All Roll Calls
Yes: 470 • No: 23
MontanaHB 76369th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House
Generally revise laws related to the block management program.
Sponsored By: Joshua Seckinger (Democrat)
Became Law
State LandsRule Making
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Annual payment caps and group deals
Annual payments to a landowner are capped at $50,000. If an agreement only provides access to public land, the cap is $25,000 per year. In unified cooperative agreements, each landowner can receive up to the same per‑landowner caps. Other specific state law exceptions may apply.
Cost help for enrolled landowners
If you enroll, the state can pay for weed control and fire protection, or send payments to your county or fire district. It can help cover liability insurance tied to allowing hunting. The department can build or maintain roads, gates, parking, and signs. The commission sets rules and uses factors like hunting days, habitat, and game taken to size benefits.
Rules for public hunting access deals
The state runs a block management program to open hunting access. Participation by landowners is voluntary and done by a written cooperative agreement. The agreement must list rules, services, and restrictions and be available to the public. Landowners who join get state liability protection for themselves, their agents, and tenants. Private lands are not eligible if commercial hunting or fees unreasonably restrict public hunting. If an agreement could harm wildlife management on public lands, the department consults with agencies, hunters, and affected landowners. The department may also offer other access programs beyond the traditional model.
Simpler access to reach public lands
For agreements that only give access to nearby public lands, the department must notify leaseholders and honor lease terms. The commission can simplify rules, skip tracking hunting days, and allow a flat‑fee payment. It may also consider how much public‑land opportunity is provided when setting benefits.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Joshua Seckinger
Democrat • House
Cosponsors
Jonathan Karlen
Democrat • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/18/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 97 • No: 1
House vote • 4/17/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 98 • No: 1
House vote • 4/12/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 48 • No: 2
House vote • 4/11/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 47 • No: 1
House vote • 3/7/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 92 • No: 7
House vote • 3/6/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 88 • No: 11
Actions Timeline
Chapter Number Assigned
5/13/2025HouseSigned by Governor
5/8/2025HouseTransmitted to Governor
5/1/2025HouseSigned by President
5/1/2025SenateSigned by Speaker
4/29/2025HouseReturned from Enrolling
4/21/2025HouseSent to Enrolling
4/18/2025House3rd Reading Passed as Amended by Senate
4/18/2025House2nd Reading Senate Amendments Concurred
4/17/2025HouseReturned to House with Amendments
4/12/2025Senate3rd Reading Concurred
4/12/2025Senate2nd Reading Concurred
4/11/2025SenateCommittee Report--Bill Concurred as Amended
4/8/2025SenateCommittee Executive Action--Bill Concurred as Amended
4/8/2025SenateHearing
3/25/2025SenateReferred to Committee
3/18/2025SenateFirst Reading
3/14/2025SenateTransmitted to Senate
3/7/2025House3rd Reading Passed
3/7/2025House2nd Reading Passed
3/6/2025HouseCommittee Report--Bill Passed
3/3/2025HouseFiscal Note Printed
3/3/2025HouseFiscal Note Signed
3/3/2025HouseFiscal Note Received
3/3/2025HouseCommittee Executive Action--Bill Passed
2/27/2025House
Bill Text
Enrolled
4/21/2025
As Amended (Version 2)
4/8/2025
Introduced
2/25/2025