Bill > SB235

This bill modifies the qualification criteria for landowner-preference elk licenses in Montana by making several key changes. The legislation eliminates the previous provision that allowed landowners who were under contract to purchase 640 acres of contiguous land to qualify for special elk permits, now requiring actual ownership of the land. The bill also refines the definition of "employee" by specifying that an employee must be paid by the landowner and have state or federal taxes withheld from their payment. Additionally, the bill restricts the designation of hunting permits to full-time, year-round employees who are actively working in the farm or ranch operation, rather than allowing any employed person to receive the permit. The changes apply to both Class A-9 resident antlerless elk B tag licenses and Class B-12 nonresident antlerless elk B tag licenses, as well as special elk permits. The bill maintains the existing requirement that at least 15% of available licenses in a hunting district must be reserved for qualifying landowners, and requires that the land be documented as being used by elk. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0749