H_AWN_2024A 02/29/2024 09:53:48 AM Committee Summary

Representative McLachlan, bill co-prime sponsor, introduced House Bill 24-1257. Under current law, the Natural Areas Council in the Department of Natural Resources repeals on September 1, 2024. The bill continues the council indefinitely

Representative Catlin, bill co-prime sponsor, gave opening comments on the bill.

Representative Catlin made comments about potential amendments.

Bill sponsors gave final comments on the bill.

Representative Armagost provided opening comments on the bill.

The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee.

Ms. Sabrina Lew Young, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Bibi Ericksen, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Kathy Gaines, representing MaxFund Animal Adoption Center, testified in support of the bill. Nicholas Lippincott, representing Best Friends Animal Society, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Gaines responded to questions from the committee.

Dr. Rimme Singh, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Jes Cytron, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Dr. Jennifer Bolser, representing Humane Society of Boulder Valley, testified in opposition to the bill.

Dr. Singh and Jes Cytron responded to questions from the committee.

Mr. Barry Glass, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Tor Ericksen, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. LorraineMay Springer, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Doug Rae, representing Humane Society of Fremont County, testified in support of the bill. Brittany Higgins, representing Hwy 50 Freedom Ride, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Lauri Cross, representing Wild Blue Cats, testified in support of the bill.

Skye Baker, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Denise Boehler, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Diana Richett, representing Angels with Paws, testified in support of the bill.

Eric Bergman, representing
Colorado Counties, Inc., testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Roland
Halpern, representing Colorado Voters for Animals, testified in opposition
to the bill.  Jeremy Schupbach, representing Colorado Municipal League,
testified in opposition to the bill. Anna Stout, representing Roice-Hurst
Humane Society, testified in opposition to the bill. Sherry Peterson, representing
Dumb Friends League, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Leslie Stevens,
representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.



Mr. Halpern, Mr.
Schupbach, and Mr. Bergman responded to questions from the committee.  

Submitted written testimony can be found in Attachment A.

Representative Lindsay and Representative Armagost gave closing comments on the bill.

Committee members made final comments on the bill.