Bill > HB244

This bill modifies hunting license provisions for Montana military service members who have been deployed. Specifically, it expands eligibility for free and discounted hunting and fishing licenses for members of the Montana National Guard, federal reserves, or active-duty service members who have served outside the state for at least two months during a contingency operation. The bill removes the previous restriction that limited deployment to outside the continental United States, instead using a broader "outside of the state" definition. Service members can now receive a free resident conservation license, fishing license, or combination sports license in the year they return from deployment or the following year, and for up to four additional years. If a service member is deployed multiple times meeting these qualifications, they can reset the five-year entitlement period each time. To qualify, service members must provide documentation like their DD form 214 discharge papers proving their active-duty service. The bill also guarantees that service members who forfeit a license due to deployment can receive the same license without additional fees upon returning. The state's general fund will reimburse the license account quarterly for the cost of these free licenses.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2291