CO SB159

Extends the sunset date of the Colorado Food Systems Advisory Council from September 1, 2023 to September 1, 2026, continuing the council for three additional years.

Restructures council membership by reducing governor-appointed positions from 16 to 5 members and adding 12 rotating positions appointed by legislative leaders (Speaker, Minority Leader of both chambers, and Senate President).

Replaces a position focused on agricultural production sectors with a nutrition specialist position (physician or registered dietitian) and adds a food bank representative position.

Redefines council purposes and duties to emphasize growing local, regional, and statewide food economies and requires the council to accept at least 60 days of public comment on research and reports.

Appropriates $151,068 for the 2023-24 fiscal year to the Department of Higher Education and the Colorado State University System Board of Governors to fund one additional FTE position for the council.