MT HB847

Appropriates $210,000 per fiscal year from the general license account to the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks for the 2025-2027 biennium to fund two full-time bear technician positions in Region 3 (Southwest Montana)

Region 3 covers 18,089 square miles (approximately 12% of Montana) across nine counties including Gallatin, Lewis and Clark, Park, and Madison

Funding supplements existing base funding and is intended to become part of the ongoing budget base starting in fiscal year 2027

Addresses increasing human-wildlife conflicts due to expanding grizzly bear populations and growing human development in the region

Effective date: July 1, 2025