Signed by Governor Jared Polis

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that increases penalties for luring wild bears in Colorado.

Highlights:

• Prohibits a person from knowingly placing food or edible waste in the open when there is a reasonable probability that a wild bear will be lured to said food or edible waste (Sec. 2).

• Classifies a violation of this prohibition as a misdemeanor (Sec. 2).

• Exempts situations where the placing of food or edible waste is permitted by commission rule (Sec. 2).

• Exempts acts related to agriculture from this prohibition (Sec. 2).

• Repeals language specifying that a first violation of this section will result in a warning (Sec. 2).

• Increases the fine for a third and subsequent violation of this section from $2000 to $5000 (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that this Act is effective August 12, 2026 (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that increases penalties for luring wild bears in Colorado.

Highlights:

• Prohibits a person from knowingly placing food or edible waste in the open when there is a reasonable probability that a wild bear will be lured to said food or edible waste (Sec. 2).

• Classifies a violation of this prohibition as a misdemeanor (Sec. 2).

• Exempts situations where the placing of food or edible waste is permitted by commission rule (Sec. 2).

• Exempts acts related to agriculture from this prohibition (Sec. 2).

• Repeals language specifying that a first violation of this section will result in a warning (Sec. 2).

• Increases the fine for a third and subsequent violation of this section from $2000 to $5000 (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that this Act is effective August 12, 2026 (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text