The bill amends Section 76-13-201 of the Montana Code Annotated to increase the fire protection assessment rates collected by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. Specifically, it raises the maximum fee for fire protection from $50 to $58.70 for each landowner within a wildland fire protection district. Additionally, the bill changes the additional charge for landowners with more than 20 acres from 30 cents to 49 cents per acre per year for each acre exceeding that threshold.

The effective date for this bill is set for July 1, 2025. The changes aim to ensure adequate funding for fire protection services while maintaining a clear structure for assessment, payment, and collection of these costs as outlined in the existing law. Other charges will not be imposed on participating landowners unless there is proven negligence or a violation of specific regulations.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 76-13-201
HB0421_1(1): 76-13-201
HB0421_1(2): 76-13-201
HB0421_1(3): 76-13-201
HB0421_1(4): 76-13-201
HB0421_1(5): 76-13-201
HB0421_1(6): 76-13-201
HB0421_1: 76-13-201
HB0421_X(1): 76-13-201
HB0421_X(2): 76-13-201
HB0421_X(3): 76-13-201
HB0421_X(4): 76-13-201
HB0421_X(5): 76-13-201
HB0421_X(6): 76-13-201
HB0421_X(7): 76-13-201
HB0421_X(8): 76-13-201
HB0421_X: 76-13-201