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HB 240

Generally revise laws related to digital mapping of and hunting from navigable rivers and islands

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jodee Etchart

Withdrawn Montana bill would have revised laws on digital mapping and hunting access to navigable rivers and islands, balancing public recreation with property rights.

(H) Bill Withdrawn per House Rule H30-50(3)(b)
#fishandwildlife #property #water
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Bill Summary · HB 240

Legislative bill overview

HB 240 would revise Montana's laws governing digital mapping and hunting access related to navigable rivers and islands. The bill was introduced on January 16, 2025, but was withdrawn on January 24, 2025, before receiving substantive committee review.

Why is this important

Access to navigable waterways and islands for hunting is a significant issue in Montana, where public lands and water access rights are hotly contested between private landowners and recreationalists. Digital mapping directly affects which areas hunters can legally access, making clarity on these laws important for both conservation and property rights.

Potential points of contention

  • Public vs. private access rights: Disagreement over which rivers and islands should be accessible to the public versus protected as private property
  • Digital mapping accuracy: Questions about how digital mapping systems should represent water navigability, island ownership, and legal hunting boundaries
  • Implementation costs: Expenses associated with creating and maintaining comprehensive digital mapping databases for Montana's waterways

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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