The Colorado House convened on March 22, 2025, to discuss several amendments related to Senate Bill 3, focusing primarily on the protection of federal funding and the implications of new legislation on state resources.

A significant portion of the meeting centered around concerns regarding the potential loss of $27 million in federal funding for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Representatives expressed urgency in ensuring that state actions do not jeopardize this funding. Representative DeGraff emphasized the need for a letter confirming the protection of federal funds, arguing that the current legislative actions could threaten these resources. He urged colleagues to support an amendment aimed at safeguarding this funding, framing it as a necessary insurance policy against federal oversight.

The discussion also included a proposal by Representative Brooks, which sought to amend the committee report to provide a safety net in case federal funding was lost. Brooks argued that the amendment would not alter existing policies but would serve as a precautionary measure to protect the state from financial repercussions. Despite these arguments, the amendment was ultimately rejected, with a vote tally of 22 in favor and 43 against.

Another amendment proposed by Representative Caldwell aimed to reduce penalties for unintentional violations of the new law, suggesting that accidents should not carry severe consequences. However, this amendment also faced opposition and was voted down, with 28 in favor and 37 against.

The meeting concluded with a series of votes on various amendments, all of which were ultimately rejected. The discussions highlighted ongoing tensions between state legislative actions and federal funding requirements, underscoring the complexities of balancing state policy with financial security. As the legislative session progresses, the implications of these decisions will continue to unfold, particularly concerning the state's fiscal health and its relationship with federal authorities.