House Bill 74 revises the regulations surrounding private fish ponds and the commercial take of fish in Montana, introducing new licensing standards and renewal processes. Key changes include mandatory site inspections for all private fish pond licenses, which must now be applied for by all owners or controllers. The bill also establishes detailed recordkeeping requirements for licensees, including documentation of fish sales and health inspections, and increases application and renewal fees to $600 and $250, respectively. Notably, the previous allowance for paddlefish caviar sales has been repealed.

Additionally, the bill enhances the authority of the relevant department to regulate private fish ponds, enabling it to adopt rules regarding health standards, pond design, and inspections. It establishes penalties for violations of licensing terms and outlines a process for license revocation. Licenses for those selling fish or eggs must be renewed annually, with specific conditions for renewal and the possibility of denial based on new information regarding risks to game fish or species of concern. The legislation aims to strengthen the management and oversight of private fish ponds to protect public fish and wildlife resources.

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