Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Block Management Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee unanimously advances bill to let landowners opt into block‑management enforcement network
Summary
SB 441 would create an opt‑in Montana Block Management Enforcement Network allowing landowners and FWP to share enforcement information and permit suspensions of block‑management privileges after convictions; proponents said it will help retain landowner participation in public access programs.
Senator Denley Loge presented Senate Bill 441, proposing a Montana Block Management Enforcement Network that participating landowners could join to coordinate reporting and enforcement against repeat offenders on enrolled block management lands. "This bill would create a mechanism to do just that," said Ron Howell, chief of law enforcement for Fish, Wildlife & Parks, describing how judicial convictions for certain Title 87 or Title 45 offenses could result in suspension or revocation of block‑management access privileges.
Proponents included conservation and producer groups such as the Montana Conservation Society, Montana Wildlife Federation, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and the Montana Stockers Association. Ben Lamb of the Montana Conservation Society said the bill "adds teeth" to the block management program and could help recover acreage lost from the program.
FWP clarified that decisions to suspend privileges would be tied to convictions and court orders rather than discretionary action by wardens; the department recommended a due pass. The committee asked questions about how landowner rules are posted (Howell confirmed posted rules and maps) and then passed SB 441 by voice vote, moving it to the Senate floor.
If enacted, the bill would be opt‑in for landowners and allow coordinated reporting and, upon conviction, suspension of access privileges to participating lands.
