House Bill No. introduced by B. Ler establishes the Montana Cattle Committee, composed of seven members appointed by the governor from nominees provided by agricultural associations. The committee's main objective is to bolster the cattle industry in Montana through initiatives in advertising, promotion, and research. It is granted powers to adopt rules, conduct research, and manage a special revenue account funded by a $1 assessment on each head of cattle sold. The committee will also oversee referendums related to the cattle assessment and enforce penalties for noncompliance. The bill includes provisions for member compensation, procurement procedures, and bonding for employees handling financial transactions.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a framework for statutory appropriations, allowing state agencies to spend funds without biennial legislative approval, provided they meet specific criteria. It amends the duties of the department overseeing livestock interests, enabling it to establish fees based on costs and requiring notification of administrative rules. New sections are added to existing law, and a contingent voidness clause is included, stating that if the cattle assessment referendum does not receive approval by June 30, 2027, the act will be void. Most provisions will take effect upon passage, while certain sections will activate only after the referendum's approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 2-18-103, 17-7-502, 81-1-102
HB0119_1(1): 2-18-103, 17-7-502, 81-1-102
HB0119_1(2): 2-18-103, 17-7-502, 81-1-102
HB0119_1(3): 2-18-103, 17-7-502, 81-1-102
HB0119_1(4): 2-18-103, 17-7-502, 81-1-102
HB0119_1(5): 2-18-103, 17-7-502, 81-1-102
HB0119_1(6): 2-18-103, 17-7-502, 81-1-102
HB0119_1(7): 2-18-103, 17-7-502, 81-1-102
HB0119_1(8): 2-18-103, 17-7-502, 81-1-102
HB0119_1(9): 2-18-103, 17-7-502, 81-1-102
HB0119_1: 2-18-103, 17-7-502, 81-1-102
HB0119_2(1): 2-18-103, 17-7-502, 81-1-102
HB0119_2(10): 2-18-103, 17-7-502, 81-1-102
HB0119_2(11): 2-18-103, 17-7-502, 81-1-102
HB0119_2(2): 2-18-103, 17-7-502, 81-1-102
HB0119_2(3): 2-18-103, 17-7-502, 81-1-102
HB0119_2(4): 2-18-103, 17-7-502, 81-1-102
HB0119_2(5): 2-18-103, 17-7-502, 81-1-102
HB0119_2(6): 2-18-103, 17-7-502, 81-1-102
HB0119_2(7): 2-18-103, 17-7-502, 81-1-102
HB0119_2(8): 2-18-103, 17-7-502, 81-1-102
HB0119_2(9): 2-18-103, 17-7-502, 81-1-102
HB0119_2: 2-18-103, 17-7-502, 81-1-102