Bill > LC2790

This bill modifies Montana's existing law regarding the harassment of animals, specifically expanding the language from "game animals and game birds" to simply "animals" when describing prohibited actions. The bill maintains the core prohibition against using vehicles or devices to concentrate, drive, rally, stir up, run, molest, flush, herd, chase, harass, or impede the movement of animals. It also preserves existing penalties for violations, which include fines ranging from $50 to $1,000, potential imprisonment for up to 6 months, and possible forfeiture of hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses. The bill provides slightly different penalty structures for first-time and repeat offenders within a 5-year period, with second-time offenders facing more significant penalties, including a mandatory 24-month loss of hunting and fishing privileges. A key exemption remains for landowners and their authorized agents who are engaged in herding, driving, corralling, or controlling their livestock, which was slightly modified from the previous language about "immediate protection of property."

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/lc/bill/2/LC2790