HB 12-1317 Summary

• Creates a Parks and Wildlife Commission effective July 1, 2012, replacing the former Parks and Wildlife Board, with the board of parks and outdoor recreation eliminated on the same date.

• Commission consists of 13 members: 2 ex officio nonvoting members (Executive Director and Agriculture Commissioner) and 11 voting members appointed by the Governor with Senate consent, including hunters/fishers, agricultural producers, outdoor recreation users, and two at-large public members.

• Voting members serve four-year terms with a two-consecutive-term limit; initial appointments staggered with members serving until 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 respectively.

• Commission must develop a five-year strategic plan by December 31, 2013, addressing the 2011 merger of the Division of Wildlife and Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, identifying efficiencies and cost savings.

• Reduces FY 2012-2013 appropriations to the Department of Natural Resources by $18,055 in cash funds ($11,607 from wildlife cash fund and $6,448 from parks and outdoor recreation cash fund).