This bill aims to expand the existing Livestock Loss Reduction and Mitigation Programs in Montana to include black bears as a species for which livestock producers can seek assistance. The amendments to various sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) include the addition of black bears in the definitions and provisions related to livestock loss caused by predation. Specifically, the bill amends sections 2-15-3110, 2-15-3111, 2-15-3112, and 2-15-3113 to incorporate black bears alongside wolves, mountain lions, and grizzly bears, allowing for cost-sharing measures and reimbursement for livestock losses attributed to these predators.

Additionally, the bill modifies the livestock loss board's responsibilities and the eligibility criteria for reimbursement, ensuring that all Montana livestock producers are covered for losses caused by black bears. It also establishes a clear claim process for documenting and processing claims for livestock losses. The bill includes provisions for the board to coordinate with tribal governments and other entities to enhance the effectiveness of the programs. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 2-15-3110, 2-15-3111, 2-15-3112, 2-15-3113, 81-1-110, 87-1-217
HB0356_1(1): 2-15-3110, 2-15-3111, 2-15-3112, 2-15-3113, 81-1-110, 87-1-217
HB0356_1(2): 2-15-3110, 2-15-3111, 2-15-3112, 2-15-3113, 81-1-110, 87-1-217
HB0356_1(3): 2-15-3110, 2-15-3111, 2-15-3112, 2-15-3113, 81-1-110, 87-1-217
HB0356_1(4): 2-15-3110, 2-15-3111, 2-15-3112, 2-15-3113, 81-1-110, 87-1-217
HB0356_1(5): 2-15-3110, 2-15-3111, 2-15-3112, 2-15-3113, 81-1-110, 87-1-217
HB0356_1(6): 2-15-3110, 2-15-3111, 2-15-3112, 2-15-3113, 81-1-110, 87-1-217
HB0356_1: 2-15-3110, 2-15-3111, 2-15-3112, 2-15-3113, 81-1-110, 87-1-217
HB0356_X(1): 2-15-3110, 2-15-3111, 2-15-3112, 2-15-3113, 81-1-110, 87-1-217
HB0356_X(2): 2-15-3110, 2-15-3111, 2-15-3112, 2-15-3113, 81-1-110, 87-1-217
HB0356_X(3): 2-15-3110, 2-15-3111, 2-15-3112, 2-15-3113, 81-1-110, 87-1-217
HB0356_X(4): 2-15-3110, 2-15-3111, 2-15-3112, 2-15-3113, 81-1-110, 87-1-217
HB0356_X(5): 2-15-3110, 2-15-3111, 2-15-3112, 2-15-3113, 81-1-110, 87-1-217
HB0356_X(6): 2-15-3110, 2-15-3111, 2-15-3112, 2-15-3113, 81-1-110, 87-1-217
HB0356_X(7): 2-15-3110, 2-15-3111, 2-15-3112, 2-15-3113, 81-1-110, 87-1-217
HB0356_X(8): 2-15-3110, 2-15-3111, 2-15-3112, 2-15-3113, 81-1-110, 87-1-217
HB0356_X(9): 2-15-3110, 2-15-3111, 2-15-3112, 2-15-3113, 81-1-110, 87-1-217
HB0356_X: 2-15-3110, 2-15-3111, 2-15-3112, 2-15-3113, 81-1-110, 87-1-217