HB 23-1036

House Bill 23-1036, also known as the Nontoxic Bullet Replacement Hunting Program, provides vouchers to hunters to help cover the cost of buying bullets made from materials other than lead. This program is aimed at protecting wildlife in areas where there's a risk of animals being exposed to harmful spent lead bullets. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Division will work with non-governmental organizations to run this pilot project, educate hunters about nontoxic bullets, and share information through hunting brochures and their website. The bill was signed into law by the governor on May 19, 2023, and went into effect on August 7, 2023.

Official Summary

The act creates the nontoxic bullet pilot program (pilot program), which allows individuals who meet the qualifications to receive vouchers that offset the cost of purchasing hunting rounds that have nonlead bullets. The pilot program will focus on areas where the exposure of wildlife populations to spent lead bullets is of special or potential concern. The division of parks and wildlife (division) will work with one or more willing nongovernmental entities to determine the scope and collect the results of the pilot program. The division may work with nongovernmental entities to develop educational materials and range demonstrations relating to the pilot program. The division is directed to designate an entity to: Educate hunters about the benefits of nontoxic bullets; and Publicize the pilot program, including using hunting brochures and the division's website. The commission may promulgate rules as necessary to implement the pilot program. The pilot program is repealed, effective July 1, 2026. For the 2023-24 state fiscal year, $31,200 is appropriated to the department of natural resources from the wildlife cash fund to implement this act. APPROVED by Governor May 19, 2023 EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023 NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and takes effect 90 days after sine die. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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