The bill aims to enhance wildlife safety in Montana by providing funding for additional wildlife crossings, which are crucial for reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions. It authorizes the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks to create a specialty license plate, with a $20 donation required upon issuance and for annual renewals. The funds collected will be deposited into a newly established Big Game and Wildlife Highway Crossings and Accommodations Account, which will be used exclusively for the design, construction, and maintenance of wildlife crossings and related accommodations. The bill also includes provisions for matching federal funds and conducting studies related to wildlife crossings.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 17-7-502 of the Montana Code Annotated to include the new account as a statutory appropriation, allowing the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks to access these funds without needing a biennial legislative appropriation. The bill mandates a transfer of $100 from the general fund to the new account by June 30, 2025, and requires notification to tribal governments regarding the act. The legislation is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 17-7-502
HB0855_1(1): 17-7-502
HB0855_1(2): 17-7-502
HB0855_1(3): 17-7-502
HB0855_1(4): 17-7-502
HB0855_1(5): 17-7-502
HB0855_1(6): 17-7-502
HB0855_1: 17-7-502
HB0855_X(1): 17-7-502
HB0855_X(2): 17-7-502
HB0855_X: 17-7-502