Bill > SB165

This bill revises Montana's laws regarding snowmobile and motorized equipment rentals by introducing a new $5 trail enhancement rental fee for each rental transaction. Currently, snowmobile and trail users must purchase a winter trail pass ($20 for Montana residents and $35 for non-residents), and this bill adds an additional fee specifically for rental equipment. The new trail enhancement rental fee will be collected by rental vendors and then submitted to the state department, which will distribute the funds primarily to entities that groom and maintain trails in areas where rental businesses operate. A small portion (2%) of the fee will be used by the department for trail grooming program operations, including repairs to grooming vehicles. The bill maintains existing requirements for trail passes, such as affixing the pass in a conspicuous place and restrictions on transferability, while also preserving protections for personal identification information collected during the pass application process. The goal appears to be generating additional funding for trail maintenance and improvement through a targeted fee on rental equipment users.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2355