2-15-3113. Additional powers and duties of livestock loss reduction and mitigation board. (1) The livestock loss reduction and mitigation board shall:
     (a) process claims;
     (b) seek information necessary to ensure that claim documentation is complete;
     (c) provide payments authorized by the board for confirmed and probable livestock losses, along with a written explanation of payment;
     (d) submit monthly and annual reports to the board [of livestock] summarizing claims and expenditures and the results of action taken on claims and maintain files of all claims received, including supporting documentation;
     (e) provide information to the board [of livestock] regarding appealed claims and implement any decision by the board;
     (f) prepare the annual budget for the board; and
     (g) provide proper documentation of staff time and expenditures.
     (2) The livestock loss reduction and mitigation board may enter into an agreement with any Montana tribe, if the tribe has adopted a wolf management plan for reservation lands that is consistent with the state wolf management plan, to provide that tribal lands within reservation boundaries are eligible for mitigation grants pursuant to 2-15-3111 and that livestock losses on tribal lands within reservation boundaries are eligible for reimbursement payments pursuant to 2-15-3112.
     (3) The livestock loss reduction and mitigation board shall:
     (a) coordinate and share information with state, federal, and tribal officials, livestock producers, nongovernmental organizations, and the general public in an effort to reduce livestock losses caused by wolves;
     (b) establish an annual budget for the prevention, mitigation, and reimbursement of livestock losses caused by wolves;
     (c) perform or contract for the performance of periodic program audits and reviews of program expenditures, including payments to individuals, incorporated entities, and producers who receive loss reduction grants and reimbursement payments;
     (d) adjudicate appeals of claims;
     (e) investigate alternative or enhanced funding sources, including possible agreements with public entities and private wildlife or livestock organizations that have active livestock loss reimbursement programs in place;
     (f) meet as necessary to conduct business; and
     (g) report annually to the governor, the legislature, members of the Montana congressional delegation, the board of livestock, the fish, wildlife, and parks commission, and the public regarding results of the programs established in 2-15-3111 through 2-15-3113.

     History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 261, L. 2007.