Colorado State Senate Passes Bill to Increase Hunting and Fishing License Fees

The Colorado Senate has unanimously passed legislation intended to avoid a financial crisis for the state’s Parks and Wildlife agency by raising hunting and fishing fees. The Denver Post reports the legislation was sponsored by Senator Don Coram of Montrose, a Republican. The agency, which does not receive tax monies, last raised its fees in 2005. It has cut its budget by $40 million since 2009 but projects it will face a $22 million shortfall by 2023. The bill would hike the price of hunting and fishing licenses as well as passes to state parks. The bill now moves to the state House.