HB-1215 Redistribution of Lottery Fund

[Oak]

HB-1215 was introduced yesterday. Haven't dived into the numbers yet, but it doesn't sound good for wildlife.

Bill Summary

Current law distributes, to the extent available, the first $3 million of the lottery fund to the outdoor equity fund, the next $3 million to the public school capital construction assistance fund, and any remaining money as follows:

• 25% to the wildlife cash fund;
• 25% to the parks and outdoor recreation cash fund; and
• 50% to the public school capital construction assistance fund.

For the 2024-25 state fiscal year and each state fiscal year thereafter, the bill redistributes, to the extent available, the first $3 million of the lottery fund to the outdoor equity fund, the next $4 million to the public school capital construction assistance fund, and any remaining money as follows:

• 10% to the wildlife cash fund;
• 10% to the parks and outdoor recreation cash fund;
• 30% to the outdoor equity fund; and
• 50% to the public school capital construction assistance fund.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

 

[TOGIE]

I feel like should always know this, but what the heck is the outdoor equity fund?

 

[bayoublaster7527]

I am not generally opposed to the outdoor equity fund program, however, this seems like taking money from wildlife, parks, and outdoor recreation (where it benefits most all Coloradans) and redistributing toward a DEI focused fund.

At first glance I would oppose this.