House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise fire management laws in Montana by establishing the Prescribed Fire Manager Certification and Liability Act. This legislation introduces a certification program for prescribed fire managers, which includes training on various aspects of prescribed fire management, such as safety, weather conditions, and burn planning. The bill also limits the liability of certified prescribed fire managers and landowners who utilize their services, provided they comply with the established rules. Additionally, the bill creates a special revenue account for the certification program, which will be funded through grants and donations, and outlines the requirements for obtaining permits before igniting prescribed fires.

The bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to incorporate these changes, including the requirement for a written permit to conduct prescribed fires and the penalties for failing to comply with permit conditions. Notably, it removes the delayed effective date previously set for January 1, 2026, allowing the act to take effect upon passage and approval, with certain sections becoming effective only after legislative appropriation of funds to the newly created certification claims account. Overall, this legislation seeks to enhance fire management practices while providing legal protections for those involved in prescribed burning activities.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_1(1): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_1(2): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_1(3): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_1(4): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_1(5): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_1(6): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_1(7): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_1(8): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_1: 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_2(1): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_2(10): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_2(11): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_2(12): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_2(13): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_2(2): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_2(3): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_2(4): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_2(5): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_2(6): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_2(7): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_2(8): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_2(9): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_2: 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_3(1): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_3(2): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_3(3): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_3(4): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_3(5): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_3(6): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_3(7): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_3(8): 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122
HB0084_3: 50-63-102, 50-63-103, 76-13-121, 76-13-122