Representatives Joseph and Velasco, co-prime sponsors, introduced Senate Bill 25-053. The bill classifies bison as big game wildlife unless the bison is livestock, and makes it illegal to hunt bison unless authorized by the state. The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee.

Reece Melton, representing White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts, and Rio Blanco County, testified in opposition to the bill. Brian Dreher, representing Colorado Parks and Wildlife, testified in support of the bill. Andy Holland, representing Colorado Parks and Wildlife, was available to answer committee questions. Mr. Donald Holmstrom, representing Colorado Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, testified in support of the bill. Patricia Garcia-Nelson, representing GreenLatinos, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Chamois Andersen, representing Defenders of Wildlife, testified in support of the bill. Monycka Snowbird, representing Haseya Advocate Program, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Nick Gevock, representing Sierra Club, testified in support of the bill.

The panel responded to questions from the committee.  

Jen Clanahan, representing Colorado Nature League, testified in support of the bill. Henry Stiles, representing Environment Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Jennifer Wolf, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. The panel 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.