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MontanaHB 24269th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Revise fines related to aquatic invasive species

Sponsored By: Tom Millett (Republican)

Became Law

Fish and WildlifeRevenue, State

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Higher criminal penalties for invasive species violations

The law raises criminal fines for breaking Montana’s aquatic invasive species rules. Negligent violations are misdemeanors: up to $700 for a first offense and $1,400 for later ones. Purposely or knowingly breaking the rules is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,950. For purposeful or knowing violations, you must forfeit your current fishing license and vessel sticker, and the court can suspend your fishing privilege. Purposely or knowingly trying to introduce an invasive species is a felony with up to 2 years in prison and a fine up to $25,000; a court may also require you to give up the vessel involved and pay cleanup costs.

Civil fines up to $2,500; no warnings

The state can issue civil fines up to $2,500 for violations of the invasive species rules that are not charged as crimes. Agencies can no longer issue a warning instead of a penalty. You cannot be penalized for a check‑station violation if clear, adequate signs are not posted a reasonable distance from the station. Civil penalty money goes to the state general fund.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Tom Millett

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Mark Noland

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 290 • No: 4

House vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 46 • No: 2

House vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 45 • No: 2

House vote • 2/20/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 99 • No: 0

House vote • 2/19/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 100 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    5/8/2025House

  2. Signed by Governor

    5/5/2025House

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    4/25/2025House

  4. Signed by President

    4/25/2025Senate

  5. Signed by Speaker

    4/23/2025House

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/16/2025House

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/11/2025House

  8. 3rd Reading Concurred

    4/11/2025Senate

  9. 2nd Reading Concurred

    4/10/2025Senate

  10. Committee Report--Bill Concurred

    4/8/2025Senate

  11. Committee Executive Action--Bill Concurred

    4/8/2025Senate

  12. Hearing

    3/25/2025Senate

  13. Referred to Committee

    3/19/2025Senate

  14. Referred to Committee

    3/19/2025Senate

  15. Fiscal Note Printed

    3/18/2025House

  16. Fiscal Note Signed

    3/17/2025House

  17. Fiscal Note Received

    3/17/2025House

  18. Fiscal Note Requested

    3/4/2025House

  19. First Reading

    2/21/2025Senate

  20. Transmitted to Senate

    2/20/2025House

  21. 3rd Reading Passed

    2/20/2025House

  22. 2nd Reading Passed

    2/19/2025House

  23. Committee Report--Bill Passed as Amended

    2/14/2025House

  24. Committee Executive Action--Bill Passed as Amended

    2/13/2025House

  25. Committee Executive Action--Bill Passed as Amended

    2/13/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/15/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 2)

    2/14/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    1/17/2025

    PDF

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