This bill expands 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 in the context of loss prevention and reimbursement programs. The bill also establishes eligibility requirements for livestock producers to receive compensation for losses due to black bear predation.

Additionally, the bill modifies the powers and duties of the livestock loss board, allowing it to coordinate with tribal governments that have adopted management plans for black bears. It also clarifies the funding mechanisms for these programs, ensuring that federal funds for livestock losses due to black bears are appropriately allocated. The effective date for the implementation of this act 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