MontanaHB 7969th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Exempt small projects from fire hazard reduction agreements

Sponsored By: Curtis Cochran (Republican)

Became Law

Fires and Fire ProtectionForests and ForestryProperty

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Easier exemptions for small tree work

The law makes small, low-risk tree work easier. A small-scale sale means two or fewer log-truck loads, or under 10,000 board feet. Noncommercial work that creates only a minimum slash hazard is exempt with no paperwork. If you sell products from such work, you must get a written exemption, one per parcel each year, and give it to the buyer at delivery. Inside city or town limits, the department must issue an exemption certificate for merchantable-tree harvests.

Bond costs capped for timber work

If a bond is required, the amount is capped at $6 per 1,000 board feet, or the equivalent for non-log products. Ongoing operators can use one master agreement bond that is reviewed at least yearly and adjusted by harvest volume and compliance. Bonds are released when the department issues a certificate of clearance. For jobs over 200,000 board feet, part of a cash bond can be released after slash piling if you have a record of compliance.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Curtis Cochran
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Mike Cuffe
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 295 • No: 2

House vote • 3/3/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 49 • No: 1

House vote • 3/1/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 49 • No: 1

House vote • 1/24/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 97 • No: 0

House vote • 1/23/2025