Senate Bill No. [number], introduced by J. Fuller, aims to establish protections for working animals in Montana by preventing local governments from enacting ordinances or resolutions that would ban their use in commerce or service. The bill defines "working animals" as nonhuman animals utilized for specific duties in various sectors, excluding certain livestock. It guarantees the right to use working animals for their benefit and prohibits local governments from creating undue hardships related to their employment in areas such as agriculture, law enforcement, and education. Additionally, the bill clarifies that it does not alter existing state laws regarding animal care, public health, or safety.

The bill also amends Section 7-1-111 of the Montana Code Annotated to include a new provision that explicitly prohibits local governments from enacting ordinances that would terminate, ban, or create undue hardship concerning the use of working animals. This amendment reinforces the protections established in the new sections and ensures that local government powers do not conflict with the rights of working animals. The bill is intended to be codified as a new part in Title 81, chapter 29 of the Montana Code.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 7-1-111
SB0096_1(1): 7-1-111
SB0096_1(2): 7-1-111
SB0096_1(3): 7-1-111
SB0096_1(4): 7-1-111
SB0096_1: 7-1-111