The bill amends Section 87-2-817 of the Montana Code Annotated to revise the licensing provisions for deployed armed service members. It allows veterans and disabled members of the armed forces to apply for specific deer and antelope licenses at half the regular fee, without counting against the special licenses reserved for individuals with permanent disabilities. Additionally, it provides that Montana residents who are members of the National Guard or federal reserve and have served at least two months outside the state during a contingency operation are entitled to receive a free resident conservation license and a Class A resident fishing license or a Class AAA resident combination sports license, contingent upon certain conditions and documentation.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a provision that resets the entitlement to free licenses if a qualifying member is required to serve another two months or more outside the state, allowing for multiple resets of the entitlement period. It also specifies that members who have forfeited licenses due to deployment are guaranteed the same license or permit upon their return, with the deletion of the phrase "outside of the continental United States" and the insertion of "for at least 2 months outside of the state" to clarify the conditions under which this guarantee applies. The bill ensures that the department's general license account is reimbursed for costs associated with these free licenses.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 87-2-817
HB0244_1(1): 87-2-817
HB0244_1(2): 87-2-817
HB0244_1(3): 87-2-817
HB0244_1(4): 87-2-817
HB0244_1(5): 87-2-817
HB0244_1(6): 87-2-817
HB0244_1(7): 87-2-817
HB0244_1(8): 87-2-817
HB0244_1: 87-2-817