Maddy summaryHB 134 revises the existing Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) Crimestoppers program. This bill would allow the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks to offer financial rewards and "reward permits" as incentives. These new provisions aim to encourage the public to provide information that assists in the prosecution of FWP-related crimes.
Maddy summaryHB 79 exempts small-scale wood harvesting activities from requiring a fire hazard reduction agreement with Montana's Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. Specifically, it applies to private landowners or individuals harvesting less than 5,000 board feet of forest products (like firewood) in a single activity. This change removes the need for these small-scale harvesters to obtain a formal agreement or certificate from the department. The bill directly affects homeowners, small landowners, and local residents who gather firewood or perform minor land clearing. It streamlines the process for low-impact activities while maintaining requirements for larger commercial operations.
Maddy summaryHB 133 would require hunters in Montana who purchase a license for game animals to report their hunting activity to the state wildlife department before obtaining a new license the following year. This bill directly affects all hunters buying game animal licenses, mandating pre-purchase reporting to track hunting participation. The department would have authority to establish reporting systems, deadlines, and penalties through rules. The bill was withdrawn by the House on February 4, 2025, before it could become law, and was not enacted.
