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 receive 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 reduction and mitigation efforts. The bill also establishes eligibility requirements for livestock producers to receive reimbursements for losses caused by these predators.

Additionally, the bill modifies the livestock loss board's responsibilities, allowing it to process claims and reimbursements for losses attributed to black bears. It also mandates that the board prioritize grants for prevention measures against wolf and grizzly bear predation over those for mountain lion or black bear predation. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance support for livestock producers facing challenges from a broader range of large predators, thereby promoting better management and conservation efforts in Montana.

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