HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSES BILL TO BOOST COLORADO’S WORKFORCE

DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed a bill to boost Colorado’s workforce by making it even easier for a professional to transfer their credentials to the state of Colorado.

“Colorado is open for business and we’re making it easier for qualified candidates to work in our state,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “This bipartisan bill would streamline the credentials transfer process so Colorado businesses and companies can attract highly-qualified professionals. We’re breaking down unnecessary barriers to employment to fill Colorado’s growing workforce with professionals in high-demand industries.”

SB22-116, passed out of the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee unanimously and would strengthen Colorado’s workforce by further increasing the efficiency of the existing credential portability program. Examples of transferable professional credentials include various health care professionals, veterinarians and certified public accountants, among others.

The bill would also add a military occupational specialty, allowing those having served in certain military roles to qualify for a credential through the program. The bill expands on the progress of HB20-1326, which created the occupational credential portability program within the Department of Regulatory Agencies. The program was created to enable regulators to more quickly and easily approve credentials for qualified individuals.