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2025 WUM Legislative Update

March 31 – 2025

Attached is an update of the excel spreadsheet on the bills I’ve been monitoring.

Up to 4488 total potential bills as of today, I’ve listed 19 on the spreadsheet.  Changes are shown where noted with an ❗️.   Mostly just updated status.

The good news was HB 829 Revising AIS laws and watercraft fees was tabled in committee and bill sponsor told me not to worry so I believe it is dead.

Nothing new or exciting.

Dale Gilbert

Legislative Update Spreadsheet

March 10, 2025

Nothing new of interest has been introduced since last week.

HB 829 Revising AIS Laws is scheduled for House Committee hearing March 18 at 3:00 pm.

This bill requires all vessel operators have an AIS Pass for the vessel they are using.

This bill requires completion of AIS training and passing a test.

Proof of completion prior to being able to purchase the AIS Pass.

Annual fees of $30 for motorized vessels and $10 for non-motorized vessels which includes catamarans, drift boats, kayaks, rafts, sailboats.

Increases penalties and fines.

I’ve commented in opposition to this bill.

I don’t believe it is right to put the burden of AIS on a select group, it is an issue that all user groups need to be a part of….any floaters, paddle board users, canoes, waders, UTV and ATV users, etc.

It is excessive to require a person who owns multiple vessels to have to pay multiple times, for each vessel they own every year.

The operator of a vessel, is who needs to be responsible for proper use, and simply having an AIS Pass sticker on a vessel does not ensure the operator is knowledgable and following AIS rules.


On the SJ Resolution, Supporting Recreational Uses for Flathead Lake…..

I am wondering if WU shouldn’t support this and ask for an amendment to add all other reservoirs in Montana to it.   Frankly, when most reservoirs were built, recreation was not given much consideration as it simply wasn’t the issue it is today.   Today, although flood control and irrigation may still have priority, recreation should be given more consideration when you look at the economic impacts recreation provides today….which also ties into better water management for better fisheries management.  As it stands today, those issues receive very little to no consideration by the public agencies who manage the reservoirs we have.

I’ve included the updated excel spreadsheet with changes highlighted. –> Click here

February 24th 2025

HB 559 and 560 are new….

HB 559 Established commercial fishing, guiding, and outfitter free days on select waters ….2 days a week, they would not be allowed on those waters.

HB 560 Creates a Hunter and Angler Community Fund and Grant program to allow for donations and use of those funds via grants.

Both seem worthwhile and maybe worth supporting.

The bills on revising vehicle registrations fees are really complicated.  SB 324 would impact motorhome owners with $150,000 plus vehicles who are required to pay annual registration fees for the first 10 years?   A fiscal note has been added to try to explain changes and impacts…..frankly I’m not sure it is good or not.

Thanks,
Dale Gilbert

February 17th 2025

HB 468 Generally revising watercraft laws has been submitted to House FW&P Committee with hearing Feb 18 at 3:00 pm.  

This replaces the “validation decal” with a “registration decal” requirement.

Also, revises when reports to sheriff or game warden are required to be made regarding collision, accidents, injury or damage when amount is $2000 vs. current law of $100.

A person involved in a collision, accident, or other casualty involving a death, disappearance, personal injury, or property damage in excess of <$100> $2,000 shall immediately report the collision, accident, or other casualty to the sheriff’s office or game warden of the county  in which the collision, accident, or casualty occurred and fill out a standardized accident report form.

Also, revises Right of Way laws….when meeting, overtaking, or when crossing paths.  

Section 4. Section 23-2-524, MCA, 

 Passing rule and right-of-way.

 Also revises language of required personal flotation while on a personal watercraft.

I have no concerns with changes of decals.

Not sure about raising reporting limits but $100 seems pretty minor.

I don’t think the changes to the ROW laws is necessary …..

SB 324 and 327 both propose revising registration fees for vehicles, boats, trailers and motor homes.    

This bill has changes to increase registration fees for higher cost ($150000) vehicles and also increase fees for vehicles using State Parks.   It also changes where and how funds are distributed.   

But from what I can see….nothing changes boat, trailers, or normal vehicle fees….so it doesn’t appear to be a major issue.

SB 327

This bill appears to reduce most vehicle, trailer and boat registration fees….which I’d guess most members would support.

Status of other bills:

HB 242 Revise AIS fines passed House committee 20/0 referred to senate

HB 374 Revise gambling laws hearing was 2/12

HB 417 Hunters First Act referred to committee

SB 99 Making certain income taxable …passed senate committee 27/23

SB 168 regarding statute of limitations on lakeshore protection passed 2nd reading 42/8

SB 178 Regarding water rights leasing not abandonment passed senate 33/17

In summary,

HB 468… I’d consider requesting an amendment to delete changes to ROW rules as it isn’t necessary.    No problem with changes on decals.   Increasing the reporting limits seems worthwhile, but maybe raising to $2000 is high?

SB 324 …I’m not opposed to an increase in registration fees for $150000 vehicles.

SB 327….Im thinking most members would support lower fees….

Thanks,
Dale Gilbert

February 3rd 2025

As of this morning…potential 4357 bills
Up to HB 379, HR2, HJ12 and
SB 256, SR 1,4, SJ 11

Of those bills submitted that might be of interest:

HB 240 limiting access to state owned islands from navigable waters has been withdrawn.

HB 133 requiring mandatory reports on hunting ….referred to committee. I provided comments to oppose this.

HB 242 revise penalties for AIS violations …..scheduled hearings…I commented in support.

SB 168 providing statute of limitations for lakeshore issues

SB 178 making leasing of water rights not an abandonment of those rights…I commented in support.

Ben noted two other bills that may be of interest:

HB 141 changes gambling laws to allow non profits to use credit cards for raffles. This has passed 3 reading in House 94/4 vote so is looking good. This may be something WUM would support?

SB 99 changes laws making certain income of tax exempt organizations unrelated business income subject to tax. Frankly, I’m not sure I totally understand this, it lists some exemptions for certain organizations so I’m not sure it would apply to WUM but maybe a tax person would have a different opinion?

I also saw another HB 374 revising gambling laws allowing non profits to do an expanded casino night…not sure any WUM chapters do this sort of thing or whether or not it would be something to support?

I’ve not attended any committee meetings as I haven’t felt justified in making a days trip to Helena for what I’ve seen so far.

Thanks,
Dale Gilbert

January 27th 2025

4332 YTD pending bills….from Bill Explorer 261 HB, 2HR, 5 HJ, and 176 SB, 1SR, and 10SJ.

Not sure it’s something WU needs to pursue, but HB 240 restricts the use of navigable waters to access state owned islands for any hunting other than migratory waterfall.

HB 242 Revises AIS fines and removes option of issuing a warning without penalties.  It increases fines for negligent first and second offenses, but I’m not sure removing the option of issuing a warning without penalties is good.

SB 168 Provides a 2 year statute of limitations for taking actions on violations of Lakeshore Violations and makes minor ongoing maintenance exempt.

The Legislature Fish Fry was a success.   Scott and Brenda did a great job coordinating event.  

Thanks

Dale Gilbert

December 3rd 2024

As of this morning 18 bills have been introduced…none of interest YTD….a total of 2179 LC’s listed so far.

I did attend a Region 4 CAC meeting last night where FWP reviewed the proposed legislation being submitted by the agency.  There were 14 items, but nothing that seemed of much interest to me.  One, LC 520 dealt with repealing structure allowing for donation of paddlefish roe for commercial caviar sales …..since the diversion was done at intake they no longer have the issue.

A couple of other pending issues was the FWP intends to request additional funding for research projects to do a better job with longer range planning and commitments.

The Governor has submitted a proposed budget.   It was interesting to hear FWP feels OK about budget, $61 million comes from license sales and 95% of that is from non-residents.  They are loosing monies from Pitman/Robinson….lost 17% in 2024 and projecting another 8% in 2025.   So they are also going to pursue the authority to transfer monies from the general license sales to cover the shortfalls.

It was a good meeting as I did get to meet the new Acting Director – Marina Yoshioka who will serve until the Governor appoints a new director.  Dustin Temple, the current Director is stepping down at the end of the month.

They have not hired anyone yet to replace the Fisheries Division Administrator but I’m told recommendations have been made a it is likely close to being released.

The meeting had invited Legislative members, but only 3 from this area attended, Jane Weber – Cascade, Melissa Nikolakakos – Cascade, and a Zack Worth – from Wolf Creek, none of them on the either of the Fish and Game Committee’s.

At this point, I’m still waiting to get my license issued.

The only suggestion I would have for WUM is that some effort be put into developing a contact list of members who are from the districts that have a representative on the Senate or House Fish and Game Committees so when our input is needed, it will be heard.

One of the comments from one legislator last night, reinforced how important it is to have public input, but I got the message many representatives listen to input from people who are in their districts.   He frequently does not spend much time on comments from people outside his district.

I did visit with Quentin Kujala, Chief of Conservation Policy last night and had a very good discussion.  One of the things he mentioned was that the process for making comments via the Zoom video conference process was very worthwhile and effective.  So in addition to the on line comment process, WUM should consider encouraging members to utilize the Zoom video call process.  People do not need to travel to Helena to have their voices heard.

I’ve reviewed current House and Senate Fish and Game Committee appointments and have attached an updated list.   As you will see, the majority are from what I’d consider western Montana …. Not sure that is good, but it is what it is.   So it seems really important for members from the districts we have in eastern Montana will become active when needed.

Dale Gilbert

Montana Aquatic Invasive Species: 2024 Wrap up

AQUATIC NUISANCE

2025 Ice and Open water derby Info

2024-2025 Approved Ice Fishing Contest

2025 Open water “PROPOSED” tournament dates – click here

Currently accepting public comment on proposed 2025 open water fishing contests 

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on open water fishing contests proposed for the 2025 season. Participants must comply with state fishing regulations, including daily and possession limits.

Applications for fishing contests were approved, approved with conditions, or denied by the FWP Fisheries Division in Helena. Conditions placed on contests may help to minimize fish mortality, regulate harvest, reduce user conflicts, and/or require additional access site maintenance when needed

Deadline: January 27, 2025

Mail to:

FWP Fisheries Division
Attn: Fishing Contests
P.O. Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620-0701

Or email: FWPFishComments@mt.gov

Questions? Call 406-444-2449