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Committee hears bill to let hunters donate for modified archery gear for disabled hunters
Summary
Sen. Janet Ellis introduced SB 238 to create a voluntary donation account administered by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks that would reimburse 501(c)(3) organizations for customized modifications (draw locks, triggers) so hunters with permanent disabilities can participate in archery season; FWP said the donation would be a $1 minimum check‑off and a fiscal note is pending.
Sen. Janet Ellis told the Senate Fish and Game Committee that Senate Bill 238 would set up a voluntary donation option on hunting license transactions to fund customized modifications to legal archery equipment for hunters with permanent disabilities. "What this bill will do is set up a bow hunters with disability account and let these voluntary donations come in," Ellis said, explaining the model is similar to Hunters Against Hunger and other existing donation programs.
Witnesses described the equipment and costs. Jerry Davis, representing the Montana Bow Hunters Association, brought a bow and described custom triggers and draw locks that are manufactured or machined to fit individual models and disabilities. Davis said such modifications can require several hours of machining and can cost between $1,000 and $4,500 depending on the item and the bow.
Several veteran‑focused organizations and individual hunters spoke in support, describing personal benefits from modified bows. Pete Siegel, an online witness who uses a modified bow, said the program expanded his access to hunting and that he would add a donation on his hunting application if the program passed.
FWP licensing bureau chief Emily Cooper told the committee the donation would work like other FWP donation check‑offs: a minimum $1 donation with callers able to give more. Cooper said FWP has requested a fiscal note and will develop administrative rules and reimbursement procedures if the bill advances. Under the sponsor's description, 501(c)(3) organizations that provide modifications would apply to FWP for reimbursement and must meet administrative criteria set out later in rulemaking.
Committee members asked whether multiple nonprofits could serve as the administering 501(c)(3) and whether veterans would be prioritized; witnesses said reimbursements could be made to qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations and that program guidelines would ensure funds are available to anyone meeting the eligibility criteria. The sponsor closed urging a 'do pass' vote; the committee did not take final action at this hearing pending the fiscal note.
Next steps: FWP to deliver the pending fiscal note and the committee to consider that material before acting.
