Bill > HB171

This bill eliminates the Montana Alfalfa Seed Committee and transfers its responsibilities to the Montana Department of Agriculture. The bill revises definitions related to alfalfa leaf-cutting bees and modifies existing regulations governing bee registration, laboratory services, and fee collection. Specifically, the Department of Agriculture will now be responsible for maintaining a bee laboratory, setting fees, managing the leaf-cutting bee account, and handling bee registrations. The bill repeals multiple existing sections of law related to the alfalfa seed committee and assessment, effectively dissolving the previous committee structure. The legislation requires the Department of Agriculture to transfer any unexpended funds from the alfalfa seed account to the general fund by June 30, 2026, and mandates that the department hold a public meeting every two years to discuss the continuation of the alfalfa seed assessment. Most provisions of the bill will become effective on July 1, 2025, with some sections taking effect on July 1, 2026, allowing for a phased transition of responsibilities from the committee to the department.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0425