Lukens’ Bipartisan Parks Access Bill Passes House

DENVER, CO – The House today passed Representative Meghan Lukens’ bipartisan bill to improve access to Colorado's state parks and wildlife areas. 

“With the passage of this bill, we are one step closer to saving Coloradans money on state park passes, and hunting and fishing licenses,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “This bipartisan bill makes recreational opportunities more accessible for older Coloradans and veterans with disabilities. Colorado’s state parks are teaming with wildlife, outdoor activities and top tier recreation opportunities; this bill helps improve access to our state parks so everyone can enjoy what our beautiful state has to offer.” 

SB24-161, also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, passed the House by a vote of 58 to 2. This bill would make several changes to certain fees, requirements, and procedures related to licenses and passes issued by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The goal of SB24-161 is to make hunting, fishing and park passes in Colorado more accessible to those living with a disability and to save older Coloradans money on their passes. 

Specifically, the bill:

• lowers the age threshold for senior annual fishing licenses from 65 to 64 years of age;

• lowers the cost of youth big game and youth small game resident and nonresident hunting licenses by $0.25;

• Increases eligibility for discounted licenses to veterans with disabilities;

• allows CPW to establish a harvest permit surcharge of up to $5; and

• allows revenue from the Keep Colorado Wild pass sales to be used for capital construction costs.