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HB 25-1221

Emily Griffith Associate of Applied Science Degree

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Bacon and 38 co-sponsors

Grants Emily Griffith Technical College authority to offer A.A.S. degrees for apprenticeship students, aligning training with high-demand jobs and transfer options.

Governor Signed
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Bill Summary · HB 25-1221

Summary — HB 25-1221: Emily Griffith Associate of Applied Science Degree

Status: Governor signed (April 10, 2025). Introduced: February 11, 2025.

Purpose

Authorize Emily Griffith Technical College to offer Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree programs that build on the college’s registered apprenticeship offerings, expand student credentialing, and improve alignment with workforce demand.

Key provisions

  • Adds a new statute (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 23-60-804) and authorizes Emily Griffith Technical College, with State Board approval, to offer A.A.S. degree programs.
  • Eligibility: Degree programs may be offered only to students enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program.
  • Program design requirements:
    • Must include a registered apprenticeship program as part of the curriculum.
    • Must include sufficient transferable general education courses so requirements align with the Guaranteed Transfer Pathways matrix (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 23-1-108.5) or a statewide degree transfer agreement.
    • Must align with high-need, high-demand occupations as identified by student demand and the most recent Colorado Talent Report (pursuant to § 24-46.3-103(3)).
    • Degree proposals must be submitted to the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) for inclusion in statewide degree publications and the transfer pathways matrix.
  • Approval process:
    • Emily Griffith determines the program designation, then submits the program to the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education for review and approval.
    • In approving or denying requests, the Board shall consider only: (1) student and workforce demand, (2) alignment with other Emily Griffith apprenticeship programs, (3) cost‑effectiveness for students and the state, and (4) accreditation and licensing requirements.
    • The State Board must notify the Colorado Commission on Higher Education of approved programs.
  • Funding eligibility: Programs established under this section are eligible for federal Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act funds, consistent with the statewide master plan (§ 23-1-108(1.5)).
  • Statutory amendment: Adds clause (6) to § 23-60-211 to reflect Emily Griffith’s new degree authority.

Who is affected

  • Emily Griffith Technical College: authority to develop and offer A.A.S. programs, responsibilities for curriculum development, faculty and support staffing, and submission/approval procedures.
  • Students enrolled in Emily Griffith registered apprenticeship programs: may be able to complete an applied associate degree that combines apprenticeship training with general education.
  • Employers and Colorado workforce: potential benefit from better-credentialed apprentices and stronger talent pipelines in high-demand fields.
  • State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education and CDHE: new review, approval, and publication workload (described as minimal).
  • Potential access to federal Perkins funds for approved programs.

Fiscal impact

  • Fiscal note (Legislative Council Staff, Feb 21, 2025): No state appropriation required. Projected state revenue and expenditures: $0; 0.0 FTE.
  • Emily Griffith likely to see increased tuition revenues and institutional costs (curriculum development, instructors, support staff); these are expected to be funded from institutional revenues (including possible foundation support).
  • CDHE: minimal additional workload to include programs in publications and the guaranteed transfer pathways matrix within existing appropriations.

Legislative and effective-date details

  • Passed both chambers with no substantive amendments (House and Senate readings in Feb–Apr 2025).
  • Governor signed April 10, 2025.
  • Effective date: 12:01 a.m. on the day following expiration of the ninety‑day period after final adjournment of the General Assembly, unless a referendum petition is filed (in which case effectiveness depends on the 2026 general election outcome).
  • Primary sponsors: Representatives Eliza Hamrick and Lori Garcia Sander (House) and Senator Jeff Bridges (Senate), with numerous cosponsors.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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