House Ag Committee Passes Bipartisan Bill to Address Issues with Wolf Reintroduction

DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources today passed bipartisan legislation to protect Coloradans from having their private information shared after a wildlife incident on their property. 

“In support of our agricultural communities, who are dealing with the consequences of wolf reintroduction on the Western Slope, we’re championing bipartisan legislation to protect their personal information when filing a claim for compensation following depredation,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This bill ensures that the cell phone numbers, addresses, or any other personal information of those filing a wildlife damage compensation claim is kept confidential. Given the political landscape surrounding wolf reintroduction in our state, we must ensure Coloradans can file wildlife compensation claims without fear of retaliation or trespassing on their property.” 

SB25-038 passed committee by a vote of 13-0. This bill would require that personal information be kept confidential after an individual files a wildlife damage compensation claim with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). When individuals file wildlife compensation claims with the CPW, their personal information, including cell phone number, name and address, is currently subject to the "Colorado Open Records Act".

This bill would not disclose personal information to keep Coloradans safe and offer privacy to filing individuals.