This 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 the Department of Transportation to receive funding for qualifying projects that improve wildlife safety on roadways.

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 to access these funds without needing a biennial legislative appropriation. The bill emphasizes the importance of wildlife crossings in protecting both wildlife and human lives, as well as the economic benefits of maintaining healthy wildlife populations for outdoor recreation. The act 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(10): 17-7-502
HB0855_X(11): 17-7-502
HB0855_X(2): 17-7-502
HB0855_X(3): 17-7-502
HB0855_X(4): 17-7-502
HB0855_X(5): 17-7-502
HB0855_X(6): 17-7-502
HB0855_X(7): 17-7-502
HB0855_X(8): 17-7-502
HB0855_X(9): 17-7-502
HB0855_X: 17-7-502