Press Room

Governor Signs Denver Students' Salamander Bill into Law Today

Friday, March 16 2012

Representative Angela Williams (left), Senator Joyce Foster and students look on as Governor John Hickenlooper signs HB 1147 into law

DENVER – Today, Governor John Hickenlooper signed House Bill 1147  into law. 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. Dozens of students came to the state capitol today to show their support for the bill, and to watch it be signed into law.

Foster offered the following comment on the signing of House Bill 1147 today:

 “These students have worked so hard to see this idea become law so it was really rewarding to watch the governor sign this bill.  They have not only gained an extremely valuable educational lesson, but also a priceless life experience that they will value for the rest of their lives.”

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).