CO SB026

Requires voting members of three state regulatory bodies (Parks and Wildlife Commission, State Agricultural Commission, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife Board) appointed by the Governor to participate in at least two public meetings annually in their geographic areas to directly engage constituents, with virtual meetings exempted.

Members appointed to represent the public at large must participate in at least one meeting per year west of the Continental Divide and one meeting per year east of the Continental Divide.

Directors and commissioners must track and report members' compliance with public meeting requirements to commission chairs at least annually and include this data in the department's annual "SMART Act" presentation to the General Assembly.

Voting commission members are entitled to reimbursement for reasonable costs incurred in participating in required public meetings.

Governor may determine that a member's failure to participate in required public meetings qualifies as cause for removal from their position.

Appropriates $10,504 to the Department of Natural Resources for fiscal year 2024-25 ($6,828 from wildlife cash fund and $3,676 from parks and outdoor recreation cash fund) to implement the act.

Takes effect January 1, 2025, subject to voter approval if a referendum petition is filed within 90 days of legislative adjournment.