House Bill 74 revises the regulations surrounding private fish ponds and the commercial take of fish in Montana. Key changes include the requirement for all owners or controllers of private fish ponds to apply for licenses, which will now necessitate site inspections. The bill introduces new recordkeeping requirements for licensees, mandating detailed documentation of fish sales, health inspections, and compliance with licensing conditions. Additionally, application and renewal fees for fish pond licenses have been increased to $600 and $250, respectively. Notably, the bill repeals the previous allowance for paddlefish caviar sales.

The legislation also enhances the authority of the relevant department to regulate private fish ponds, allowing for the adoption of rules regarding pond management and health standards. It establishes penalties for violations of licensing terms and outlines a structured renewal process, requiring annual renewals for those selling fish or eggs. Stricter penalties are introduced for unlawful possession or sale of game fish, with fines and imprisonment terms based on the value of the illegally obtained wildlife. The bill clarifies definitions related to wildlife capture and is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_1(1): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_1(2): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_1(3): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_1(4): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_1(5): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_1(6): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_1(7): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_1(8): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_1: 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_2(1): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_2(10): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_2(11): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_2(2): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_2(3): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_2(4): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_2(5): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_2(6): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_2(7): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_2(8): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_2(9): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_2: 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_3: 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_X(1): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_X(10): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_X(11): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_X(12): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_X(13): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_X(14): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_X(15): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_X(16): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_X(17): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_X(18): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_X(19): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_X(2): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_X(3): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_X(4): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_X(5): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_X(6): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_X(7): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_X(8): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_X(9): 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707
HB0074_X: 87-4-603, 87-4-606, 87-4-607, 87-6-202, 87-6-206, 87-6-707