From your State Senate: with Sen. Jennifer Fielder

Reducing Wildlife Conflicts and Strengthening Local Input:

For several decades the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP) has been successfully transplanting bighorn sheep to increase populations throughout the state. Today we are seeing the consequences of good intentions gone bad.

In addition to impacting private ranches, some of the transplanted herds have caused numerous traffic accidents on Montana highways, and many wild sheep have succumbed to massive die off from disease. Our local MFWP Biologist reported 395 bighorns killed on Highway 200 east of Thompson Falls since 1985. MFWP also estimates 1,000 bighorns suddenly died from disease in areas where they ranged too close to domestic sheep.

More careful planning and coordination could have prevented many of these conflicts. I’ve been working out details with MFWP and Senators on both sides of the aisle. Last week, Senate Fish & game passed SB 83 with amendments which will require MFWP to work more proactively with land owners, county government, the Department of Livestock, and the Department of Transportation before transplanting or augmenting any more mountain sheep.

I am also checking with the Department of Transportation about inconsistencies in their HWY 200 speed study and possible measures to reduce bighorn related vehicle collisions in the most accident prone areas.

Guilty until proven innocent???

Should you be presumed at fault simply because you are a private citizen instead of a government entity? Believe it or not, a section in Montana law says so. MCA 28-3-206 reads, “in the case of a contract between a public officer or body, as such, and a private party, it is presumed that all uncertainty was caused by the private party.”

This discriminatory language is about to be erased from the books. I introduced Senate Bill 121 to do just that and am happy to report it flew through the Senate with unanimous, bi-partisan support.

I thank the Mineral County man who brought this issue to my attention while I was campaigning last summer. You see. I was listening!

Protecting the right to keep and bear arms:

I commend our local Sheriff and law enforcement throughout the country who publicly reaffirmed their intent to defend the Constitutional rights of law abiding citizens. I and many other Montana legislators know that upholding our Constitution is the key to freedom. I am convinced the Montana legislature will continue to stand strong against any Second Amendment infringements.

Call for Constitutional Convention:

We heard a bill in Senate Judiciary last week asking Montana to apply for a Constitutional Convention. Many constituents strongly oppose this. After lengthy review, I share many of these concerns and agree we would be much better off if our elected officials would simply follow the Constitution we have. I do not support SJ 5 at this time.

Track legislation or contact me:

You can watch legislative proceedings and follow bills online at www.mt.leg.gov. I can be reached by email at sen.jfielder@mtleg.gov or message phone 444-4800. I am listening.