OPINION: HB 637 is a mess of a 'clean-up' bill

For a "clean-up" bill, House Bill 637 is a mess.

On its face, HB 637 aims to clarify language found in existing laws. These non-substantive, clerical changes would be fine if the bill stopped there. However, Rep. Seth Berglee’s 27-page "clean-up" attempt creates more messes than it would correct.

We have seen bill after bill this session favoring the wealthy, skewing opportunities and assigning decision makers based on how much land someone owns, how much they're willing to pay or whether or not they utilize a guide or outfitter. Scattered throughout HB 637 is more of the same: a willingness to ignore Montana’s long-standing traditions by legislating a class system of the haves and have-nots.