The state of Colorado values healthy, resilient forest landscapes and is willing to invest state funds in the stewardship of these resources.

Resources

 
BILL/RESOLUTIONTITLESUMMARY
HB18-1246Modernization of the Nursery ActThe bill updates the 'Colorado Nursery Act', last amended in 2009, to protect nursery stock by:

  • Updating definitions, including amending the definition of 'nursery stock' and adding a definition of 'noxious weed';
  • Removing an exemption from inspections for nurseries that only sell nursery stock grown in Colorado and not exported outside of Colorado;
  • Authorizing the commissioner of agriculture to promulgate rules to add additional information to the nursery stock labeling requirements;
  • Prohibiting a person from selling, offering for sale, or distributing noxious weeds or nursery stock that is infested with noxious weeds; and
  • Raising the $100 cap on the nursery stock business registration fee to a $300 cap
HB18-1291Sunset Conservation Easement Oversight Commission

  • The bill implements the recommendations of the Department of Regulatory Agencies in its sunset review of the Conservation Easement Oversight Commission by extending the repeal date of the commission for 7 years until 2025. (Recommendation 2). The bill modifies the composition of the commission.
  • The bill creates the Division of Conservation as a type 2 entity in the Department of Regulatory Agencies and moves the existing Conservation Easement Oversight Commission, the program to certify conservation easement holders, and the program to certify conservation easement tax credit certificates to the new division.
HB18-1314Drone Interference with Public Safety Operations

  • The bill states that, as used in the existing criminal offense of obstructing a peace officer, firefighter, emergency medical service provider, rescue specialist, or volunteer, the term 'obstacle' includes an unmanned aircraft system.
  • The bill adds language stating that the offense does not apply to an unmanned aircraft system operator who complies with certain operational requirements
HB18-1338Reduced Revenue Severance Tax Operational Fund Transfers**The following is a summary of HB18-1338 that includes ONLY sections of the bill pertaining specifically to the transfer of funding to the Colorado State Forest Service**

  • The bill requires the state treasurer to transfer the following amounts to the CSFS on July 1, 2018, from the general fund to pay for tier 2 programs for the next fiscal year:
    - $954,545 to the forest restoration and wildfire risk mitigation grant program cash fund;
    - $1,186,363 to the healthy forests and vibrant communities fund;
  • Prohibits the state treasurer from making any transfers from the operational fund to benefit the tier 2 programs for the next fiscal year, unless severance tax receipts are deposited in the operational fund during the fiscal year and there is sufficient money in the operational fund reserve so that no transfer will be made to the fund from the general fund on July 1, 2019.
SB18-039Continue the Wildfire Matters Review CommitteeThe wildfire matters review committee (WMRC) is currently scheduled to repeal on July 1, 2018.
  • The bill defers the repeal date to September 1, 2025.
  • The bill also eliminates obsolete provisions relating to the WMRC's consideration of codifying the wildland and prescribed fire advisory commission, an entity created by executive order. The WMRC discharged its obligation by considering this issue during the 2014 legislative session.
  • The bill also appropriates $49,125 from the general fund to the legislative department for the 2018-19 state fiscal year for its implementation.
SB18-042Concerning the Creation of the Agricultural Workforce Development Program

  • The bill requires the Commissioner of Agriculture to create, by rule, the Agricultural Workforce Development Program to provide incentives to agricultural businesses to hire interns. Qualified agricultural businesses may be reimbursed an amount not to exceed 50% of the actual cost of hiring a qualified intern.
  • The rules must include specified criteria for qualifying businesses and interns participating in the program.
  • Qualified internships must include at least 130 hours of work experience and cannot exceed 6 months in duration. The program is repealed on July 1, 2024.
  • The bill appropriates $43,157 from the general fund to the department of agriculture for use by the commissioner to implement the program.
SJM18-001Memorialize Congress to Fund Wildfire ResponseThis Resolution concerns the need for Congress to fund catastrophic wildfire response costs outside of Federal forest management agencies’ normal budgets.