The bill amends Section 87-2-815 of the Montana Code Annotated to revise the laws regarding the donation of hunting licenses to disabled veterans and disabled members of the armed forces. It allows individuals who hold a hunting license to surrender it for reissuance to a disabled veteran or member of the armed forces, specifically for use on expeditions organized by nonprofit organizations that focus on rehabilitation through hunting. Notably, the bill changes the language to allow donors to designate which organization will receive the donation, while still prohibiting them from designating a specific individual veteran or service member. Additionally, it establishes that donors are not eligible for a refund for the surrendered license and must complete the surrender before the hunting season begins.

The bill also outlines the eligibility criteria for veterans or armed forces members to receive a donated license, which includes being a Purple Heart recipient or having a significant disability rating due to combat-related injuries. New provisions state that recipients may not have received a license under this section in the previous calendar year, and they are not required to pay any fees or obtain a conservation license beforehand. The bill emphasizes that any licenses or permits surrendered or reissued cannot be sold or used by anyone other than the designated disabled veteran or service member. Overall, the legislation aims to facilitate the donation process while ensuring that the benefits are directed appropriately to those in need.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 87-2-815
HB0307_1(1): 87-2-815
HB0307_1(2): 87-2-815
HB0307_1(3): 87-2-815
HB0307_1(4): 87-2-815
HB0307_1(5): 87-2-815
HB0307_1(6): 87-2-815
HB0307_1(7): 87-2-815
HB0307_1: 87-2-815
HB0307_X(1): 87-2-815
HB0307_X(2): 87-2-815
HB0307_X: 87-2-815