Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the SB235 Landowner Preference topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Legislation would tighten landowner preference rules for big-game licenses; supporters cite program integrity
Summary
Senate Bill 235 aims to close a perceived loophole in the landowner preference process for elk licenses by preventing exploitation of designee rules; proponents representing outfitters, stock growers and hunters supported the fix and the department provided informational comment.
Senator Ken Bogner introduced Senate Bill 235, which would change aspects of the landowner preference system to reduce opportunities for abuse when a designee receives a landowner preference license or permit. Bogner said the bill would protect the integrity of a program that acknowledges landowners who provide habitat and access.
Proponents included Mark Taylor (Montana Outfitters and Guides Association and Montana Conservation Society), Ellie Brighton (Montana Stock Growers Association), and Matt Leo (Backcountry Hunters and Anglers), each urging the committee to give the bill a "do pass" because it closes an identified loophole and preserves the landowner preference as intended.
Quentin Kujala appeared as an informational witness for the department. Committee members asked technical questions about license classifications (references to A9/B12 antlerless elk licenses and how they are drawn) and the acreage thresholds in the bill that determine eligibility for a landowner preference permit. Kujala clarified that the A9/B12 codes refer to antlerless elk license categories and explained how the drawing and permit language interacts with the landowner preference provisions.
Sponsors closed stressing accountability and program integrity. The committee closed the hearing on SB 235; Chair Logie said there would be no executive action that day and adjourned the meeting.
