MontanaHB 10769th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Revising licensing requirements for commercial activities regulated by FWP

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.

Fur farms and dealers: fees and records

Beginning March 1, 2026, a fur farm license costs $85 and lasts five years, expiring February 28 of the fifth year. Renewal requires no violations and filing the required report; a lapse over 1 year means a new application and fee. Fur dealers must keep a dated record for each purchase or sale with species, counts, where the animals were taken, any required trapping license number, and buyer and seller names and addresses. Keep these records while you hold the items and at least 1 year. The department or game wardens can inspect them.

Permits and rules for zoos and menageries

Beginning March 1, 2026, the department sets rules for how roadside menageries, wild animal menageries, wildlife sanctuaries, and zoos house and care for animals and protect the public. Annual permits cost $10 for five or fewer animals and $25 for more than five. Permits expire December 31, and the law also says permits for the year may be valid through February 28 of the next year. Before issuing or renewing, the department checks that housing, care, and safety standards are met. Applications must include the location, species lists and counts, facility details, any required federal permits, and proof of liability insurance or financial responsibility. Renewal applications must include an inventory of all wild animals. Permits are not transferable. Records must be kept 5 years and be open to inspection. Government-operated facilities do not need these permits. False statements on applications can lead to denial.

Taxidermists must be licensed and keep records

Beginning March 1, 2026, taxidermists must get a state license and pay $50 each year. The license expires February 28 of the next year. Licensed taxidermists must keep a written list of all wildlife items, including species, counts, owner name and address, and all shipments. Keep these records while you hold the items and at least 5 years. Wardens or the department can inspect the records.

Exotic wildlife: permits, fees, and bans

Beginning March 1, 2026, you may not import, possess, or sell exotic wildlife unless allowed by law or commission rule and you have any needed import OK from the Department of Livestock. A permit to possess a controlled exotic species costs $125 and lasts five years. A permit to sell, breed, or exchange a controlled exotic species costs $500 and lasts five years. Renewals require the fee and reporting of your current inventory and changes. The commission and department set lists of controlled or prohibited species and other permit rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Eric Albus
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Denley Loge
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 259 • No: 41

House vote • 3/19/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 32 • No: 18

House vote • 3/18/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 32 • No: 18

House vote • 1/30/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 97 • No: 3

House vote • 1/29/2025