Bill > HB817

This bill expands hunting license opportunities for youth with life-threatening illnesses in Montana by creating two separate pathways for free special permit licenses. Under the first provision, the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) may issue a free big game combination or specific elk, deer, or antelope license to a youth under 18 diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, with documentation from a physician, and limited to 25 licenses annually. The second, new provision allows the department to issue up to 15 total special permit licenses (5 each for elk, deer, and antelope) to youth under 18 who are recommended by a Montana charitable or nonprofit organization and have a life-threatening illness. In both cases, the youth must be accompanied by an adult with a valid hunting license or a licensed outfitter, and the department may waive typical hunter safety education requirements. The bill defines a life-threatening illness as a progressive, degenerative, or malignant condition that significantly threatens the child's life expectancy. These special permits are intended to provide a meaningful hunting experience for seriously ill youth and are issued on a one-time, one-season basis, with specific rules to ensure the youth's safety and accommodation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3051