A Bill for an Act
Page 1, Line 101Concerning the designation of the Agaricus julius mushroom
Page 1, Line 102as the state mushroom.
Bill Summary
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does not reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted. If this bill passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at http://leg.colorado.gov.)
The bill designates the Agaricus julius mushroom, commonly known as the Emperor mushroom, as the state mushroom of the state of Colorado.
Page 1, Line 1Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:
Page 2, Line 1SECTION 1. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly finds and declares that:
Page 2, Line 2(a) Mushrooms and fungi play an important role in maintaining the health of forests and ecosystems.
Page 2, Line 3(b) Agaricus julius is an edible mushroom found in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
Page 2, Line 4(c) After mistaking Agaricus julius for its close relative Agaricus
Page 2, Line 5augustus, or "The Prince mushroom," scientists first identified Agaricus
Page 2, Line 6julius as a distinct species and described it as such in Colorado in 2016.
Page 2, Line 7Therefore, Agaricus julius is referred to as "The Emperor formerly known as Prince."
Page 2, Line 8(d) Agaricus julius is a saprobic mushroom, meaning it
Page 2, Line 9decomposes dead or decaying organic material, thereby recycling nutrients and reducing wildfire fuel loads.
Page 2, Line 10(e) Agaricus julius appears in high-elevation spruce-fir forests and
Page 2, Line 11has a large cap adorned with brown scales and an odor reminiscent of almonds.
Page 2, Line 12(f) The inclusion of a symbol from the kingdom of fungi will help
Page 2, Line 13promote and celebrate the importance of fungi and mushrooms in Colorado.
Page 2, Line 14(2) It is therefore the intent of the general assembly that the
Page 2, Line 15Agaricus julius mushroom be added to the array of symbols that demonstrate our state character and pride.
Page 2, Line 16SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 24-80-916 as follows:
Page 2, Line 1724-80-916. State mushroom.The Agaricus julius mushroom,
Page 2, Line 18commonly known as the Emperor mushroom formerly known as
Page 3, Line 1Prince, is made and declared to be the state mushroom of the state of Colorado.
Page 3, Line 2SECTION 3. Act subject to petition - effective date. This act
Page 3, Line 3takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on the day following the expiration of the
Page 3, Line 4ninety-day period after final adjournment of the general assembly; except
Page 3, Line 5that, if a referendum petition is filed pursuant to section 1 (3) of article V
Page 3, Line 6of the state constitution against this act or an item, section, or part of this
Page 3, Line 7act within such period, then the act, item, section, or part will not take
Page 3, Line 8effect unless approved by the people at the general election to be held in
Page 3, Line 9November 2026 and, in such case, will take effect on the date of the official declaration of the vote thereon by the governor.