Press Room

Bill by Denver Students to Make Western Tiger Salamander the State Amphibian Passes Senate Committee Today

Thursday, February 23 2012

DENVER─Today, the Senate Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Energy Committee approved House Bill 1147, sponsored by Senator Joyce Foster (D-Denver).  This bipartisan legislation designates the Western Tiger Salamander as Colorado’s state amphibian. The legislation was proposed to House sponsor Representative Angela Williams (D-Denver) by students from local Denver schools.  The bill initiators include Ninth-grader Larissa Babiak, fifth-grader Marko Babiak and second-grader Nicholas Babiak. More than 100 students came to the state capitol today to show their support for the bill, and to testify in front of the committee.

Senator Foster offered the following comment on House Bill 1147 today:

“It’s wonderful to see our young people develop legislation, work together to get it passed, and have the opportunity to learn about their government in the process.  This is a great educational experience for these children, and I’m happy to carry this bill on behalf of Denver students.”

Western Tiger Salamanders live in all 64 of Colorado’s counties, and scientists estimate that they may have lived in the region for as long as one million years.  Colorado already has a state fish, insect and reptile.

House Bill 1147 is also sponsored by Senator Nancy Spence (R-Centennial). The bill will now go to the full senate for consideration.