WeVote
Log In

Bill

TF

Bill

HJ 73

Study resolution on block management funding and participation

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tom France

Directs an interim study of Block Management Program funding and participation; but the measure died in House, so no study or policy changes occurred.

(H) Died in Process
#fishandwildlife #legislature #interimstudies
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJ 73

HJ 73 — Study resolution on block management funding and participation

Status: Died in Process (House)
Introduced: December 14, 2024 | Sponsor: Rep. Tom France
Classification: Joint resolution — Interim study (Subjects: Fish and Wildlife; Legislature; Interim Studies)
Related: LC 3277 (replaces)

Overview / Purpose

HJ 73 is a legislative study resolution, introduced to direct the Legislature (typically through an interim committee) to examine issues related to "block management" funding and participation. The title indicates the focus is on funding mechanisms and participation levels in the Block Management Program (a state program that compensates private landowners to allow public hunting access), but the official bill text is not provided in the available record.

Because HJ 73 is a joint resolution establishing a study rather than a statute that changes law, its primary intent would be to authorize fact‑finding, hearings, and reporting to evaluate current program design, financing, and stakeholder participation, and to develop recommendations for policy or budget changes.

Key provisions (based on title and normal practice for study resolutions)

  • Directs an interim legislative committee (or the Legislative Council) to conduct a study of funding and participation in the Block Management Program or similar access programs.
  • Likely elements of the study would include: review of current funding sources and adequacy; rate and geographic distribution of landowner participation; program administration by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks; barriers to participation; and potential changes to increase or sustain public access.
  • May require the committee to hold public hearings, solicit input from FWP, landowners, sportsmen’s groups, conservation organizations, and report findings and recommendations to the next legislative session.

(These provisions are inferred from the resolution title and standard legislative study practice; the bill text was not included in the provided materials.)

Who would be affected

  • Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (program administration and budget oversight)
  • Private landowners enrolled (or potential enrollees) in the Block Management Program
  • Hunters and other public users who rely on block-managed access
  • State budget planners and legislators (if the study produces recommendations for funding changes)

Legislative timeline & procedural status

  • Drafting began Dec 14, 2024; introduced in the House on Apr 22, 2025.
  • Referred to the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee; hearing held Apr 23, 2025; committee adopted the resolution and reported it passed Apr 25.
  • Passed the House (3rd Reading) Apr 29, 2025; transmitted to the Senate the same day.
  • Final recorded status: Died in Process (House) on May 22, 2025 — meaning the resolution did not complete the legislative process and did not result in an active interim study or legislative action.

Potential impact

If enacted and completed, a study could produce data and recommendations that lead to legislative or budgetary changes affecting program funding levels, landowner incentives, and public access. Because HJ 73 did not advance, no official study, findings, or policy changes resulted from this resolution.

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

Sign in to ask a question.