House Bill No. [insert bill number] proposes to allow the issuance of mountain sheep and Shiras moose tags through a lottery system, in addition to the existing auction method. The bill amends Sections 87-2-722 and 87-2-724 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to include the term "lottery" alongside "auction" in the context of issuing licenses for these species. The amendments specify that the commission may issue one male mountain sheep and one male Shiras moose license each year through either a competitive auction or lottery, and that wildlife conservation organizations may be authorized to conduct these events, retaining a portion of the proceeds to cover expenses.

Additionally, the bill mandates that all proceeds from the auction or lottery must be used by the department for the substantial benefit of mountain sheep and moose management. The department is required to report the use or investment of these proceeds to the office of budget and program planning. The act is set to take effect on March 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 87-2-722, 87-2-724
HB0283_1(1): 87-2-722, 87-2-724
HB0283_1(10): 87-2-722, 87-2-724
HB0283_1(2): 87-2-722, 87-2-724
HB0283_1(3): 87-2-722, 87-2-724
HB0283_1(4): 87-2-722, 87-2-724
HB0283_1(5): 87-2-722, 87-2-724
HB0283_1(6): 87-2-722, 87-2-724
HB0283_1(7): 87-2-722, 87-2-724
HB0283_1(8): 87-2-722, 87-2-724
HB0283_1(9): 87-2-722, 87-2-724
HB0283_1: 87-2-722, 87-2-724