FA24EBA47AAE2D1A87258829006E03A8 Hearing Summary

Senator Jaquez Lewis and Senator Priola, bill sponsors, presented Senate Bill 22-199. The bill directs the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to study and develop recommendations on how to address pollinator decline and increase pollinator health in the state. The DNR must submit a summary of the study and recommendations to the General Assembly and Governor by January 1, 2024.

The bill sponsors responded to committee questions.

Senator Coleman proceeded with witness testimony on the bill. Submitted testimony may be found in Attachment A.

Dr. David Inouye, representing self, testified in support of the bill. Theresa Beck, representing BeeChicas, testified in support of the bill. Ryan Bartlett, representing Colorado Native Bee, testified in support of the bill. Joyce Kennedy, representing People & Pollinators Action Network, testified in support of the bill. The witness panel responded to committee questions.

Beren Erkan, representing self, testified in support of the bill. Beth Conrey, representing self, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Adrian Carper, representing self, testified in support of the bill. Amy Lewis, representing WILD Foundation, testified in support of the bill. The witness panel responded to committee questions.

Dr. Julie Morris, representing self, testified in support of the bill. SaraJo Light, representing Sierra Club, testified in support of the bill.

Austin Vincent, representing Colorado Farm Bureau, testified to amend the bill. Alice Horgan, representing Department of Natural Resources, was available to answer committee questions.

Dr. Margaret Gaddis, representing Colorado Native Plant Society, testified in support of the bill.

Amendment L.001 was distributed (Attachment B).

The bill sponsors gave closing remarks.

Committee members commented on the bill.