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.