Montana HB 677, another gem.

[pyrotechnic]

Hi again,
HB 677 is in the House Agricultural committee. This bill prevents non-profits from purchasing agricultural lands greater than 80 acres (unless you're a religious entity for example).

RMEF would not be able to do what they do in Montana if this passes.

You can contact the House Ag Committee here

Thanks!

 

[Ol’ Cheebs]

It will be interesting to see if RMEF feels this is enough of a threat to “our hunting heritage” to make a statement. They have been publicly quiet about proposed legislation in Montana this year.

 

[pyrotechnic]

I found out about the bill through an email alert from them. So it seems they have something to say about it.

 

[fort fireman]

What is the purpose of a bill like this. I guess what I’m asking is what precipitated this. Are the farmers and ranchers worried about being pushed out by these organization buying up land at prices that they may not be able to afford?

 

[pyrotechnic]

I honestly couldn't tell you. Embarrassingly enough, I haven't been paying attention to these kind of issues until recently although I've been hunting in MT for almost 20 years as a resident.

It's easy for me to just assign a nefarious motive to this, especially considering the other bills we've been dealing with this legislative session. However, there might be a legit issue that I am unaware of that this is meant to address.
Whatever the issue, it seems like a terrible solution to me.

 

[S.Clancy]

What is the purpose of a bill like this. I guess what I’m asking is what precipitated this. Are the farmers and ranchers worried about being pushed out by these organization buying up land at prices that they may not be able to afford?

It's prob a direct result of the APR situation in NE MT, if I had to guess.

 

[pyrotechnic]

It's prob a direct result of the APR situation in NE MT, if I had to guess.

You're right.

How we stop APR from abusing Montana’s tax code

In central Montana the American Prairie Reserve has amassed 420,000 acres of prime ranch land. This is a fraction of their ultimate objective: to control 3.2 million acres.

dailyinterlake.com

This is an op ed by the bill"s sponsor.
"I wish we could legislate them out of existence". So there's the motive.

 

[fort fireman]

It's prob a direct result of the APR situation in NE MT, if I had to guess.

American prairie reserve?

 

[S.Clancy]

American prairie reserve?

Correct

 

[fort fireman]

American prairie reserve?

Never mind someone answered as I was typing. I see now.

 

[brocksw]

I didn't think a conservative would be so "pro-tax".

 

[pyrotechnic]

I didn't think a conservative would be so "pro-tax".

Its amazing how pro-free market these guys are....when they're campaigning. Guaranteed outfitter tags, landowner sponsored tags, restricting what entities can purchase what, killing access to public lands. They're lining up to the public trust trough and getting ready for a feed.
Its frustrating.

 

[Deadfall]

What is the purpose of a bill like this. I guess what I’m asking is what precipitated this. Are the farmers and ranchers worried about being pushed out by these organization buying up land at prices that they may not be able to afford?

Eh...just giving the hoots better odds of buying more

 

[Deadfall]

I like the bill. Wish it didn't exclude the religious end though

 

[brocksw]

I found out about the bill through an email alert from them. So it seems they have something to say about it.

Glad to hear they're finally speaking up.

 

[JLane330]

Its amazing how pro-free market these guys are....when they're campaigning. Guaranteed outfitter tags, landowner sponsored tags, restricting what entities can purchase what, killing access to public lands. They're lining up to the public trust trough and getting ready for a feed.
Its frustrating.

Seems to be true for all politicians at all levels, basically say whatever you want to get elected and then do whatever you feel like regardless of your constituencies wishes. What do they have to loose? The public's memory is weak, if they even know about 95% of the actions of these politicians in the first place. There doesn't seem to be any recourse or way for the public to hold them accountable to us, the people they represent.

 

[Legend]

It will be interesting to see if RMEF feels this is enough of a threat to “our hunting heritage” to make a statement. They have been publicly quiet about proposed legislation in Montana this year.

Please post if RMEF finally steps up and shares a voice. I have been disappointed in them this session.

 

[pyrotechnic]

Please post if RMEF finally steps up and shares a voice. I have been disappointed in them this session.

Below is the email that I got from RMEF:

Montana House Bill 677 would prohibit nonprofit organizations (with the exception of a few) from purchasing any land classified as agricultural from willing landowners in the state of Montana. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s ability to complete land protection and public access projects hinges on our legal authority to purchase land.

Dating back to 1985, RMEF and its partners completed 146 land projects in Montana that protected 234,441 acres and opened or improved access to 352,088 acres. If this bill passed prior to 1985, we would not have been able to complete many of these projects.

If it passes now, it will effectively halt our ability to accomplish such work in Montana going forward.

The bill is currently being considered by the House Agriculture Committee. Please go here to find the committee members’ contact information and urge them as soon as possible to oppose this effort.

As a matter of information:

• RMEF has not and is not working with the American Prairie Reserve
• RMEF testified in opposition to HB 677 on March 30, 2021
• RMEF pays property taxes on any land it holds
• Landowners regularly approach RMEF for assistance with carrying out land acquisitions

 

[pyrotechnic]

It looks like this turd was tabled.

 

[BuzzH]

It looks like this turd was tabled.

The next turd that needs tabled is the bill Sponsor.