The bill amends Section 2-15-3112 of the Montana Code Annotated to expand the eligibility of livestock covered under the Livestock Loss Mitigation Program to include domestic bison. This program is designed to reimburse livestock producers for losses caused by predators such as wolves, mountain lions, and grizzly bears. The amendment specifies that all Montana livestock producers are eligible for coverage for losses to cattle, domestic bison, swine, horses, mules, sheep, goats, llamas, and livestock guard dogs on various types of land. Additionally, the bill outlines the reimbursement process, including the requirement for producers to pay per capita fees before receiving compensation.

The bill also includes provisions for establishing a clear claim process for documenting and processing claims for livestock losses, maintaining the confidentiality of claimants' personal information, and allowing producers to appeal reimbursement decisions. The definitions of "confirmed" and "probable" losses are clarified, and the fair market value for domestic bison is defined in relation to other livestock. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and the Secretary of State is tasked with notifying tribal governments in Montana about the new legislation.

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(10): 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(7): 2-15-3112
HB0504_2(8): 2-15-3112
HB0504_2(9): 2-15-3112
HB0504_2: 2-15-3112
HB0504_X(1): 2-15-3112
HB0504_X(2): 2-15-3112
HB0504_X(3): 2-15-3112
HB0504_X(4): 2-15-3112
HB0504_X(5): 2-15-3112
HB0504_X(6): 2-15-3112
HB0504_X(7): 2-15-3112
HB0504_X(8): 2-15-3112
HB0504_X(9): 2-15-3112
HB0504_X: 2-15-3112