The bill amends Section 36-1121 of the Idaho Code to enhance compensation for livestock owners who suffer losses due to depredation by grizzly bears and wolves. It establishes a depredation of livestock and prevention fund, which will receive an annual appropriation of $225,000 starting July 1, 2024. Of this amount, $150,000 is designated for confirmed depredation claims, while $75,000 is allocated for conflict prevention and information dissemination regarding effective deterrents. The bill also modifies the terminology from "validated" to "confirmed" claims and introduces a tiered payment system for claims based on their classification as confirmed, probable, or possible, ensuring that funds are distributed on a pro rata basis if the total claims exceed available resources.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that any remaining funds after confirmed claims are paid will be allocated to probable claims, and subsequently to possible claims, with any unspent funds carried over to the next year. The compensation for confirmed, probable, or possible claims will be based on the current fair market value as determined by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, with any other compensation deducted from this amount. The bill emphasizes the continuous appropriation of funds to the established account, capping it at $400,000, and declares an emergency for its immediate enactment upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 36-1121