House Bill No. introduced by P. Fielder aims to revise hunting licensing laws specifically for individuals under 18 years of age. The bill allows for the issuance of a free special permit license for elk, deer, or antelope to minors diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, provided they are recommended by a Montana charity or nonprofit organization. The bill outlines the requirements for obtaining and using this license, including the necessity for documentation from a licensed physician confirming the diagnosis. Additionally, it sets a cap on the number of special permits issued annually, limiting it to 25, and specifies that these licenses do not count against existing quotas for other hunting licenses.

The bill amends existing sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically sections 87-2-105 and 87-2-805. Notable insertions include provisions that allow the department to waive hunter safety and education requirements for qualified youths and to permit them to hunt from a vehicle under certain circumstances. The bill also establishes that the special permit licenses do not count against the number of antelope licenses reserved for individuals with permanent disabilities or those reserved for youth with life-threatening illnesses. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance hunting opportunities for young individuals facing serious health challenges while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 87-2-105, 87-2-805
HB0817_1(1): 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: 87-2-105, 87-2-805