1. (1) For the 2023-24 state fiscal year, the general assembly shall appropriate to the department of higher education for allocation by the board five million dollars from the general fund to establish two new short-term degree nursing programs at community or technical colleges described in section 23-60-205. The funds must be used for the following purposes, as applicable, to support the expansion of short-term degree nursing programs:

   1. (a) New short-term degree program curriculum development;
   2. (b) New short-term degree program equipment and supplies;
   3. (c) New short-term degree program implementation, including accreditation costs; and
   4. (d) New short-term degree administration costs, including reporting on an annual basis until all funds are expended.

2. (2) Any unexpended money remaining at the end of the 2023-24 state fiscal year from the appropriation pursuant to subsection (1) of this section:

   1. (a) Does not revert to the general fund or any other fund;
   2. (b) May be used by the department of higher education in the 2024-25 or 2025-26 state fiscal year without further appropriation; and
   3. (c) Must not be used for any purpose other than the purposes set forth in this section.
3. (3) This section is repealed, effective July 1, 2027.

Source: L. 2023: Entire section added, (HB 23-1246), ch. 199, p. 1018, § 6, effective May 16.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 23-1246, see section 1 of chapter 199, Session Laws of Colorado 2023.