SB13-145: Conservation Trust Fund Reallocation

• Increases Conservation Trust Fund allocations to qualifying metropolitan districts providing parks and recreation services exclusively in unincorporated county areas, from one-half to the full percentage based on district population as a proportion of the unincorporated area population.

• Applies to metropolitan districts meeting four criteria: at least 10,000 residents as of July 1, 2012; only elected board members; parks and recreation facilities open to the general public including non-residents; and request for full percentage share in annual certification.

• Implements a 3-year phase-in period, with districts receiving four-sixths of the full percentage in year one and five-sixths in year two, or alternative percentages if the district and county enter into an intergovernmental agreement.

• Excludes districts in counties that pledged Conservation Trust Fund revenues to secure project financing as of January 1, 2013, until the county fully repays such financing.

• Authorizes the Division of Local Government to accept gifts, grants, and donations to implement the amendment, with funds credited to a new Conservation Trust Fund Allocation Expense Fund, repealing this authority on July 1, 2016.