MT HB119

Establishes a 7-member Montana Cattle Committee appointed by the governor from nominees submitted by cattle industry organizations, with members serving staggered 3-year terms and limited to three consecutive terms

Creates a $1 per head assessment on all Montana cattle sold, to be paid by cattle sellers and collected by the Department of Livestock, with proceeds deposited into a new cattle special revenue account

Requires a referendum of cattle sellers to approve the assessment by June 30, 2027, with passage requiring a majority vote; the entire act becomes void if the referendum fails

Allows cattle sellers to request full refunds of the assessment within 45 days of sale, with refunds issued within 90 days for amounts of $5 or more

Authorizes the committee to conduct research, marketing, promotion, and education programs for the cattle industry; prohibits use of funds for lobbying but permits spending on cattle industry legal proceedings