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ColoradoHB26-13422026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Negligently Luring Bears

Sponsored By: Janice Marchman (Democratic), Katie Stewart (Democratic), Meghan Lukens (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Natural Resources & Environment

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Higher penalties for luring bears in Colorado

In Colorado, knowingly placing food or edible waste in the open where it is reasonably likely to lure a wild bear is a misdemeanor. The law removes the required first-offense warning. The maximum fine for a third or later offense rises from $2,000 to $5,000. Acts related to agriculture and conduct allowed by state wildlife rules are exempt. Food or edible waste excludes live animals and food grown in the open before harvest. Without a timely referendum petition, the changes take effect at 12:01 a.m. the day after the 90-day post-adjournment period. That date is August 12, 2026, if final adjournment is May 13, 2026. A timely petition requires voter approval in November 2026; the changes then begin when the governor officially declares the vote. The changes apply only to offenses committed on or after the applicable effective date.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Janice Marchman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Katie Stewart

    Democratic • House

  • Meghan Lukens

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Emily Sirota

    Democratic • House

  • Junie Joseph

    Democratic • House

  • Julie McCluskie

    Democratic • House

  • Kyle Brown

    Democratic • House

  • Karen McCormick

    Democratic • House

  • Lori Goldstein

    Democratic • House

  • Lesley Smith

    Democratic • House

  • Mandy Lindsay

    Democratic • House

  • Tisha Mauro

    Democratic • House

  • Cathy Kipp

    Democratic • Senate

  • James Coleman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lisa Cutter

    Democratic • Senate

  • Tom Sullivan

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 75 • No: 42

Senate vote • 5/8/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 23 • No: 11

Senate vote • 4/30/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1342 to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 4 • No: 2

House vote • 4/22/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 40 • No: 25

House vote • 4/13/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1342, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 8 • No: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Governor Signed

    5/27/2026House

  2. Signed by the Speaker of the House

    5/19/2026House

  3. Signed by the President of the Senate

    5/19/2026Senate

  4. Sent to the Governor

    5/19/2026House

  5. Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    5/8/2026Senate

  6. Senate Second Reading Passed - No Amendments

    5/7/2026Senate

  7. Senate Second Reading Special Order - Laid Over Daily - No Amendments

    5/6/2026Senate

  8. Senate Second Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments

    5/5/2026Senate

  9. Senate Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources Refer Unamended to Senate Committee of the Whole

    4/30/2026Senate

  10. Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Agriculture & Natural Resources

    4/23/2026Senate

  11. House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    4/22/2026House

  12. House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee, Floor

    4/21/2026House

  13. House Second Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments

    4/15/2026House

  14. House Committee on Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Refer Amended to House Committee of the Whole

    4/13/2026House

  15. Introduced In House - Assigned to Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources

    3/27/2026House

Bill Text

  • Engrossed

    PDF

  • Final Act

    PDF

  • House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Preamend

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

  • Reengrossed

    PDF

  • Rerevised

    PDF

  • Revised

    PDF

  • Signed Act

    PDF

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