SB 18-042

Senate Bill 18-042 creates an agricultural workforce development program in Colorado that helps farmers and ranchers hire young interns by covering up to half of the costs. The program requires businesses to offer internships lasting at least 130 hours over a period not longer than six months, providing valuable work experience for new entrants into agriculture. This initiative is funded with $43,157 from the state’s general fund and will end on July 1, 2024. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now active and agricultural businesses can start applying for incentives to hire interns.

Official Summary

Young and Beginning Farmers Interim Study Committee. The bill requires the commissioner of agriculture to create, by rule, the agricultural workforce development program to provide incentives to agricultural businesses to hire interns. Qualified agricultural businesses may be reimbursed an amount not to exceed 50% of the actual cost of hiring a qualified intern. The rules must include specified criteria for qualifying businesses and interns participating in the program. Qualified internships must include at least 130 hours of work experience and cannot exceed 6 months in duration. The program is repealed on July 1, 2024. The bill appropriates $43,157 from the general fund to the department of agriculture for use by the commissioner to implement the program. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) , Read More

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