Montana Sportsmen Alliance takes a stand on bills. HJ 28, HB 550, HB 390

HJ 28

Bill Type - Number: HJ 28
Action: (H) Hearing
Date: 02/26/2019
Hearing Room: 137
Hearing Time: 3:00 PM
Committee: (H) Agriculture

The Montana Sportsmen Alliance appreciates the opportunity to comment on this resolution. While we are not commenting on the APR, we would like to make clear that we think the Montana Legislature has no business interfering with private property rights. As such, any permittee has the ability to petition the BLM and present their case. The entire process is for the public to weigh in and they should do so. The legislature once again is acting without any input from Montana’s public. The public deserves the chance to voice their opinions! For that reason alone, we oppose HJ 28.
Montana Sportsmen Alliance
Leadership
John Borgreen, Great Falls
Steve Schindler, Glasgow
Jeff Herbert, Helena
Don Thomas, Lewistown
Sam Milodragovich, Butte
Joe Perry, Conrad
JW Westman, Park City
Dale Tribby, Miles City
Robert Wood, Hamilton

 

 

 HB 550

 

The Montana Sportsman Alliance wishes to go on record as opposing House Bill 550. We oppose this bill because it is a poorly crafted attempt to change the status of roads and their use by the all members of the public across Montana. HB 550 seeks to reduce public use and access while at the same time allowing public funds to be expended for road maintenance.  Furthermore, it jeopardizes federal matching statewide road funds for Montana which may only can be dedicated for use to maintain those roads open to public travel.  As such, the bill should have a fiscal note to address potential costs as well as the loss of federal matching dollars should it be implemented. There is none.

HB 550 circumvents statutory county authority by pushing decision making on one element of contested roads directly into court, ignoring all other current statutes that require the exhaustion of other administrative remedies prior to litigation.  

We cannot support any effort to diminish the public’s legitimate use of thoroughfares, the diversion of state and federal dollars to the upkeep of roads that exclusively benefits a hand full of individuals, nor will we support efforts to diminish or unravel the counties’ critical roles in determining rights of ways and road access. 

Montana Sportsmen Alliance
Leadership
John Borgreen, Great Falls
Steve Schindler, Glasgow
Jeff Herbert, Helena
Don Thomas, Lewistown
Sam Milodragovich, Butte
Joe Perry, Conrad
JW Westman, Park City
Dale Tribby, Miles City
Robert Wood, Hamilton


HB 390

The Montana Sportsmen Alliance would like to go on record opposing HB 390.   It will not materially affect the odds so it is more of a “feel good bill".  We dislike the provision on removing kids from the draw.  It seems the effort to expand opportunity has not been realized.  Please oppose HB 390.

Montana Sportsmen Alliance
Leadership

John Borgreen, Great Falls 
Steve Schindler, Glasgow
Jeff Herbert, Helena
Don Thomas, Lewistown
Sam Milodragovich, Butte
Joe Perry, Conrad
JW Westman, Park City
Dale Tribby, Miles City
Robert Wood, Hamilton