HB 17-1250 Summary

• Renames the "Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Tax Check-off" to the "Colorado Nongame Conservation and Wildlife Restoration Tax Check-off" and extends the program through January 1, 2023.

• Creates the Colorado Nongame Conservation and Wildlife Restoration Cash Fund to receive voluntary tax contributions, with moneys allocated 90% to nongame and endangered wildlife conservation and 10% to wildlife rehabilitation grants for the first $250,000 annually, then 75% and 25% respectively for amounts above that threshold.

• Establishes a seven-member board of directors appointed by the director of parks and wildlife to oversee and recommend wildlife rehabilitation grants ranging from $1,000 to $30,000 to licensed wildlife rehabilitators.

• Permits wildlife rehabilitators to receive grants without requiring matching funds or nonprofit status, and allows grant moneys to support rehabilitation of both game and nongame wildlife species (excluding exotic wildlife).

• Appropriates $2,200 to the department of revenue for 2017-18 fiscal year from the fund to support tax administration IT system costs, with the act taking effect for tax year 2017 and beyond.