House Bill No. introduced by J. Cohenour and others aims to enhance penalties for criminal trespass related to hunting, fishing, and trapping activities. The bill amends Section 45-6-203 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to mandate the revocation of hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges for individuals convicted of criminal trespass while engaged in these activities. Specifically, the bill stipulates that a person convicted of trespassing on property owned or administered by the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, or while hunting, fishing, trapping, or attempting to collect antlers or animal horns, must face a revocation of their privileges for up to 12 months.

The bill also clarifies that the previous language allowing for discretion in revocation has been changed to a mandatory requirement. The new legal language specifies that the revocation applies to any property, regardless of ownership, if the individual is involved in the aforementioned activities. Additionally, the bill includes a new section that establishes its applicability to violations charged on or after the effective date of the act.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 45-6-203
HB0354_1(1): 45-6-203
HB0354_1(2): 45-6-203
HB0354_1(3): 45-6-203
HB0354_1: 45-6-203