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H 82

LIVESTOCK DEPREDATION CLAIMS – Amends existing law to provide for the payment of depredation claims that are deemed possible.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

Idaho HB 82 creates a dedicated depredation fund to compensate livestock losses from grizzly bears or wolves, with priority payments and pro rata coverage.

Reported Signed by Governor on March 19, 2025 Session Law Chapter 102 Effective: 03/19/2025
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Bill Summary · H 82

Idaho HB 82 (2025) – Livestock Depredation Claims

Overview

HB 82 amends Idaho Code § 36-1121 to broaden and formalize compensation for livestock depredation caused by grizzly bears and wolves. The bill establishes a dedicated depredation and prevention fund, outlines a priority-and-pro rata payment system for claims, and declares an emergency to make the changes effective promptly after enactment. The Department of Agriculture administers the program, with input from the Department of Fish and Game and the Office of Species Conservation.

Key Provisions

  • Purpose and scope

    • Align terminology with investigator language.
    • Create a third avenue of payment for depredation claims (in addition to existing processes) particularly for depredation by wolves and grizzly bears.

  • Depredation and prevention fund

    • Establishes the “depredation of livestock and prevention fund” in the state treasury.
    • Annual appropriation of $225,000 starting July 1, 2024:
    • $150,000 to compensate validated confirmed depredation claims.
    • $75,000 for conflict prevention and dissemination of effective deterrents (per rule by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture).
    • All claims must be filed with the Office of Species Conservation by December 31 each year.
    • Any funds remaining after paying validated confirmed claims are used for probable claims, then possible claims, on a pro rata basis, until funds are depleted. Remainder funds carry over to the next year; interest stays in the fund.
    • Fund is continuously appropriated but shall not exceed $400,000.

  • Payment priority and method

    • Payments to validated confirmed claims are made based on current fair market value (FMV) as determined by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.
    • If money in the fund is insufficient, payments to each claim category are pro rated.
    • Any other compensation received by the livestock owner for depredation must be deducted from FMV prior to payment.

  • Definitions

    • “Livestock” includes cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, bees, llamas, or equine animals used for food or in food production, domesticated game, or other nonplant life; aquatic animals are excluded.

  • Administration and spending authority

    • Idaho State Department of Agriculture administers the program, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Game and the Office of Species Conservation.
    • Expenditures are limited to the amount appropriated for the fund.

  • Effective date

    • An emergency clause declares the act in full force and effect upon passage and approval.

Who Is Affected

  • Livestock owners in Idaho whose animals are depredated by grizzly bears or wolves.
  • Related state agencies (Department of Agriculture, Department of Fish and Game, Office of Species Conservation) responsible for implementing and funding the program.
  • Deterrence and conflict-prevention efforts funded through the $75,000 allocation.

Timeline and Process

  • Claims due by December 31 each year.
  • Annual funding cycle begins July 1 (with the stated annual amounts).
  • Pro rata payments proceed from validated confirmed, to probable, to possible claims as funds permit.
  • Emergency effective date upon passage; Chapter 102 became law, with signature in March 2025.

Policy Notes

  • The bill introduces a structured, multi-tier approach to depredation compensation, potentially increasing timely relief for grazers and livestock operators.
  • The dedicated fund cap and priority ordering aim to balance compensation with deterrence and prevention efforts.

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

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