MontanaHB 81769th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Generally revise laws related to hunting licenses for terminally ill youth.

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Free hunting licenses for ill youth

A youth under 18 with a life-threatening illness can get a free, one-time hunting license for one season. With a doctor’s note, the department may issue a free big-game combination or elk, deer, or antelope license and may cap these at 25 per year. If a Montana nonprofit recommends the youth, the department must issue a free either-sex special permit for elk, deer, or antelope (plus a conservation license), up to five per species each year and not more than one tag per district; these do not count against normal quotas. The youth must hunt with a licensed adult or outfitter. The department can waive safety courses and can allow hunting from a vehicle.

New hunter safety course for adults

The department may create an adult hunter safety and education course. The course is optional. The law does not provide funding or require all hunters to take it.

Stricter proof for hunting licenses

Anyone born after January 1, 1985 must show proof of an approved hunter safety course to get a hunting license. You are exempt if you qualify for the terminally ill youth licenses or you hold an apprentice hunting certificate. To get an archery license, you must show a prior-season archery license or proof of a department-approved bowhunter education course. The department and license agents do not have to provide past archery records, and the department sets what documents count and tells the public about these rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Paul Fielder
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Bob Phalen
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 292 • No: 0

House vote • 4/22/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 50 • No: 0

House vote • 4/18/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 44 • No: 0

House vote • 3/7/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 99 • No: 0

House vote • 3/6/2025