This bill aims to revise existing wildfire suppression laws by introducing new definitions related to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and their role in wildfire suppression activities. It seeks to clarify the legal framework surrounding the use of UAVs in these operations, ensuring that their deployment is effectively integrated into wildfire management strategies.

Additionally, the bill revises the offense of obstruction of wildfire suppression activities, likely enhancing penalties or clarifying the legal consequences for individuals who interfere with firefighting efforts. It amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically sections 76-13-102, 76-13-112, 76-13-203, and 76-13-214, to reflect these changes and provide a more robust legal structure for wildfire suppression. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
SB0219_1.pdf: 76-13-102, 76-13-112, 76-13-203, 76-13-214
SB0219_2.pdf: 76-13-102, 76-13-112, 76-13-203, 76-13-214
SB0219_3.pdf: 76-13-102, 76-13-112, 76-13-203, 76-13-214
Amended: 76-13-102, 76-13-112, 76-13-203, 76-13-214
Introduced: 76-13-102, 76-13-112, 76-13-203, 76-13-214