House Bill No. [insert bill number] seeks to enhance conservation funding in Montana by establishing several new state special revenue accounts, including the Habitat Legacy Account, the Land and Wildlife Stewardship Account, the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project Account, and the Big Game and Wildlife Highway Crossings and Accommodations Account. These accounts will be administered by the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, with a specified allocation of funds from the Marijuana State Special Revenue Account: 75% to the Land and Wildlife Stewardship Account, 20% to the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project Account, and 5% to the Big Game and Wildlife Highway Crossings Account, contingent on certain fund balance conditions. The bill also amends existing provisions in the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to update the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Advisory Council's membership and duties, revise project ranking criteria, and clarify account definitions and purposes.

The legislation aims to improve the management of terrestrial and aquatic habitats while supporting wildlife and water conservation efforts. It includes provisions for inflation adjustments to account balances, retention of unspent funds, and emphasizes mitigating conflicts between wildlife and domestic livestock. Additionally, the bill appropriates $100 from the general fund to the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks for the biennium starting July 1, 2025, to facilitate these initiatives. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes provisions for codification within Title 87, chapter 5 of the MCA.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 16-12-111, 87-5-801, 87-5-802, 87-5-803, 87-5-804, 87-5-806, 87-5-808
HB0932_1(1): 16-12-111, 87-5-801, 87-5-802, 87-5-803, 87-5-804, 87-5-806, 87-5-808
HB0932_1(2): 16-12-111, 87-5-801, 87-5-802, 87-5-803, 87-5-804, 87-5-806, 87-5-808
HB0932_1: 16-12-111, 87-5-801, 87-5-802, 87-5-803, 87-5-804, 87-5-806, 87-5-808