House Bill No. [insert bill number] amends the Fire Suppression Account by removing specific date references for statutory appropriations and establishing new reporting requirements for the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. The bill modifies Section 76-13-150 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to allow for the transfer of funds from other sources into the fire suppression account and outlines the permissible uses of these funds, which include fire suppression costs, fuel reduction, forest restoration, and support for collaborative groups involved in federal forest projects. Notably, the bill statutorily appropriates up to 0.5% of all general revenue appropriations each year for fire preparedness.

Additionally, the bill introduces a requirement for the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to report annually by November 1 on expenditures related to the fire suppression account, detailing the use of funds as specified in the amended section. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 76-13-150
HB0127_1(1): 76-13-150
HB0127_1(2): 76-13-150
HB0127_1(3): 76-13-150
HB0127_1(4): 76-13-150
HB0127_1(5): 76-13-150
HB0127_1(6): 76-13-150
HB0127_1(7): 76-13-150
HB0127_1: 76-13-150