CO SB053

Classifies wild American bison as "wildlife" and "big game" under Colorado law, while excluding privately owned bison, captive bison, and bison owned by Indian tribes from the wildlife definition

Establishes bison hunting license fees at $374.22 for residents and $2,756.74 for nonresidents

Sets penalties for illegal bison possession at $1,000-$100,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, and 20 license suspension points, with an additional $10,000 penalty for illegally taken bison

Appropriates $75,000 from the wildlife cash fund to the Division of Parks and Wildlife for implementation in fiscal year 2025-26

Takes effect January 1, 2026, unless a referendum petition is filed, which would delay implementation until voter approval in November 2026