A bill designating the Tiger Salamander as the official Colorado State amphibian passed its first hurdle today at the capitol.

House Bill 1147, heard in the House Agriculture Committee, began with students across the state seeking the designation, according to the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Angela Willams, D-Denver. The student’s initiative is proving to be a valuable civics lesson says Williams.

“This is such a great way to teach students by showing them how a bill becomes a law,” said Williams. “Seeing their enthusiasm in the legislative process has been truly rewarding, and I hope the bill will continue on and the tiger salamander will soon be Colorado’s state amphibian.”

The Tiger Salamander is found in all 64 counties of Colorado, according to students who came to the capitol to speak in favor of the bill.

The proposal is now headed to the full House for consideration.