The bill creates the Colorado agricultural workforce services
program (program) in the department of agriculture (department) and requires the department to create and maintain an online resource portal
for agricultural employees and employers.
The bill also creates the Colorado agricultural workplace
improvement grant program (grant program) and requires the department to administer the grant program and, subject to available appropriations, award grants. The department may determine minimum eligibility requirements for grant recipients; however, the department may award grants only:
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To entities that provide services to Colorado agricultural employers or agricultural employees; and
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For the purpose of facilitating labor law compliance, improving workplaces, and providing education to agricultural employees to help them understand their legal rights.
On or before January 1, 2023, and on or before January 1 each year
thereafter, the department shall submit to the agriculture, livestock, and water committee of the house of representatives and the agriculture and natural resources committee of the senate a report concerning the operations of the program, including the grant program.
For the 2022-23 state fiscal year, the general assembly must
appropriate $500,000 from the general fund to the department to implement the program, including the grant program. Any unused money does not revert to the general fund but is continuously appropriated to the department.
The grant program is repealed, effective January 1, 2026.
