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House approves fund for livestock losses to cougar and bear, limits funding to FY1990–91
Summary
House Bill 153, compensating livestock owners for confirmed cougar and bear losses, was amended to specify $50,000 for fiscal year 1990–91, passed the House 46–24 after debate about verification and potential abuse.
The House passed House Bill 153 on Jan. 31, a measure to compensate livestock producers for confirmed losses caused by cougar and bear depredation, adopting an amendment to limit an initial appropriation to fiscal year 1990–91.
Sponsor presentation and scope: Representative Evans told the chamber that ranchers had experienced large, confirmed losses and that the bill would compensate verified kills of sheep or other livestock attributable to cougar or bear. He cited a pattern of increasing take and provided example loss figures from committee data.
Amendment and funding: On the floor the sponsor offered an amendment inserting language to limit a $50,000 appropriation to fiscal year 1990–91. The sponsor said the fund would be subject to annual appropriation and handled through the Division of Wildlife Resources and the appropriations process.
Debate and verification concerns: Some members expressed concern about potential abuse and about distinguishing confirmed depredation from scavenging or other causes of death. The sponsor pointed to confirmation criteria and federal (USDA) damage-control validation rules to reduce fraud. Supporters argued the measure extends existing state policy of reimbursing losses to avoid encouraging illegal shootings of wildlife.
Vote and disposition: The House adopted the amendment and passed HB153 as amended; the chair announced 46 affirmative and 24 negative votes and the bill will be referred to the Senate for further action.
Implementation notes: Floor remarks emphasized that awards will be made subject to annual appropriations, and Division of Wildlife Resources procedures would govern validation and disbursement; precise administrative procedures were not detailed on the floor.
