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Bill

HB 421

Increase DNRC fire assessment fees

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Gist

Montana raises DNRC fire assessment fees to increase state wildfire management and prevention funding capacity.

Chapter Number Assigned
#firesandfireprotection #revenue #state
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Bill Summary · HB 421

Legislative bill overview

HB 421 increases assessment fees charged by Montana's Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) for fire-related services and programs. The bill has completed the legislative process and received gubernatorial signature as of May 12, 2025, making it law.

Why is this important

Fire assessment fees fund critical wildfire prevention, suppression, and management infrastructure in Montana. Fee increases directly affect property owners, timber operations, and agricultural businesses that use DNRC services, while also determining the agency's capacity to respond to growing fire threats in the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden on stakeholders: Property owners, ranchers, and timber companies will face higher fees, potentially affecting rural economies and smaller operations disproportionately
  • Adequacy of increase: Debate over whether the fee increase sufficiently addresses Montana's escalating wildfire management costs or merely provides stopgap funding
  • Transparency and allocation: Questions about how increased revenues will be specifically allocated across fire prevention, suppression, and mitigation programs

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

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