Sen. Denley Loge

Maddy summarySB 472 removes the previous $250,000 cap on civil penalties for repeated violations of Montana's stream protection rules (under the Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act). It specifically exempts forest activities that follow state forestry rules from these penalties. The bill affects developers, loggers, or others working in stream zones who violate permit requirements, allowing penalties to grow without limit for ongoing violations. It takes immediate effect upon approval.

Maddy summaryThis Montana bill revises rules for issuing antlerless elk hunting licenses. It sets a $20 fee for resident antlerless elk tags (Class A-9) and $270 for nonresident tags (Class B-12), allowing residents to purchase up to four such tags annually. The bill maintains the existing limit of one antlered elk per hunter per year while clarifying fee structures and administrative procedures for these licenses. These changes directly affect Montana hunters purchasing antlerless elk tags under the state's hunting regulations.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 106 updates Montana's laws concerning the use of manned and unmanned aircraft, including drones, in hunting-related activities. It allows permits for using aircraft to herd wild animals damaging private property, but these permits can only be issued during a legal hunting season for that specific animal. The bill also introduces a new prohibition against intentionally interfering with hunting using an aircraft and adjusts rules for using aircraft to spot or communicate game locations. Additionally, it creates an exception for aircraft use when supporting agricultural operations. These revisions primarily affect hunters, landowners, and agricultural operators.

Maddy summarySB 300 provides new legal protections for service animals and their handlers. The bill establishes specific offenses for harassing, harming, or taking unauthorized control of a service animal. Individuals convicted of these offenses face misdemeanor penalties and are required to pay full restitution for all related damages and expenses incurred by the handler. Additionally, it amends existing state laws to include service animals in definitions related to vicious dogs and owner liability for dog bites.

Maddy summarySB 83 authorizes the Fish and Wildlife Commission to adopt rules governing how the public can use private property. This authority applies specifically to private lands where the landowner has an active agreement with the state for public access. The bill clarifies the commission's power to regulate these public access agreements, affecting both landowners and the public who recreate on these lands.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 441 establishes the Montana Block Management Enforcement Network, which is designed to help landowners in the block management program enforce compliance by hunters with their rules and state law. Landowners can choose to opt-in or opt-out of this network. Hunters who access lands enrolled in the network and are convicted of violating rules or state law face escalating penalties. These penalties include prohibitions from accessing all network lands, ranging from the remainder of the current license year for a first offense to a lifetime ban for a third conviction. The bill also requires the Department to provide educational information about these rules and consequences.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 67, titled the "Montana Automated Driving Systems Act," allows vehicles equipped with automated driving systems to be used on the public highways of Montana. The bill defines various levels of these systems, from Level 1 (driver assistance) to Level 5 (full automation). It permits Level 1, 2, and 3 automated driving systems without additional restrictions. However, Level 4 and 5 systems are allowed subject to limitations established by the Department of Transportation through rulemaking, which is also granted by the bill. This legislation creates a framework for the use and regulation of autonomous vehicles in the state.

Maddy summarySB 148 allows landowners participating in Montana's block management program or those offering free public elk hunting to designate certain hunting licenses to individuals with developmental or physical disabilities. Previously, these landowners could only designate their earned license benefits to immediate family members or employees. The bill expands this provision, enabling landowners to transfer a conservation license and either a combination sports or big game license to an eligible person with a qualifying disability. This aims to increase hunting access for individuals with disabilities by utilizing existing landowner license designation programs.

Maddy summarySB 289 requires the Department of Revenue to notify counties and municipalities when the preliminary market value of a property in their area decreases by more than $1.5 million since the last reappraisal. This electronic notice, which must include both prior and preliminary market values, is sent around the same time the property owner receives their appraisal notice. The bill aims to inform local governments about significant property valuation changes that could affect their tax base. Upon request, the Department of Revenue must meet with the county and provide public information used for the valuation. This requirement does not apply to class four residential properties.

Maddy summarySB 149 revises laws regarding emotional support animals (ESAs) in housing, affecting tenants with disabilities and landlords. The bill allows landlords to request specific documentation from a licensed health care practitioner if a tenant's need for an ESA is not readily apparent. This documentation must come from a practitioner with an established client-provider relationship who has conducted a clinical evaluation and identified the specific therapeutic support the animal provides. The bill also clarifies that ESA registration cards alone are not sufficient proof and holds tenants liable for damages caused by their emotional support animals.