MontanaHB 85569th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Establish FWP wildlife highway crossings and accommodation account

Sponsored By: Katie Zolnikov (Republican)

Became Law

Fish and WildlifeState FinanceRevenue, StateAppropriations

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New fund for wildlife highway crossings

The law creates a state account for wildlife highway crossings, managed by Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Money can fund studies, design, construction, maintenance, planning, staffing, and match federal grants. Fish, Wildlife and Parks can fund Transportation Department projects after consulting with that department. Unspent money stays in the account and earns interest; interest is added back to the account. The money is automatically appropriated to the department, and $100 moves from the general fund by June 30, 2025.

New wildlife plate costs $20 a year

Fish, Wildlife and Parks must create a wildlife crossings license plate by January 1, 2026. If you choose this plate, you pay a $20 donation when you first get it and $20 each year to renew. The county treasurer sends the full donation to the state wildlife crossings account.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Katie Zolnikov
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Daniel Zolnikov
Republican • Senate
Denley Loge
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 263 • No: 29

House vote • 4/17/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 38 • No: 12

House vote • 4/16/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 40 • No: 8

House vote • 4/2/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 89 • No: 6

House vote • 4/1/2025