CO HB1318

Creates the Outdoor Equity Grant Program to increase access to Colorado's outdoor spaces and parks for underserved youth, including low-income, rural, racially/ethnically diverse, LGBTQ+, Native American, and youth with disabilities.

Establishes a 9-member voting Outdoor Equity Board (plus 3 non-voting members) appointed by the Director of Parks and Wildlife, with members representing racial justice, environmental justice, conservation, outdoor education, disability accessibility, and LGBTQ+ equity, plus three youth members from eligible communities.

Creates the Outdoor Equity Fund funded by lottery proceeds, with allocations beginning at $750,000 for fiscal year 2020-21, increasing to $3 million annually starting in fiscal year 2023-24.

Board administers grant program to award funds to governmental entities, nonprofits, for-profits, and tribal organizations that serve eligible youth through conservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation programs.

Appropriates $730,674 from the Outdoor Equity Fund for the 2021-22 fiscal year to the Department of Natural Resources for program implementation.