Committee advances bill to align depredation language and expand compensation for possible predator kills

The Resources & Environment Committee voted to send House Bill 82 to the Senate floor with a due-pass recommendation after discussing changes to Idaho Code 36-11-21 that aim to align state terminology with Wildlife Services and expand when state funds may be used for livestock depredation claims.

Sponsor Senator Burton Shaw, District 31, told the committee the bill makes two primary changes: revise wording in several statutory references so Idaho’s classifications match those used by Wildlife Services, and permit payment of up to 75 percent for depredations classified as "probable" or "possible" when confirmed-kill claims have been paid and money remains in the depredation account. "So that makes a big difference in the funding," Shaw said, describing how a confirmed kill currently receives immediate payment while a probable kill often does not qualify for federal funding.

Ellery Tucker Williams, legislative and community engagement coordinator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, testified in support on behalf of the Fish and Game Commission. Tucker Williams told the committee that livestock owners and producers "are disproportionately impacted by wolves and grizzly bears" and said House Bill 82 would align the state's reimbursement program with Wildlife Services investigations and allow compensation for depredations deemed possible when sufficient funding exists. "I respectfully ask that you forward this bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation," Tucker Williams said.

Nick Fasiano, executive director of the Idaho Wildlife Federation, also supported the bill, saying predators are more common on the landscape and that compensation for cases with limited physical evidence is a reasonable step to help keep producers whole. "Because this bill includes potential compensation for cases that are deemed possible but not unknown ... it's a reasonable step to help keep producers whole," Fasiano said.

Committee members discussed funding sources. Committee testimony identified funds established by House Bill 592 as the source: $150,000 available for livestock depredation and $75,000 for prevention measures such as fencing. Committee discussion cited past balances in the depredation account (about $25,000 in one prior year and roughly $90,000 in February 2024), and witnesses cautioned the account could be depleted quickly depending on claims.

A motion to send House Bill 82 to the Senate floor with a due-pass recommendation was moved by Senator Konowitz and seconded by Senator Guthrie; the voice vote was recorded as aye and the motion carried.

Ending: The committee forwarded House Bill 82 to the Senate floor. If acted on by the full Senate, the bill would change statutory terminology to match Wildlife Services classifications and permit limited state compensation for depredations classified below "confirmed," contingent on available funds.