Committee hears bill to require outfitter endorsement for guide license renewals

A House Business and Labor committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 183, a measure that would let an applicant obtain a Montana guide license in the first year without an outfitter endorsement but require an outfitter endorsement when the license is renewed, sponsor Sen. Greg Hertz said.

"You can go in now at the department, and you'll be able to get a guide license as long as you meet all the qualifications," Hertz told the committee, explaining the amendment’s basic framework and that the outfitter endorsement would be required on the second-year renewal.

Proponents representing the industry said the amendment balances faster access to licensure with protections for the public and for outfitters. "We urge you to pass as amended on SB 183," said a director for the Fishing Outfitters Association who identified himself in committee as "Mr. Bias." Will Israel, executive director of the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, testified the endorsement-on-renewal functions as a mentorship and safety check: "This protects the…