House Bill No. introduced by E. Tilleman aims to expand the eligibility criteria under the Livestock Loss Mitigation Program to include domestic bison as a type of livestock eligible for reimbursement for losses caused by wolves, mountain lions, and grizzly bears. The bill amends Section 2-15-3112 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to specify that all Montana livestock producers can receive coverage for losses to cattle, domestic bison, swine, horses, mules, sheep, goats, llamas, and livestock guard dogs. Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of "fair market value" to include domestic bison, ensuring that they are valued appropriately in the reimbursement process.

The bill also includes provisions for rulemaking authority, establishes a clear claim process for livestock producers, and ensures the confidentiality of claimants' personal information. It mandates that the secretary of state notify each federally recognized tribal government in Montana about the new legislation. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 2-15-3112
HB0504_1(1): 2-15-3112
HB0504_1(2): 2-15-3112
HB0504_1(3): 2-15-3112
HB0504_1(4): 2-15-3112
HB0504_1(5): 2-15-3112
HB0504_1(6): 2-15-3112
HB0504_1(7): 2-15-3112
HB0504_1: 2-15-3112
HB0504_2(1): 2-15-3112
HB0504_2(2): 2-15-3112
HB0504_2(3): 2-15-3112
HB0504_2(4): 2-15-3112
HB0504_2(5): 2-15-3112
HB0504_2(6): 2-15-3112
HB0504_2: 2-15-3112