Representatives Armagost and Espenoza, co-prime sponsors, introduced Senate Bill 25-168. Beginning July 1, 2026, the bill establishes new criminal penalties for wildlife trafficking; adds species and higher fines to existing wildlife possession, sale, and willful destruction crimes; and requires Colorado Parks and Wildlife to investigate and survey commonly trafficked wildlife to collect data to inform its conservation, management, and enforcement efforts. The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee.

Mr. Donald Holmstrom, representing Colorado Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, testified in support of the bill. Jen Clanahan, representing Colorado Nature League, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Lauren McCain, representing Animal Welfare Institute, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Scott Hudson, representing Sierra Club Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Jim Hawkins, representing Colorado Parks and Wildlife, testified in support of the bill. Matthew Eckert, representing Colorado Parks and Wildlife, was available to answer committee questions. Christopher Breidenbach, representing Department of Law and Department of Natural Resources, was available to answer committee questions.

Jessalyn Hampton, representing Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Randy Stark, representing National Association of Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs, testified in support of the bill.

Additional written testimony can be found in Attachment A.

The bill sponsors gave closing comments on the bill.

Committee members gave closing comments on the bill.