ColoradoSB26-0522026 Regular SessionSenate

Coal Transition Community Investment

Sponsored By: Dylan Roberts (Democratic), Marc Catlin (Republican), Meghan Lukens (Democratic), Tisha Mauro (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Labor & Employment

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Coal workers get first hiring chance

Beginning January 1, 2027, qualified coal-transition workers get first hiring priority at covered private businesses in Colorado coal-transition communities. Covered businesses build or operate railroads, utilities, energy generation facilities, or advanced manufacturing facilities. State and local governments are excluded. These communities are municipalities, counties, or regions containing a coal-transition facility or its manufacturing or transportation supply-chain center. Eligible workers must live in Colorado, work or have worked at those facilities or supply chains, and meet job qualifications. Businesses can hire someone else only when no qualified coal-transition worker applies or all qualified workers offered the job decline. The preference excludes internal employee moves and does not override conflicting union contract terms. Businesses must make good-faith efforts to comply. They must consult the Just Transition Office, operators of coal power plants scheduled to close, and worker groups to find candidates. When any qualified coal-transition worker applies, businesses must report annually to the office. Reports must list job titles filled by these workers, their hiring totals, other hiring totals, and recruitment efforts. The executive director or designee must develop implementation guidance and coordinate ongoing stakeholder consultation. The law does not guarantee jobs or set wages or benefits.

Public entities can invest coal-closure funds

Colorado public entities gain broader options for investing payments or settlements meant to offset harm from coal-mine or power-plant closures. They can deposit or invest these funds, plus interest, investment income, and gains, under their adopted investment policies. They can act directly or use an authorized investment firm or other third party. Investment firms include banks, brokerages, other financial services firms doing business in Colorado, and their agents. This authority applies despite conflicting laws and adds to other lawful investment options. Investing is optional; the law sets no funding amount, required return, or direct household payment.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Andrew Boesenecker
Democratic • House
Amy Paschal
Democratic • House
Brianna Titone
Democratic • House
Chad Clifford
Democratic • House
Emily Sirota
Democratic • House
Jennifer Bacon
Democratic • House
Julie McCluskie
Democratic • House
Kyle Brown
Democratic • House
Karen McCormick
Democratic • House
Kenny Nguyen
Democratic • House
Katie Stewart
Democratic • House
Lorena Garcia
Democratic • House
Lori Goldstein
Democratic • House
Lesley Smith
Democratic • House
Monica Duran
Democratic • House
Meg Froelich
Democratic • House
Mandy Lindsay
Democratic • House
Matthew Martinez
Democratic • House
Manny Rutinel
Democratic • House
Naquetta Ricks
Democratic • House
Sheila Lieder
Democratic • House
Steven Woodrow
Democratic • House
Tammy Story
Democratic • House
Barbara Kirkmeyer
Republican • Senate
Cathy Kipp
Democratic • Senate
Cleave Simpson
Republican • Senate
Dafna Michaelson Jenet
Democratic • Senate
Iman Jodeh
Democratic • Senate
Judy Amabile
Democratic • Senate
Jeff Bridges
Democratic • Senate
James Coleman
Democratic • Senate
Julie Gonzales
Democratic • Senate
Janice Marchman
Democratic • Senate
Kyle Mullica
Democratic • Senate
Katie Wallace
Democratic • Senate
Larry Liston
Republican • Senate
Matt Ball
Democratic • Senate
Marc Snyder
Democratic • Senate
Nick Hinrichsen
Democratic • Senate
Rod Pelton
Republican • Senate
Tony Exum
Democratic • Senate
Tom Sullivan
Democratic • Senate
William Lindstedt
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 150 • No: 26

Senate vote • 2/24/2026

House amendments: Repass

Yes: 29 • No: 2

Senate vote • 2/24/2026

House amendments: Concur

Yes: 29 • No: 2

House vote • 2/23/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 45 • No: 17

House vote • 2/19/2026

Refer Senate Bill 26-052 to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 11 • No: 2

Senate vote • 2/11/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 29 • No: 3

Senate vote • 2/5/2026

Refer Senate Bill 26-052, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole and with a recommendation that it be placed on the consent calendar.

Yes: 7 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Governor Signed
3/9/2026House
Signed by the President of the Senate
3/2/2026Senate
Signed by the Speaker of the House
3/2/2026House
Sent to the Governor
3/2/2026House
Senate Considered House Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
2/24/2026Senate
House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
2/23/2026House
House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Floor
2/20/2026House
House Committee on Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Refer Unamended to House Committee of the Whole
2/19/2026House
Introduced In House - Assigned to Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources
2/12/2026House
Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
2/11/2026Senate
Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments - Committee
2/10/2026Senate
Senate Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources Refer Amended - Consent Calendar to Senate Committee of the Whole
2/5/2026Senate
Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Agriculture & Natural Resources
1/27/2026Senate

Bill Text

Engrossed
PDF
Final Act
PDF
Introduced
PDF
Reengrossed
PDF
Rerevised
PDF
Revised
PDF
Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Preamend
PDF
Signed Act
PDF

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