SB 18-143

SB 18-143, titled "Parks and Wildlife Measures to Increase Revenue," is a Colorado bill that aims to boost funding for parks and wildlife programs by raising fees for hunting and fishing licenses and introducing new revenue streams like sponsorships. It also allows the Parks and Wildlife Commission more flexibility in setting park fees and introduces special licensing options for young adults. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it will now be implemented with its provisions affecting hunters, anglers, park visitors, and wildlife enthusiasts by adjusting fees and expanding funding sources for conservation efforts.

Official Summary

Section 1 adds a nonstatutory short title. Section 2 of the bill makes legislative findings. Section 3 adds 'preference point' to the documents listed under the definition of 'license'. Sections 4 and 12 add 'sponsorships', 'contributions', and 'donations' to the list of money transfers that the parks and wildlife commission (commission) is authorized to receive and expend. Sections 5 and 9 change the name of the wildlife management public education advisory council to the wildlife council. Section 6 raises the amount of residential and nonresidential license fees, stamp fees, and surcharges for certain hunting and fishing activities. Section 6 also: Authorizes the commission to apply a consumer price index adjustment to hunting and fishing fees; establishes an annual residential youth fishing fee; and, together with section 7 , moves a reference to the state migratory waterfowl stamp fee amount. Section 7 also allows the division of parks and wildlife (division) to grant up to 25% of the money derived from sales of the state migratory waterfowl stamp to nonprofit organizations implementing the North American waterfowl management plan. Section 8 authorizes the commission to establish by rule a special licensing program for young adult hunters and anglers. Section 10 requires the division to prepare reports on increased licensing fees and to present the reports to the agricultural committees in the house of representatives and the senate. Section 11 removes the restriction on the commission's ability to raise or lower park fees and charges only if the commission reasonably anticipates that the annual revenues from the fees and charges will not increase by more than 20% above the annual amount earned from fees and charges as they existed on July 1, 2011. Section 11 also establishes a maximum fee increase that the commission may impose by rule for park passes in any one year as a one-dollar increase for a daily park pass and a $10 increase for an annual park pass. Section 13 removes the $200,000 limitation on the amount that may be held in the stores revolving fund, which fund is maintained for acquiring stock for warehousing and distributing supplies for retail sales to visitors, and requires that the fund be continuously appropriated. Section 14 removes the $5 cap on the fee that the division may charge a person to replace a lost or destroyed pass or registration. The fee may be set by the commission by rule in an amount up to 50% of the cost of the original pass or registration. Section 15 removes a requirement that an aspen leaf annual park pass be affixed to the vehicle for which the pass was issued. Section 16 directs the commission to determine, by rule, how the columbine annual park pass will be displayed to enter a state park or recreation area. Section 17 authorizes the commission to establish fees by rule for daily and annual passes for individuals entering state parks or state recreation areas by means other than by motor vehicle.(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) , Read More

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