Bill

HB 25-1078

Forestry & Firefighter Workforce & Education

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Bacon and 17 co-sponsors

HB 25-1078 would expand training, funding, and partnerships to grow Colorado’s forestry and wildland firefighter workforce and education programs.

Senate Committee on Appropriations Postpone Indefinitely

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Bill Summary · HB 25-1078

HB 25‑1078 — Forestry & Firefighter Workforce & Education

Status: Senate Committee on Appropriations — Postponed Indefinitely (May 6, 2025)
Introduced: January 10, 2025

Summary (purpose and intent)

HB 25‑1078, titled "Forestry & Firefighter Workforce & Education," is legislation intended to strengthen Colorado’s capacity to prevent and respond to wildfires by developing the forestry and firefighter workforce and expanding related education and training programs. While the full bill text is not provided here, its title and legislative trajectory indicate a focus on workforce development, education pathways, and supports for firefighting and forest management operations.

Key provisions (based on bill title and legislative context)

The official bill text is required for exact language. Typical elements for bills of this type — and likely components of HB 25‑1078 — include:
- Creation or expansion of training and certification programs for wildland firefighters and forestry professionals (including apprenticeships and classroom instruction).
- Grants or funding mechanisms to support recruitment, retention, and education (scholarships, stipends, tuition assistance).
- Partnerships with community colleges, vocational schools, universities, and workforce development agencies to create career pipelines into firefighting and forestry jobs.
- Support for seasonal and permanent hiring, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and pathways for veterans and displaced workers.
- Provisions for agency coordination (state forestry or natural resources departments), local fire districts, and possibly tribal or federal partners.
- Possible funding or resources for equipment, mental health support, and continuing education pertinent to wildfire mitigation, prescribed fire, and forest restoration.

Who would be affected

State agencies involved in forestry, wildfire mitigation, and emergency response.
Local and volunteer fire departments, especially wildland firefighting crews.
Educational institutions (community colleges, technical schools, universities) and workforce development organizations.
Current and prospective forestry and firefighting personnel (including seasonal workers and veterans).
Rural and wildfire‑prone communities benefiting from increased capacity and preventive work.
State budget and appropriations processes if the bill provides new funding.

Legislative status & procedural history

2025-01-10: Introduced in House — Assigned to Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources
2025-02-10: Referred (amended) to House Appropriations
2025-04-25: House Committee on Appropriations — Refer Amended to House Committee of the Whole
2025-04-25: House Second Reading — Passed with Committee Amendments
2025-04-28: House Third Reading — Passed (no amendments)
2025-04-29: Introduced in Senate — Assigned to Agriculture & Natural Resources
2025-05-01: Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources — Refer Amended to Appropriations
2025-05-06: Senate Appropriations — Postponed Indefinitely (effectively halts the bill for the session)

Because the Senate Appropriations Committee postponed the measure indefinitely on May 6, 2025, HB 25‑1078 did not advance further in this legislative session.

Notes & next steps

For exact program details, funding levels, and statutory changes, consult the official bill text and fiscal note on the Colorado General Assembly website.
Because the bill was postponed indefinitely in Appropriations, sponsors may refile provisions in future bills or pursue budgetary and administrative alternatives.

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