Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte confirmed signing House Bill 932, which expands the use of conservation tax revenues from recreational marijuana sales. HB 932 will broaden wildlife habitat projects to include private lands, effective July 1.
Previously, the $10 million in marijuana-funded conservation was exclusively for Habitat Montana. This fund helped acquire new Wildlife Management Areas and secure conservation easements and leases. Under HB 932, funds will flow into the new “habitat legacy account” and split into three categories: 75% for Habitat Montana and state water projects, 20% for the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program (WHIP), and 5% for the wildlife crossings account.
Rep. Ken Walsh, the HB 932 sponsor, highlighted the law’s support for state water projects and public-private partnerships. He also noted efforts to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, stating it’s “a bigger and bigger deal.” The bill gathered bipartisan support and backing from conservation groups like Wild Montana and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Noah Marion from Wild Montana called HB 932 “a long-overdue win” for conservation and public access. Jake Schwaller of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers described it as a “big win” for protecting migration corridors and enhancing habitat.
Conservation funding will be open to landowners, tribes, and conservation districts for projects like invasive species mitigation and riparian restoration. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks supported the bill during hearings, but Gianforte stayed mum on his preference between HB 932 and a competing measure, Senate Bill 537.
SB 537, sponsored by Sen. Daniel Zolnikov, proposes a similar fund but differs in allocations, particularly by excluding water storage funds. Zolnikov emphasized that SB 537 is still active and could redirect significant marijuana money into local law enforcement and addiction treatment. Both bills passed with strong margins, and a gubernatorial veto override remains a possibility.
—
Read More Montana News
