The bill aims to revise hunting licensing laws for individuals under 18 years of age, specifically allowing the issuance of a free special permit license for elk, deer, or antelope to minors diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. This special permit can be granted if the youth is recommended by a Montana charity or nonprofit organization and requires documentation from a licensed physician confirming the diagnosis. The bill sets forth specific requirements for obtaining and using the license, including the necessity for the youth to be accompanied by an adult with a valid Montana hunting license during hunting activities. Additionally, the bill establishes a cap on the number of special permits issued annually, limiting it to 25.

The bill amends existing sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically sections 87-2-105 and 87-2-805. Notable insertions include the provision for a free special permit license for elk, deer, or antelope, and the requirement for the department to receive documentation from a physician. It also allows for the waiver of hunter safety and education requirements for qualified youths and specifies that the special permits do not count against existing quotas for antelope licenses reserved for individuals with permanent disabilities. The department is granted rulemaking authority to implement these changes effectively.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 87-2-105, 87-2-805
HB0817_1(1): 87-2-105, 87-2-805
HB0817_1(10): 87-2-105, 87-2-805
HB0817_1(11): 87-2-105, 87-2-805
HB0817_1(2): 87-2-105, 87-2-805
HB0817_1(3): 87-2-105, 87-2-805
HB0817_1(4): 87-2-105, 87-2-805
HB0817_1(5): 87-2-105, 87-2-805
HB0817_1(6): 87-2-105, 87-2-805
HB0817_1(7): 87-2-105, 87-2-805
HB0817_1(8): 87-2-105, 87-2-805
HB0817_1(9): 87-2-105, 87-2-805
HB0817_1: 87-2-105, 87-2-805
HB0817_X(1): 87-2-105, 87-2-805
HB0817_X(10): 87-2-105, 87-2-805
HB0817_X(11): 87-2-105, 87-2-805
HB0817_X(2): 87-2-105, 87-2-805
HB0817_X(3): 87-2-105, 87-2-805
HB0817_X(4): 87-2-105, 87-2-805
HB0817_X(5): 87-2-105, 87-2-805
HB0817_X(6): 87-2-105, 87-2-805
HB0817_X(7): 87-2-105, 87-2-805
HB0817_X(8): 87-2-105, 87-2-805
HB0817_X(9): 87-2-105, 87-2-805
HB0817_X: 87-2-105, 87-2-805