HB 24-1117 Summary

• Expands Colorado Parks and Wildlife Division's authority to include investigations and surveys of invertebrate species and rare native plants to fill data gaps on population, distribution, habitat needs, and conservation measures.

• Adds definitions of "native plant" (plant species indigenous to Colorado) and "rare plants" (native plants at risk of extinction due to restricted range, few populations, steep declines, or severe threats) to state statute.

• Authorizes the division to undertake voluntary conservation programs for invertebrates and rare plants but does not grant regulatory authority over their take without further legislation.

• Requires the department to report annually on investigations and management findings during its "SMART Act" hearing starting January 2026, with this reporting requirement repealing June 30, 2029.

• Appropriates $774,788 from the wildlife cash fund for fiscal year 2024-25 to support implementation, funding 4.0 additional full-time employees for the division.