H_AWN_2025A 02/10/2025 01:30:54 PM Committee Summary

Representative Velasco, co-prime sponsor, introduced House Bill 25-1078. The bill authorizes Colorado State University to implement various initiatives to engage youth in opportunities related to forestry and wildfire. It also requires the Department of Public Safety to award grants for firefighter certifications, provide train-the-trainer opportunities, and conduct an outreach campaign related to firefighting opportunities.

The bill sponsor responded to questions from the committee.

Mr. Matt McCombs,
representing Colorado State Forest Service, testified in support of the
bill.  Larimer County Commissioner Jody  Shadduck-McNally, representing
Counties & Commissioners Acting Together (CCAT) & The Forest Health
Council, testified in support of the bill. Jia Meeks, representing Colorado
State University, was available to answer committee questions.



The panelists
responded to questions from the committee.

The committee discussed amendment L.001 (Attachment A).

The bill sponsor provided closing comments on the bill.

Committee members gave closing comments on the bill.

Representative Lindsey, co-prime sponsor, introduced House Bill 25-1137. The bill establishes the Trap-Neuter-Return Grant Program administered by the Pet Overpopulation Authority. The new grant program is funded using existing revenue to the Adopt a Shelter Pet Account, which receives donations from the sale of the “Adopt a Shelter Pet” special license plate and an income tax check off. Grants may be provided to an animal welfare facility, which includes a pet animal facility, pet animal rescue, or spay and neuter organization.

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

The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee.

Anna Jaeger, representing
themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Erin-Claire Michaels,
representing Cat Care Society, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr.
Roland Halpern, representing Colorado Voters for Animals, testified in
opposition to the bill. Ms. Amanda Myers, representing NOCO Humane, testified
in opposition to the bill.



The panelists
responded to questions from the committee.

Ms. Elaine Hicks,
representing Routt County Humane Society, testified in opposition to the
bill. Sarah Swanty, representing Animal Friends Alliance, testified in
opposition to the bill. Julie Justman, representing Humane Society of the
Pikes Peak Region, testified in opposition to the bill. Mike Rawluk, representing
themself, testified in opposition to the bill.



The panelists
responded to questions from the committee.

Ms. Carolyn Coffey,
representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Kira Golub, representing
themself, testified in support of the bill. Emily Stone, representing The
Colorado Pet Overpopulation Fund Board, testified in a neutral position
on the bill. Cheryl Rogers, representing their cat rescue, testified in
support of the bill.



The panelists
responded to questions from the committee.

Davyd Smith, representing
No Kill Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Doug Rae, representing
Humane Society of Fremont County, testified in support of the bill. Ms.
Kathy Gaines, representing MaxFund Animal Adoption Center, testified in
support of the bill. Lacey Hays, representing No Kill Colorado, testified
in support of the bill. Ms. Terrill Bartels, representing Eastern Plains
Animal Welfare Alliance (EPAWA), testified in support of the bill.



The panelists
responded to questions from the committee.



Additional written
testimony can be found in Attachment B.

The bill sponsors gave closing comments on the bill.

Committee members gave closing comments on the bill.

Representative Bottoms, bill sponsor, introduced House Bill 25-1134. The bill prohibits the sale or commercial production of insects or insect products for human consumption. Existing entities may continue to produce insect or insect products at its current capacity. Any products containing insects or insect products meant for human consumption must be labeled as such.

The bill sponsor responded to questions from the committee.

Sundari Kraft, representing Colorado Sugarbeet Growers Association, testified in opposition to the bill. James Henderson, representing Colorado Farm Bureau, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ora Goldman, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Josh Hartsfield, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Dustin Crummett, representing The Insect Institute, testified in support of the bill. Lucy Whitney, representing Animal Food and Feed Alliance, testified in support of the bill. Sierra Barnes, representing Animal Food and Feed Alliance, testified in support of the bill. Onyx Rothman, representing American Food and Feed Alliance, testified in support of the bill.

The bill sponsor provided closing comments on the bill.

The committee members gave closing comments on the bill.