All Roll Calls
Yes: 283 • No: 14
MontanaHB 35669th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET
Allow livestock loss reimbursement for black bear predation
Sponsored By: Eric Tilleman (Republican)
Became Law
LivestockRevenue, StateRule MakingFish and Wildlife
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Payback for predator-killed livestock
Beginning July 1, 2025, all Montana livestock producers can get reimbursed for animals killed by wolves, mountain lions, black bears, or grizzlies on any land. Covered animals include cattle, swine, horses, mules, sheep, goats, llamas, and livestock guard dogs. The board pays up to fair market value and may use higher regional multipliers; it may also pay set rates for other losses. Claims follow a set process with privacy; appeal hearings happen within 90 days and a decision comes within 30 days after the hearing. You cannot appeal USDA Wildlife Services’ confirmed/probable finding. Before payment, the Department of Revenue must certify your per capita fees are paid, except for tribal members or entities in an approved agreement.
Clear mission and balanced board
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law states the board’s mission: run prevention programs and reimburse verified losses from wolves, mountain lions, black bears, and grizzlies. The board has five governor‑appointed members. Three are active in the livestock industry with wildlife experience. Two are public members with wildlife conservation or management experience and knowledge of livestock.
Dedicated funding and carcass sales
Beginning July 1, 2025, all program money goes into special state or federal accounts and is used only for livestock loss prevention and reimbursement. The board may sell or auction predator carcasses or parts received from management work. After sale costs, proceeds go into the program’s special revenue account. The department works with the board and USDA Wildlife Services on when carcasses are retrieved and made available for sale.
Grants to prevent predator losses
Beginning July 1, 2025, the board runs a cost-share grant program to prevent losses from wolves, mountain lions, black bears, and grizzlies. Grants can last up to 12 months and may be renewed. Producers may need to pay a share in cash or labor, and the board can lower the match for chronic or repeated depredation. The board gives higher priority to wolf and grizzly prevention than to mountain lion or black bear projects. Tribal lands can become eligible for prevention grants when a tribe adopts a plan consistent with the state plan and signs an agreement with the board.
More tribal and county input
Beginning July 1, 2025, county commissioners and tribal governments get a chance to consult before state or federal decisions on large predators and big game. The Secretary of State also sends this law to every federally recognized tribal government in Montana. These steps improve coordination and do not change payment amounts.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Eric Tilleman
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Wendy McKamey
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/18/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 48 • No: 2
House vote • 4/17/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 46 • No: 2
House vote • 2/12/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 94 • No: 6
House vote • 2/11/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 95 • No: 4
Actions Timeline
Chapter Number Assigned
5/16/2025HouseSigned by Governor
5/12/2025HouseTransmitted to Governor
5/5/2025HouseSigned by President
5/2/2025SenateSigned by Speaker
5/1/2025HouseReturned from Enrolling
4/23/2025HouseSent to Enrolling
4/18/2025House3rd Reading Concurred
4/18/2025Senate2nd Reading Concurred
4/17/2025SenateCommittee Report--Bill Concurred
3/26/2025SenateCommittee Executive Action--Bill Concurred
3/25/2025SenateHearing
2/19/2025SenateReferred to Committee
2/18/2025SenateFirst Reading
2/13/2025SenateTransmitted to Senate
2/12/2025House3rd Reading Passed
2/12/2025House2nd Reading Passed
2/11/2025HouseCommittee Report--Bill Passed
2/7/2025HouseFiscal Note Printed
2/7/2025HouseFiscal Note Signed
2/7/2025HouseFiscal Note Received
2/7/2025HouseCommittee Executive Action--Bill Passed
2/6/2025HouseHearing
2/4/2025HouseRereferred to Committee
2/3/2025HouseHearing Canceled
2/3/2025House
Bill Text
Enrolled
4/22/2025
Introduced
1/30/2025