Bill would set up a study of coal-impacted communities and set aside $300,000 for a workforce study

The act creates a study committee that would investigate the social and economic effects on communities that depend heavily on coal. The committee would have two senators, two House members, and five other appointed members, including a nonprofit voice, a Navajo Nation economic development representative, a university program representative, and a Coconino County supervisor. The legislators must live in or represent a rural or tribal community. State agencies and local governments must give the committee services and records to the extent possible at no cost. The committee may use legislative staff for support. The committee must report to the Governor, Senate president, and House speaker on or before December 31, 2026. The committee section is repealed after September 30, 2027.

The act sets aside $300,000 from the state general fund for a workforce development study. The study covers Coconino County communities impacted by the closure of the Navajo Generating Station and is run by the Office of Economic Opportunity. The money is exempt from the rule that returns unspent appropriations to the state, so it does not lapse at the end of the fiscal year. The money is set aside in fiscal year 2026-2027.