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Committee hears bill to add domestic bison to Livestock Loss Program
Summary
At an Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation committee hearing, Representative Eric Tillman presented House Bill 504 to add domestic bison to Montana’s Livestock Loss Program; producers and farm groups supported the change, witnesses cited USDA and USFWS valuation/confirmation processes, and the committee concluded the hearing with no vote while amendments were expected.
Representative Eric Tillman, sponsor of House Bill 504, told the Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation Committee that the bill would add domestic bison to the state Livestock Loss mitigation program and that a technical amendment is expected to refine how bison are valued for reimbursement.
Tillman, who said he represents House District 23 (the south side of Great Falls), described current per-capita rates for other animals and the bill’s effect in simple terms: “we're only adding 2 little, lines in here,” and “1 is adding domestic bison to the Livestock Loss Board.” He told members the Department of Livestock fiscal note showed only three potential bison claims over the past five years and estimated roughly $3,600 per loss under the current draft language.
Three proponents…
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