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

7 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 6 costs, 1 mixed.

New permits and limits for exotic wildlife

Selling, breeding, or exchanging controlled exotic wildlife now requires a permit with a $500 fee. Possessing a controlled exotic species requires a separate permit with a $125 fee. Each permit lasts until February 28 of the fifth year after issue; renewals require paying the fee and filing inventory reports. You cannot import, possess, or sell exotic wildlife unless it is allowed by law or commission rule and you have import authorization from the Department of Livestock. The commission and department can set lists of controlled or prohibited species and permit rules. These rules start March 1, 2026.

Stricter rules to run menageries and zoos

Before a permit is granted, the department verifies that housing, animal care, and public protection are proper. Permits cannot be transferred to another person. Applications must list location, species and counts, and facility type and cage specs. Roadside menageries must include required federal exhibition permits and a liability insurance policy; wild animal menageries must show land title and responsibility; sanctuaries and zoos must include nonprofit documents, required federal permits, and any accreditation. Keep department‑required records for 5 years and open them to inspection. False statements can lead to denial and penalties under 87-6-715. These rules start March 1, 2026.

Annual permit fees for menageries

Menageries must pay a yearly permit fee: $10 for five or fewer animals, $25 for more than five. Permits are valid through February 28 of the year after issue; renewals require the fee and a renewal filing. Renewal applications must include an accounting of all wild animals at the facility. Government‑run facilities (U.S., state, county, or city) are exempt from these permits. These rules start March 1, 2026.

Fur farm license fee and renewal

Fur farm operators pay an $85 license fee to get or renew a license. The license ends on February 28 of the fifth year after issue. If a license has been expired for more than 1 year, the operator must apply as a new applicant and pay the fee. Renewals require no license violations and filing the required report. These rules start March 1, 2026.

New licenses and records for taxidermists

Taxidermists must get a license from the department and pay $50 each year. Licenses expire on February 28 of the year after they are issued. You must keep a written record for each wildlife item, showing species, count, owner name and address, and shipping details. Keep records while you have the items or at least 5 years, and make them available for inspection. These rules start March 1, 2026.

New transaction records for fur dealers

Fur dealers must record each transaction with the date, number and kind of skins or furs, where the animals were killed or trapped, any trapping license number, and buyer and seller names and addresses. Keep records while you have the pelts or at least 1 year, and make them available for inspection. These rules start March 1, 2026.

All changes start March 1, 2026

The law takes effect March 1, 2026. All provisions start on that date unless the law says otherwise.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Eric Albus
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Denley Loge
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 259 • No: 41

Senate vote • 3/19/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 32 • No: 18

Senate 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