summary
Introduced
02/04/2026
02/04/2026
In Committee
04/21/2026
04/21/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
The bill encourages the state forest service, the department of natural resources, the department of personnel, and the department of transportation (covered agency) to prioritize the use of in-state sources of ecoregionally specific plant material that supports pollinator habitats when certain conditions are met. In planning and executing a vegetation project, each covered agency is required to satisfy certain requirements. To the extent practicable, each covered agency shall coordinate with the other covered agencies with regard to purchasing. Each covered agency shall establish a training program for land managers and maintenance crews that includes certain minimum components. To the extent practicable, each covered agency shall integrate mowing and grazing based on recommendations included in the 2022 study commissioned by the department of natural resources pursuant to Senate Bill 22-199. The bill requires the office of the state architect to support and encourage the development and renovation of sustainable sites to maximize pollinator health on properties within the state capitol complex, other state buildings, and, where applicable, on leased property. The bill requires the Colorado state university extension (extension) to perform a Colorado native plant availability study in consultation with certain parties. On or before August 1, 2031, the extension shall issue a report summarizing the results of the study. The extension shall make the report publicly available on its website and provide copies of the report to the governor and specified legislative committees of reference. The extension may seek, accept, and expend gifts, grants, and donations for the purpose of implementing the bill. The extension is not required to perform the study or issue a report unless and until the extension acquires sufficient gifts, grants, and donations to pay for the performance of such duties.
AI Summary
This bill aims to support pollinators by encouraging state agencies, including the State Forest Service, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Personnel, and Department of Transportation (referred to as "covered agencies"), to prioritize the use of native plant materials that are specific to local ecoregions and support pollinator habitats, provided these plants are available, financially viable, and contribute to plant diversity and pollinator habitat. When planning projects, these agencies must balance native plant benefits with other priorities like wildfire risk reduction and species protection, and to the extent possible, coordinate their purchasing to increase demand, reduce costs, and ensure a sufficient supply of appropriate native plants and seeds. The bill also mandates that covered agencies establish training programs for their staff on identifying native plants and best practices for pollinator conservation, and integrate mowing and grazing practices based on recommendations from a 2022 study on native pollinating insects. Furthermore, the Office of the State Architect is tasked with promoting sustainable site development and renovation to enhance pollinator health on state properties, including maximizing the use of native and pollinator-friendly plants and minimizing pesticide use. Finally, Colorado State University Extension is directed to conduct a study on the availability of native plants in Colorado, consulting with various stakeholders, and to report its findings by August 1, 2031, though this study is contingent on receiving sufficient external funding.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance
Sponsors (30)
Meg Froelich (D)*,
Cathy Kipp (D)*,
Mandy Lindsay (D)*,
Jennifer Bacon (D),
Andrew Boesenecker (D),
Kyle Brown (D),
Sean Camacho (D),
Chad Clifford (D),
Monica Duran (D),
Lorena García (D),
Lori Goldstein (D),
Jamie Jackson (D),
Junie Joseph (D),
Sheila Lieder (D),
Javier Mabrey (D),
Julie McCluskie (D),
Karen McCormick (D),
Kenny Nguyen (D),
Amy Paschal (D),
Manny Rutinel (D),
Emily Sirota (D),
Lesley Smith (D),
Katie Stewart (D),
Rebekah Stewart (D),
Tammy Story (D),
Brianna Titone (D),
Elizabeth Velasco (D),
Jenny Willford (D),
Steven Woodrow (D),
Yara Zokaie (D),
Last Action
House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments (on 04/24/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1132 |
| BillText | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/115160/download |
| BillText | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/115084/download |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Budget Staff Analysis SA1 | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/114891/download |
| House Finance Amendment L.003 | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_amendments/18833/download |
| Fiscal Note First Revised Fiscal Note | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/113472/download |
| House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Amendment L.002 | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_amendments/18079/download |
| House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Amendment L.001 | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_amendments/18080/download |
| Fiscal Note FN1 | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/112534/download |
| BillText | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/111289/download |
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