Bill
LC 559
Overview: Bill Number: LC 559, Title: Generally revise agricultural laws, Status: (LC) Draft Died in Process, Introduced: October 09, 2024Purpose and Intent: The primary goal of th
Overview: Bill Number: LC 559, Title: Generally revise agricultural laws, Status: (LC) Draft Died in Process, Introduced: October 09, 2024
Purpose and Intent: The primary goal of this draft bill is to comprehensively update and modernize Montana's laws governing the agricultural sector, including provisions related to livestock, taxation, and other key areas. The proposed changes aim to support the state's agricultural industry, promote sustainable farming practices, and address emerging challenges facing rural communities.
Key Provisions:
- Establish new tax incentives and grant programs to encourage the adoption of precision agriculture technologies and sustainable farming methods
- Revise livestock health and welfare regulations to align with evolving industry standards and best practices
- Streamline the permitting process for on-farm value-added processing and direct-to-consumer sales
- Expand eligibility for agricultural property tax exemptions and credits to support small and medium-sized farms
- Create a statewide agricultural land preservation program to protect farmland from development
Affected Parties and Impacts:
- Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural producers, who would benefit from the revised laws and incentives
- Rural communities and local economies, which would see increased investment and economic opportunities in the agricultural sector
- Consumers, who may have greater access to locally-sourced and sustainably-produced agricultural products
Procedural and Timeline Considerations:
This bill was introduced as a draft (LC 559) but did not progress further in the legislative process, effectively dying in committee.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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