The bill amends Section 23-2-636 of the Montana Code Annotated to introduce a new $5 trail enhancement rental fee for snowmobiles and motorized equipment rented from licensed rental businesses in Montana. This fee is in addition to the existing winter trail pass fees, which vary based on whether the equipment is registered in Montana or if the operator is a resident. The rental vendor is responsible for collecting this fee and remitting it to the department monthly. The funds collected from this fee will be allocated for the operation of the trail grooming program and for the maintenance of trails in areas where rental entities operate.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the trail enhancement rental fee must be used for the maintenance and repair of vehicles and trails, ensuring that the funds directly support the infrastructure used by snowmobilers and other motorized equipment users. The bill also clarifies the distribution of funds collected from the trail pass fees, with a portion going to vendors and the remainder supporting snowmobile law enforcement and grooming programs. Overall, this legislation aims to enhance the maintenance of snowmobile trails while generating additional revenue from rental operations.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 23-2-636
SB0165_1(1): 23-2-636
SB0165_1(2): 23-2-636
SB0165_1(3): 23-2-636
SB0165_1(4): 23-2-636
SB0165_1(5): 23-2-636
SB0165_1(6): 23-2-636
SB0165_1(7): 23-2-636
SB0165_1: 23-2-636
SB0165_2(1): 23-2-636
SB0165_2(10): 23-2-636
SB0165_2(2): 23-2-636
SB0165_2(3): 23-2-636
SB0165_2(4): 23-2-636
SB0165_2(5): 23-2-636
SB0165_2(6): 23-2-636
SB0165_2(7): 23-2-636
SB0165_2(8): 23-2-636
SB0165_2(9): 23-2-636
SB0165_2: 23-2-636
SB0165_X(1): 23-2-636
SB0165_X(10): 23-2-636
SB0165_X(11): 23-2-636
SB0165_X(12): 23-2-636
SB0165_X(2): 23-2-636
SB0165_X(3): 23-2-636
SB0165_X(4): 23-2-636
SB0165_X(5): 23-2-636
SB0165_X(6): 23-2-636
SB0165_X(7): 23-2-636
SB0165_X(8): 23-2-636
SB0165_X(9): 23-2-636
SB0165_X: 23-2-636