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House approves $350,000 fund to reimburse livestock owners for cougar and bear losses
Summary
Representative Evans’ HB289 passed the House 69–1 on Feb. 21, 1997, creating a verification process and authorizing $350,000 to reimburse verified livestock losses to cougars and bears; members discussed inclusion of turkeys and exclusion of horses.
The Utah House approved House Bill 289 on Feb. 21, 1997, a measure sponsored on the floor by Representative Evans to reimburse livestock owners whose animals are verified as taken by cougars or bears.
Sponsor remarks described the bill’s intent as supporting rural livestock producers who bear financial burdens when wildlife predation takes animals on private property. Representative Evans said the measure sets out verification requirements and "allows for $350,000 to be appropriated" to reimburse losses that meet the statute’s verification and documentation requirements.
Members asked about the scope of covered animals. A colleague asked why turkeys were included; the sponsor replied that pinned or confined turkey flocks are vulnerable and could be wiped out if a cougar or bear enters an enclosure. Representatives also asked why horses were excluded; the sponsor explained that fair‑market valuation for horses varies widely and presented evidentiary challenges for standardized reimbursement.
The House closed debate and the clerk announced the vote tally: HB289 passed 69–1. The bill will be enrolled and transmitted to the Senate; the transcript does not record implementing rules, specific reimbursement formulas, or the department charged with administering payments.
