All Roll Calls
Yes: 484 • No: 9
MontanaHB 8469th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET
Revise liability, training for prescribed fires
Sponsored By: Steve Gist (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Fires and Fire ProtectionLiabilityPropertyRule Making
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Lower liability with certified burns
The law shields certified prescribed fire managers, and landowners who use them, from property damage claims when the burn follows the law and DNRC rules. They are still liable if their negligence or worse caused or helped spread the fire. Others who set or leave a fire that spreads must pay all damages and suppression costs, and can be fined $50 to $500. These liability protections take effect only after the state puts money into the prescribed fire claims account.
Burn permits and small campfire rules
You must get a written permit from the local protection agency to start a prescribed fire. During wildfire season, or an expanded season, you also need a permit for slash, land‑clearing, debris, and some open fires. No permit is needed for a recreational fire under 48 inches across that is in a nonflammable area and has a way to put it out, unless local rules ban them. These permit changes take effect only after the state puts money into the prescribed fire claims account.
Certified fire manager program and fund
DNRC runs a certification program for prescribed fire managers, covering laws, safety, weather, smoke, burn plans, and contingencies. DNRC can set training standards, recognize other states, charge fees, and revoke certifications for rule violations. You do not need certification to burn on your own land or with the owner’s permission, but you must follow all laws and rules. A special state account holds grants, donations, transfers, and appropriations to run the program and to pay claims from escaped fires handled by certified managers.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Steve Gist
Republican • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/17/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 97 • No: 2
House vote • 4/16/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 100 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/11/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 48 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/10/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 48 • No: 0
House vote • 2/21/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 94 • No: 4
House vote • 2/20/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 97 • No: 3
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 Senate Amendments
4/17/2025House2nd Reading Senate Amendments
4/16/2025HouseReturned to House with Amendments
4/11/2025Senate3rd Reading
4/11/2025Senate2nd Reading
4/10/2025SenateCommittee Report
4/8/2025SenateCommittee Executive Action
4/7/2025SenateHearing
3/21/2025SenateReferred to Committee
3/3/2025Senate1st Reading
2/24/2025SenateTransmitted to Senate
2/21/2025House3rd Reading
2/21/2025House2nd Reading
2/20/2025HouseRevised Fiscal Note Printed
2/18/2025HouseRevised Fiscal Note Signed
2/17/2025HouseRevised Fiscal Note Received
2/17/2025HouseCommittee Report
2/14/2025HouseCommittee Executive Action
2/14/2025House
Bill Text
Enrolled
4/22/2025
As Amended (Version 3)
4/8/2025
As Amended (Version 2)
2/18/2025
Introduced
12/12/2024
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