MT SB235

Requires actual ownership of 640 acres or more of contiguous land to qualify for landowner-preference elk licenses (Class A-9, Class B-12, and special elk permits), eliminating the option for those under contract to purchase land

Defines "employee" for designation purposes as a person paid by the landowner who has state or federal taxes withheld from payment for work provided

For special elk permits, employees designated by landowners must work full-time and year-round as part of an active farm or ranch operation

Maintains the 15% allocation of elk licenses in each hunting district for qualifying landowners

Effective immediately upon passage and approval