1. (1) The legislature finds that:

   1. (a) archery hunting is an important part of Montana's harvest heritage that should be accessible to as many individuals as possible;
   2. (b) some hunters require expensive modified archery equipment specifically designed to accommodate their disability;
   3. (c) charitable and nonprofit organizations assist in defraying the costs of modified archery equipment for some hunters;
   4. (d) donations can help organizations provide more modified archery equipment to more hunters with disabilities; and
   5. (e) hunters should have the option of donating $1 or more above the purchase price of certain licenses to assist organizations in being able to provide modified archery equipment to greater numbers of hunters with disabilities.
2. (2) A person who applies for or purchases a hunting license may donate $1 or more in addition to the price of the license to the supporting bowhunters with disabilities program.
3. (3) The department shall deposit donations received pursuant to this section into the supporting bowhunters with disabilities account established in 87-1-630.

4. (4) The department shall adopt rules to implement the provisions of this section, including:

   1. (a) providing the forms or mechanisms necessary for the supporting bowhunters with disabilities donation option;
   2. (b) regulating the payment of funds from the supporting bowhunters with disabilities account to a nonprofit organization exempt from taxation under 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) to acquire modified archery equipment for hunters who have a permit to modify archery equipment; and
   3. (c) establishing guidelines for the donation of modified archery equipment purchased with funds from the supporting bowhunters with disabilities account to Montana hunters who have a permit to modify archery equipment.

History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 563, L. 2025.