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Bill proposes protecting ranchers’ personal information in wolf claims | News


A bill introduced in the Colorado Senate seeks to shield personal and sensitive financial information of ranchers who file compensation claims for livestock losses due to wolves from public disclosure. The move comes in response to complaints from the ranching community about potential harassment from animal rights activists or those curious about seeing a wolf. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Dylan Robert, aims to protect the privacy of ranchers while ensuring transparency in a program funded by state dollars.

The need for such legislation arose after ranchers in Jackson County faced trespassing and harassment issues when wolves started killing their livestock. While a ballot measure in 2020 required compensation for livestock losses due to wolves, concerns were raised about excessive claims and the need to balance personal privacy with governmental transparency.

The bill, which was unanimously approved by a Senate committee, includes amendments to protect the name, address, and business information of ranchers filing wildlife compensation claims. Supporters of the bill, including representatives from the Colorado Farm Bureau and Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, emphasized the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of ranchers’ personal and financial information to prevent it from being used against them.

Opponents of the bill, including the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition, raised concerns about the potential lack of transparency in the Wildlife Damage Compensation program. However, lawmakers believe that the amendments included in the bill strike the right balance between privacy and accountability. The bill, SB38, has passed the committee and is now headed to the full Senate for consideration.

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Photo credit denvergazette.com

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