This bill continues and updates the regulation of outfitters and guides by the Division of Professions and Occupations (DORA), based on recommendations from DORA's Sunset Review.
Key Provisions of the Bill1. Continuation of Regulation(Sections 1 & 2)
Extends the regulation of outfitters and guides for nine more years, until 2034.
2. Disciplinary Actions Against Outfitters(Sections 3 & 4)
Allows the Director of the Division to take disciplinary action against an outfitter's owner, regardless of their ownership share in the business.
Previously, certain owners could avoid penalties based on their percentage of ownership.
3. Fine Revenue Allocation(Section 5)
Changes how fine revenue is distributed:
Now:50% of fines collected will go to the General Fund (instead of all fines going to the division).
4. Exemptions from Outfitter Regulations(Section 6)
Motor carriers and third-party booking agencies are no longer regulated under the Outfitters Act.
5. Prohibitions on Guides with Wildlife Violations(Sections 4 & 7)
Individuals with suspended licenses or registrations for wildlife violations cannot:
Work as a guide.
Receive or renew an outfitter registration.
This applies to violations enforced by:
Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Any member state of the Wildlife Violator Compact (a multi-state agreement to enforce wildlife laws).
Key Takeaways
Extends regulation of outfitters and guides until 2034.
Strengthens disciplinary actions, ensuring all owners can be held accountable.
Redirects half of fine revenues to the General Fund.
Exempts motor carriers and booking agencies from outfitter regulations.
Prevents individuals with wildlife violations from working as guides or renewing licenses.
Summary
Sunset Process - Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. The bill implements the recommendations of the department of regulatory agencies (DORA) in its sunset review and report concerning the regulation of outfitters and guides by the division of professions and occupations (division) within DORA. Specifically:
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Sections 1 and 2 of the bill continue the regulation of outfitters and guides for 9 years, until 2034;
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Sections 3 and 4 allow the director of the division to take disciplinary action against an owner of an outfitter entity regardless of the owner's ownership share percentage;
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Section 5 credits one-half of the money that is collected as fines to the general fund rather than to the division;
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Section 6 exempts motor carriers and third-party booking agencies from regulation under the outfitters act; and
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Sections 4 and 7 add provisions prohibiting an individual from working as a guide or receiving or renewing a registration as an outfitter if the individual has a license or registration suspended by the division of parks and wildlife or by an agency of any member state of the Wildlife Violator Compact for a violation of a law concerning wildlife.
