Montana Cattlemen's Association urges rejection of HB 119 cattle revenue bill

The Senate Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation Committee convened on March 20, 2025, to discuss several pressing issues affecting Montana's agricultural community, particularly focusing on House Bill 119.

A significant point of contention was the proposed revenue system associated with the bill, which would allocate funds for office space and supplies for an employee responsible for managing collection, refunding, and penalty duties. Concerns were raised about the voting process for this initiative, which currently allows a simple majority of voters to decide its fate. Critics argued that a threshold of 40% participation from eligible voters should be required to ensure legitimacy, highlighting the potential for a small number of votes to determine the outcome.

The Montana Cattlemen's Association expressed strong opposition to HB 119, citing fears that the bill would enable funds to be funneled to national organizations promoting Montana cattle and beef, which they view as a significant concern. They emphasized that major changes would be necessary for the bill to be acceptable, urging committee members to vote against it.

The meeting also featured testimony from various stakeholders, including ranchers and representatives from agricultural associations, who shared their perspectives on the implications of the proposed legislation. The discussions underscored the ongoing debate within the agricultural community regarding funding and representation in decision-making processes.

As the committee continues to deliberate on HB 119, the outcome remains uncertain, with advocates and opponents alike closely monitoring developments. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential amendments to address the concerns raised during this meeting.