Montana Legislature Fishing For Taxes
The Montana Legislature is working towards increasing taxes from many different angles. Funding of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, along with conservation measures being sought to control public lands, is front and center.
HB301 introduced by Representative Denley Loge brings forward another attempt by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to force the people to pay more taxes to access public lands.
Many Montana streams and recreation areas have fishing access sites developed across the state. The fees paid by hunters and fishermen have historically been collected to cover the cost of development and maintenance of the sites.
HB301 fiscal note projects Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will need an additional $29,537.00 each year to print papers for the people to gain entry to Montana fishing access sites. The fiscal note on the bill states that the department will generate an additional revenue projected to reach $767,965.00 in 3 years.
If a person is convicted of violating the new law he/she shall be fined $10 up to $1,000. In addition, the person may be subject to forfeiture of any current hunting, fishing, or trapping license issued. The privilege to hunt, fish, or trap in this state or to use state lands will be revoked for a period of time set by the court.
Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks is reportedly over budget in nearly every section of the department. The continued growth of the department is being questioned by many Montanans that care for the land and wish to maintain public access for the people.
Fishing For Taxes?
HB301 will be heard before the Montana Legislature House Appropriations Committee on Friday March 22nd 2019. The hearing will be held in room 102 @ 8:30AM.
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