Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Veteran Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee hears cleanup to donated-license program to benefit disabled veterans
Summary
Representative Brad Barker described House Bill 307 as a clarification to the donated-license program that would direct donations to organizations (not individuals) and limit repeat receipt within a year; proponents said it would spread benefits to more veterans.
House Bill 307 would modify the existing donated-license program to require that designations be made to organizations rather than individuals and to bar a recipient who previously received a donated tag under the program from receiving another within the same calendar year. Representative Brad Barker said the changes would help spread donated licenses more equitably across disabled veterans and formerly served military.
Proponents from Montana Outfitters & Guides Association, Ability Montana, the American Legion and other nonprofit groups reiterated support for improving access for veterans and disabled hunters. Emily Cooper, licensing bureau chief for Fish, Wildlife & Parks, provided details about the current first-come, first-served administrative process: in license year 2024, 80 individuals or organizations donated licenses and 33 disabled veterans or military members received donated licenses.
Committee members asked for further data on how many organizations participate and whether certain individuals repeatedly receive donated tags; Cooper agreed to supply that information. The sponsor closed and the committee ended the hearing without a vote.
