Legislative Roundup - Week 14
HELENA – A bill making its way through the Montana Legislature would expand a program that the bill’s sponsor says could incentivize new hunters to take hunter’s safety.
Senate Bill 218, introduced by Rep. Mark Blasdel, R-Kalispell, allows anyone between the ages of 10 and 32 to obtain an apprentice hunting license, which requires new hunters to hunt only in the presence of a mentor, age 21 or older.
The bill also clarifies provisions of current law that previously could have prohibited 10- and 11-year-old hunters from obtaining apprentice licenses, and prevents such hunters from holding black bear, mountain lion and wolf licenses.
“I want to incentivize these kids to go get hunter’s ed, so they’re limited on what they can hunt,” Blasdel said.
The Apprentice Hunter Program was created by the 2015 legislature. The license is only applicable for two years, after which the hunter must complete a hunter safety and education course.
Blasdel said the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks held a vote after the bill’s passage last session to allow 10- and 11-year-old hunters to obtain apprentice licenses after it was discovered the bill’s original language would prevent them from doing so. This bill would put that temporary ruling into law.
SB 218 had no opponents at the hearing.
Supporters said the bill strengthens the program.
“This really helps bring this program into focus, refine it, make it something that can work,” said Ben Lamb, representing the Montana Wildlife Federation.
Mac Minard, executive director of the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, said the addition of adults younger than 32 to the program makes sense as Montana’s population increases.
“We’re constantly wrestling with the notion that people moving in may want to enjoy the things that we have,” Minard said. “This gives them an opportunity for that new neighbor to come over with you, enjoy something in a very controlled setting, and then buy in, become part of that cultural fabric.”
The committee did not take any immediate action on the bill.
Air ambulance bill passes both houses
The Montana House of Representatives passed a bill last week that would remove the financial responsibility from patients who are forced to use out-of-network air ambulances.
Senate Bill 44, introduced by Sen. Gordon Vance, R-Belgrade, would require insurance companies to cover excess charges from air ambulance providers. The bill has also passed the Senate.
“Senate Bill 44 is the most important air ambulance bill that we’ve heard yet,” said Rep. Vince Ricci, R-Laurel, who carried the bill in the House.
Air ambulances, sometimes referred to as “life flights,” provide emergency transportation to hospitals in life-threatening situations in which regular ambulances would not be quick enough. They often transport patients from rural hospitals to those with necessary services.
However, air ambulance providers are not always in Montana insurance networks, which can leave patients and families saddled with significant debt.
Ricci said the bill would only require patients to pay their deductible on air ambulance services. Air ambulance providers and insurance companies would then have to come to an agreement on payment for services between themselves.
During the bill’s first hearing in January, several Montanans spoke on the high cost of using air ambulances.
Benjamin Power, a Dillon resident, said he was life flighted to Salt Lake City for an emergency neurological procedure.
“Within a few weeks of the procedure, when I was at my absolute worst, I received a bill for $56,000,” Power said.
Six others spoke at that hearing, all saying the service cost them into the tens of thousands of dollars. One woman, Sonia Moscolic-Andrews of Anaconda, only saw reprieve from the cost of her husband’s life flight to Missoula after he died.
However, opponents of the bill argue SB 44 would only send the debt back to consumers.
“When you tell health plans to just pay up, the cost is passed through to taxpayers of Montana,” said Bruce Spencer, representing America’s Health Insurance Plans. “That is a public policy decision you have to make, and I guess I’m asking that you take a deep breath.”
Michael Siebert is a reporter with the UM Community News Service, a partnership of the University of Montana School of Journalism and the Montana Newspaper Association.
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