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MontanaHB 12769th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Revise laws related to the fire suppression account

Sponsored By: Llew Jones (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Fires and Fire ProtectionState FinanceAppropriations

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Ongoing funds for mitigation and preparedness

If the fire account ends the most recent odd-numbered fiscal year above 3% of second-year general revenue appropriations, up to 1% of those appropriations is available for fuel reduction, forest restoration, equipment grants, federal forest projects, collaborative support, and road work. No more than 5% of that 1% can go to collaborative and litigation support. Each year, up to 0.5% of those appropriations is also available for fire preparedness.

How the fire account gets money

In even-numbered years, after transfers under 17-7-130, the treasurer transfers money from the general fund to the fire account when the preliminary general fund ends the year above 8.3% of second-year general revenue appropriations. The transfer brings the fire account up to 6% of those appropriations and cannot drop the general fund below 8.3%. No transfer happens if reductions under 17-7-140 apply or would be triggered. Restitution payments received by private parties go into the fire account. The Legislature can also move money into or out of the account.

What the fire account pays for

The law limits this account to public-safety and forest work. DNRC can spend it only on fighting fires; cutting hazardous fuels; restoring forests; grants to county cooperatives for equipment; forest and road work on federal lands; support for local collaborative groups and some litigation; and fire preparedness. Money in the account is set aside by statute for DNRC, so it is ready to use for these purposes.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Llew Jones

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Bruce "Butch" Gillespie

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 266 • No: 31

Senate vote • 4/2/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 36 • No: 14

Senate vote • 4/1/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 35 • No: 15

House vote • 1/24/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 96 • No: 1

House vote • 1/23/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 99 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    4/18/2025House

  2. Signed by Governor

    4/17/2025House

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    4/9/2025House

  4. Signed by President

    4/9/2025Senate

  5. Signed by Speaker

    4/7/2025House

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/3/2025House

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/2/2025House

  8. 3rd Reading

    4/2/2025Senate

  9. 2nd Reading

    4/1/2025Senate

  10. Committee Report

    2/11/2025Senate

  11. Committee Executive Action

    2/10/2025Senate

  12. Hearing

    1/30/2025Senate

  13. Referred to Committee

    1/27/2025Senate

  14. 1st Reading

    1/27/2025Senate

  15. Transmitted to Senate

    1/27/2025House

  16. 3rd Reading

    1/24/2025House

  17. 2nd Reading

    1/23/2025House

  18. Committee Report

    1/20/2025House

  19. Committee Executive Action

    1/17/2025House

  20. Hearing

    1/13/2025House

  21. Hearing Canceled

    1/13/2025House

  22. Fiscal Note Printed

    1/10/2025House

  23. Hearing

    1/10/2025House

  24. Fiscal Note Signed

    1/10/2025House

  25. Fiscal Note Received

    1/9/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/15/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    1/7/2025

    PDF

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