This bill mandates that the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks must notify county commissioners, sheriff's offices, and tribal governments prior to the relocation of large predators, such as bears, mountain lions, and wolves. The notification must occur under specific circumstances: when an annual plan for relocation is finalized, when there is a change to such a plan, within 24 hours of capturing a large predator intended for relocation, and within 24 hours of the actual relocation if the site has been previously approved for bear relocation. This requirement aims to enhance communication and coordination between state agencies and local governments regarding wildlife management.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 87-1-217 of the Montana Code Annotated to include these notification requirements, emphasizing the importance of consultation with local authorities in areas with identifiable large predator populations. The intent is to ensure that local governments are informed and can provide input on policies that may impact agricultural production, livestock operations, and public safety. The bill also includes definitions for terms such as "consultation," "large game species," and "large predators" to clarify the scope of the legislation.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 87-1-217
HB0648_1(1): 87-1-217
HB0648_1(2): 87-1-217
HB0648_1(3): 87-1-217
HB0648_1(4): 87-1-217
HB0648_1(5): 87-1-217
HB0648_1: 87-1-217
HB0648_2(1): 87-1-217
HB0648_2(10): 87-1-217
HB0648_2(11): 87-1-217
HB0648_2(12): 87-1-217
HB0648_2(2): 87-1-217
HB0648_2(3): 87-1-217
HB0648_2(4): 87-1-217
HB0648_2(5): 87-1-217
HB0648_2(6): 87-1-217
HB0648_2(7): 87-1-217
HB0648_2(8): 87-1-217
HB0648_2(9): 87-1-217
HB0648_2: 87-1-217
HB0648_X(1): 87-1-217
HB0648_X(2): 87-1-217
HB0648_X(3): 87-1-217
HB0648_X(4): 87-1-217
HB0648_X(5): 87-1-217
HB0648_X(6): 87-1-217
HB0648_X(7): 87-1-217
HB0648_X(8): 87-1-217
HB0648_X: 87-1-217