Outfitter groups back bill to restore outfitter endorsement for new guides to close online-licensing loophole

Senator Greg Hertz sponsored Senate Bill 183 to restore a requirement that a licensed outfitter endorse a new guide license, saying the current online "experience-only" pathway has been widely exploited by applicants who never meet or work with a local outfitter.

Representative Josh Sechinger, a licensed guide who co-sponsored the bill, told the committee the present low bar and online application process has been abused: applicants obtain licenses (often without ever visiting the state) to access industry discounts or to advertise, but many never intend to guide or do not possess the on-the-water experience the industry expects.

John Way and Will Israel, representing outfitter constituencies and the Montana Board of Outfitters, described a significant increase in "experience-only" applications (hundreds annually) and argued that restoring the outfitter endorsement will reinstate a mentorship system that helps ensure public safety and professional standards.

Proponents said the endorsement practice historically required a check float and an in-person endorsement that verified rowing, navigation and safety skills; the proposed fix would require that the endorsing outfitter sign off on an applicant the same way the industry historically did.

Committee questions probed whether the bill would be protectionist, how enforcement would work, tribal-license reciprocity and whether certified guide schools or nonresident outfitters would be accommodated. Witnesses and the sponsor said alternative paths (certified guide schools, nonresident outfitter licensure) remain available and that the intent is not to limit entry but to close a drafting loophole.

Sponsor Senator Hertz closed asking the committee for a due pass to correct what proponents described as a drafting error and to restore the prior endorsement practice.