has an acceptable set of standards and is in compliance with all requirements for registered apprenticeship programs under this article 15.7; and (III) If the apprenticeship program is prepared to enroll one or more apprentices. (4) Upon request to the SAA, a sponsor may reverse a voluntary deregistration within six months after its effective date if on that date the SAA had no current grounds to initiate involuntary deregistration proceedings. Source: L. 2021: Entire article added, (HB 21-1007), ch. 309, p. 1888, � 1, effective July 1. L. 2023: (1), (2), (3)(a), and (3)(b)(III) amended, (SB 23-051), ch. 37, p. 141, � 8, effective March 23. 8-15.7-107. Hearings. (1) The SAA shall conduct hearings for the purpose of resolving compliance issues or deregistration issues with a registered apprenticeship program in conformity with federal regulations. (2) The determination of the SAA is a final agency action that is subject to judicial review pursuant to section 24-4-106. (3) Sponsors may appeal to the United States department of labor's office of apprenticeship for a final determination in conformity with federal regulations. Source: L. 2021: Entire article added, (HB 21-1007), ch. 309, p. 1889, � 1, effective July 1. L. 2023: Entire section R&RE, (SB 23-051), ch. 37, p. 142, � 9, effective March 23. 8-15.7-108. Rules. (1) The director may promulgate rules to implement this article 15.7, which rules must conform with federal regulations. The rules may include, but are not limited to, rules that address: (a) The eligibility requirements for apprenticeship programs to be registered by the SAA; (b) The requirements for a person or entity to be a sponsor; (c) The conditions and proceedings for curing noncompliance with this article 15.7 and for the deregistration of a registered apprenticeship program; and (d) Grievance procedures for complaints not under the jurisdiction of the United States equal employment opportunity commission, including complaints concerning apprentices not moving through an apprenticeship program in a timely manner and insufficient on-the-job learning or classroom time. Source: L. 2021: Entire article added, (HB 21-1007), ch. 309, p. 1890, � 1, effective July 1. L. 2023: IP(1) and (1)(d) amended, (SB 23-051), ch. 37, p. 142, � 10, effective March 23. PART 2 CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS Cross references: For the legislative declaration in SB 24-104, see section 1 of chapter 299, Session Laws of Colorado 2024. 8-15.7-201. State apprenticeship agency - community college system - career and technical education - apprenticeship programs - alignment. (1) The state apprenticeship agency, in coordination with the career and technical education division of the Colorado community college system, shall align the high school career and technical education system and the registered apprenticeship system for programs and occupations related to infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, education, or health care. On or before July 1, 2026, the state apprenticeship agency and the career and technical education division must: (a) Establish at least one state-level advisory board that will create state-approved programs that align with registered apprenticeship programs; (b) Use each state-level advisory board to align the competencies of high school career and technical education division programs with registered apprenticeship programs; and (c) Educate registered apprenticeship sponsors on how to include credit for previous experience from career and technical education in program standards. (2) The state-level advisory boards shall select which high school career and technical education division programs to align with registered apprenticeship programs based on available registered apprenticeship programs in the relevant occupations and other criteria as established by the state apprenticeship agency in collaboration with the career and technical education division. (3) On and after July 1, 2026, the state apprenticeship agency, in coordination with the career and technical education division of the Colorado community college system, shall expand the number of aligned programs in infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, education, and health care or related occupations identified as top jobs by the annual Colorado talent pipeline report produced pursuant to section 24-46.3-103 (3)(a). The state-approved programs do not invalidate existing or future career and technical education division programs that have demonstrated alignment to high wage, high skills, or in-demand industries. (4) The office of future of work in the department shall engage in proactive outreach to foster collaboration between registered apprenticeship programs, the Colorado community college system, career and technical education programs, institutions of higher education, and other training providers in the related programs and occupations to facilitate awareness of opportunities for current and prospective participants. (5) The community college system may receive funding for the services described in this section through a limited purpose fee-for-service contract pursuant to section 23-18-308 (1)(m). Source: L. 2024: Entire part added, (SB 24-104), ch. 299, p. 2037, � 3, effective August 7. PART 3 SCALE-UP GRANT PROGRAM 8-15.7-301. Definitions. As used in this part 3: (1) Applicant means a person that applies to receive a grant from the scale-up grant program. (2) Scale-up grant fund or fund means the scale-up grant fund created in section 8-15.7-305. (3) Scale-up grant program or grant program means the scale-up grant program created in section 8-15.7-302. Source: L. 2024: Entire part added, (HB 24-1439), ch. 163, p. 776, � 4, effective May 10. 8-15.7-302. Scale-up grant program - creation - application process - data. (1) On or before January 1, 2025, the department shall establish the scale-up grant program to establish new registered apprenticeship programs or expand existing programs in Colorado. (2) The department shall: (a) Create an application process through which it selects grant recipients to participate in the grant program, with the goal of accelerating new apprenticeship program growth, diversifying participants in apprenticeship programs, and diversifying the geographic distribution of apprenticeship programs, especially in high-priority, high-demand industries, while ensuring quality standards; (b) Select grant recipients that are employers or sponsors that: (I) Plan to develop and register a new registered apprenticeship program; or (II) Currently offer a registered apprenticeship program and plan to expand it; (c) Outline performance expectations for grant recipients participating in the grant program, including maintaining accurate and timely data in the federal registered apprenticeship partners information database system, or a successor database; and (d) Collect data concerning the grant program, including: (I) The number of employers benefiting from the grant program; (II) The number of apprentices benefiting from the grant program; (III) The wages for apprentices benefiting from the grant program; (IV) The demographics of the apprentices served by the grant recipients; and (V) Any other information deemed appropriate by the department. Source: L. 2024: Entire part added, (HB 24-1439), ch. 163, p. 776, � 4, effective May 10. 8-15.7-303. Applicants. (1) An applicant shall submit an application to the department in a form and manner established by the department that is designed to maximize participation. In the application, the applicant shall: (a) Provide a detailed proposal and operations plan for the growth or development of a registered apprenticeship program; and (b) Submit any other information deemed appropriate by the department. (2) Applicants must not have received or have been selected to receive funding from the qualified apprenticeship intermediary grant program pursuant to section 8-15.7-402. Source: L. 2024: Entire part added, (HB 24-1439), ch. 163, p. 777, � 4, effective May 10. 8-15.7-304. Report. On or before December 31, 2026, the department shall submit a report compiling the information collected pursuant to section 8-15.7-302 (2)(d) to the house of representatives business affairs and labor committee and the senate business, labor, and technology committee, or their successor committees. Source: L. 2024: Entire part added, (HB 24-1439), ch. 163, p. 777, � 4, effective May 10. 8-15.7-305. Scale-up grant fund - creation - gifts, grants, or donations - transfer. (1) There is created in the state treasury the scale-up grant fund. Money in the fund is annually appropriated to the department to implement the grant program and pay for the department's direct and indirect costs in administering the grant program. (2) On July 1, 2024, the state treasurer shall transfer two million dollars from the general fund to the scale-up grant fund. (3) The department may seek, accept, and expend gifts, grants, and donations from private or public sources for the purposes of this part 3. (3.5) On June 30, 2025, the state treasurer shall transfer five hundred thousand dollars from the scale-up grant fund to the general fund. (4) The state treasurer shall transfer all unexpended and unencumbered money remaining in the fund at the end of state fiscal year 2026-27 to the general fund. Source: L. 2024: Entire part added, (HB 24-1439), ch. 163, p. 777, � 4, effective May 10. L. 2025: (3.5) added, (SB 25-264), ch. 129, p. 498, � 2, effective April 25. 8-15.7-306. Repeal of part. This part 3 is repealed, effective July 1, 2027. Source: L. 2024: Entire part added, (HB 24-1439), ch. 163, p. 778, � 4, effective May 10. PART 4 QUALIFIED APPRENTICESHIP INTERMEDIARY GRANT PROGRAM 8-15.7-401. Definitions. As used in this part 4: (1) Applicant means a person that applies to receive a grant from the qualified apprenticeship intermediary grant program. (2) Qualified apprenticeship intermediary has the same meaning as qualified intermediary as set forth in section 8-15.7-101 (11). (3) Qualified apprenticeship intermediary grant fund or fund means the qualified apprenticeship intermediary grant fund created in section 8-15.7-405. (4) Qualified apprenticeship intermediary grant program or grant program means the qualified apprenticeship intermediary grant program created in section 8-15.7-402. Source: L. 2024: Entire part added, (HB 24-1439), ch. 163, p. 778, � 4, effective May 10. 8-15.7-402. Qualified apprenticeship intermediary grant program - creation - application process - data. (1) On or before January 1, 2025, the department shall establish the qualified apprenticeship intermediary grant program to support entities that demonstrate expertise in connecting employers or apprenticeship program participants to registered apprenticeship programs or in convening stakeholders to develop registered apprenticeship programs. (2) The department shall: (a) Create an application process through which it selects grant recipients to participate in the grant program, with the goal of expanding apprenticeship programs, diversifying participants in apprenticeship programs, and diversifying geographic distribution of apprenticeship programs, especially in high-priority, high-demand industries, while ensuring quality standards; (b) Select and prioritize grant program recipients based on: (I) An applicant's record of success in supporting job seekers, apprentices, employers, and sponsors; (II) The regional diversity of the areas served by an applicant; (III) The diversity of populations served by an applicant; and (IV) How the registered apprenticeship programs served by the applicant meet talent needs in high-priority, high-demand industries; (c) Outline performance expectations for grant recipients participating in the grant program; and (d) Collect data concerning the grant program that includes: (I) The number of employers benefiting from the grant program; (II) The number of apprentices benefiting from the grant program; (III) The demographics of the apprentices served by the grant recipients; (IV) A description of the services provided by the grant recipient; (V) The names of the registered apprenticeship programs and occupations impacted by the services provided by the grant recipient; and (VI) Any other information deemed appropriate by the department. (3) Grant recipients shall not use money from the grant program for apprentice wages. Source: L. 2024: Entire part added, (HB 24-1439), ch. 163, p. 778, � 4, effective May 10. 8-15.7-403. Application. (1) An applicant shall submit an application to the department in a form and manner established by the department that is designed to maximize participation. In the application, the applicant shall: (a) Describe how the grant will be used to expand or diversify registered apprenticeship programs in Colorado; and (b) Submit any other information deemed appropriate by the department. (2) An applicant must: (a) Be a qualified apprenticeship intermediary; and (b) Applicants must not have received or have been selected to receive funding from the scale-up grant program pursuant to section 8-15.7-302. (3) The SAA shall post a list of the types of entities eligible to apply to the grant program on the SAA's website, including labor management training partnerships, multiemployer apprenticeship sponsors, economic development organizations, apprenticeship training committees, local workforce boards, local school districts or boards of cooperative services, industry or trade associations, nonprofit organizations, and community colleges. Source: L. 2024: Entire part added, (HB 24-1439), ch. 163, p. 779, � 4, effective May 10. 8-15.7-404. Report. On or before December 31, 2026, the department shall submit a report compiling the information collected pursuant to section 8-15.7-402 (2)(d) to the house of representatives business affairs and labor committee and the senate business, labor, and technology committee, or their successor committees. Source: L. 2024: Entire part added, (HB 24-1439), ch. 163, p. 780, � 4, effective May 10. 8-15.7-405. Qualified apprenticeship intermediary grant fund - creation - transfer