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MontanaHB 35669th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Allow livestock loss reimbursement for black bear predation

Sponsored By: Eric Tilleman (Republican)

Signed by Governor

LivestockRevenue, StateRule MakingFish

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Ranchers get reimbursement for predator losses

Beginning July 1, 2025, Montana reimburses ranchers for livestock lost to wolves, mountain lions, black bears, and grizzly bears. Payments can cover up to fair market value, and the board may use a regional multiplier. Coverage applies on state, federal, tribal, and private land for cattle, swine, horses, mules, sheep, goats, llamas, and guard dogs. USDA Wildlife Services decides if a loss is confirmed or probable. You can appeal staff decisions, but not USDA’s loss ruling. The board keeps your personal information confidential. The Department of Revenue must certify per capita fees are paid before payment, unless you are a tribal member or tribal entity in an approved agreement.

Grants to prevent predator attacks on herds

Beginning July 1, 2025, the Livestock Loss Board runs cost-share grants to prevent losses from wolves, grizzlies, mountain lions, and black bears. Grants can last up to 12 months and may be renewed, based on funds and results. The board gives priority to wolf and grizzly prevention over mountain lion and black bear projects. Tribal lands become eligible when a tribe adopts a predator plan consistent with the state plan.

More funding sources for loss programs

Beginning July 1, 2025, Montana uses special revenue accounts for livestock loss reduction and mitigation. All state proceeds, gifts, grants, reimbursements, and federal awards go into these accounts and can be used only for the program. The board may sell or auction wolf, mountain lion, or black bear carcasses or parts it receives. Net proceeds go back into the program. Agencies must coordinate when carcasses are retrieved and made available.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Eric Tilleman

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Wendy McKamey

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 286 • No: 14

Senate vote • 4/18/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 48 • No: 2

Senate vote • 4/17/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 48 • No: 2

House vote • 2/12/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 94 • No: 6

House vote • 2/11/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 96 • No: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    5/16/2025House

  2. Signed by Governor

    5/12/2025House

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    5/5/2025House

  4. Signed by President

    5/2/2025Senate

  5. Signed by Speaker

    5/1/2025House

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/23/2025House

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/18/2025House

  8. 3rd Reading

    4/18/2025Senate

  9. 2nd Reading

    4/17/2025Senate

  10. Committee Report

    3/26/2025Senate

  11. Committee Executive Action

    3/25/2025Senate

  12. Hearing

    2/19/2025Senate

  13. Referred to Committee

    2/18/2025Senate

  14. 1st Reading

    2/13/2025Senate

  15. Transmitted to Senate

    2/12/2025House

  16. 3rd Reading

    2/12/2025House

  17. 2nd Reading

    2/11/2025House

  18. Committee Report

    2/7/2025House

  19. Fiscal Note Printed

    2/7/2025House

  20. Fiscal Note Signed

    2/7/2025House

  21. Fiscal Note Received

    2/7/2025House

  22. Committee Executive Action

    2/6/2025House

  23. Hearing

    2/4/2025House

  24. Rereferred to Committee

    2/3/2025House

  25. Hearing Canceled

    2/3/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/22/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    1/30/2025

    PDF

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