The Montana House Judiciary Committee has passed Senate Bill 236 by a 10-9 vote. SB 236 now goes to the House floor for full consideration. If enacted, Montana voters will be able to approve the amendment on the November 2018 General Election ballot.
Senate Bill 236 would ensure that wildlife conservation and management decisions continue to be based on sound science in order to preserve Montana’s hunting heritage for generations to come and to protect it against future attacks from well-funded, anti-hunting organizations.
Hunting, fishing, and trapping are not only cherished American traditions, but paired with science, are an integral part of wildlife management and conservation. Last year alone, Montana received $18,441,964 of Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Funds thanks to excise taxes paid by Montana sportsmen and women on firearms, ammunition and archery equipment. Pittman-Robertson funds fuel important conservation efforts such as the acquisition and improvement of wildlife habitat, wildlife species introduction, wildlife research, public access programs, and hunter education programs. Furthermore, sportsmen and women are an essential part of the Montana economy. According to the latest data, they spend more than $983 million annually and support 16,515 jobs.
Your NRA-ILA will continue to keep you updated as this legislation progresses and more information is available.
