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Committee approves adding a “possible” payment tier for livestock depredations by wolves and grizzlies
Summary
House Bill 82 would add a third reimbursement tier, “possible,” for livestock depredation by wolves and grizzly bears to the state’s depredation payment process and was advanced to the House floor by the committee.
Representative Gerald Raymond presented House Bill 82 as a technical follow-up to last year’s House Bill 592. Raymond said the bill replaces the word “validate” with “confirm” and adds a third payment tier, “possible,” between the existing “probable” and “confirmed” levels used to reimburse livestock owners for predator depredation.
Raymond described the “possible” category as applying when a carcass and surrounding evidence (tracks, disturbance) suggest predation by wolves or grizzly bears but the site lacks enough evidence to make a definitive determination. The bill’s sponsors emphasized the change is revenue-neutral — it does not add funds, it only allows a third tier that would be paid only if money remains in the depredation account and while confirmed losses remain prioritized.
Witnesses supporting the bill included the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (represented by Ellery Tucker Williams on behalf of the Fish and Game Commission), the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation (Dexton Lake), the Idaho Wildlife Federation (Nick Fasiano), Idaho Cattle Association representation, and others. Testimony explained field conditions can quickly remove or obscure evidence and investigators (U.S. Wildlife Services/APHIS was identified as the investigator) may conclude a predator was likely in the area even when confirmation is not possible. Supporters said the additional tier would allow compensation in legitimate, difficult-to-investigate cases.
Representative Raymond moved the bill to the floor; the committee voted to send HB82 to the House with a due-pass recommendation. The vote was recorded as a voice vote and the chair announced the ayes had it.
