Representative Paul Fielder of House District 14 opened the Saturday hearing on House Bill 817 and the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee advanced the bill by unanimous voice vote.

The bill would allow the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks to issue free special‑permit licenses for elk, deer or antelope and a corresponding conservation license to a person under 18 who has been diagnosed with a life‑threatening illness and has been recommended by a Montana charitable or nonprofit organization. To qualify, the department must receive documentation from a licensed physician confirming the diagnosis.

The bill’s sponsor, Representative Paul Fielder, described the measure as a narrow, noncontroversial pilot that “basically explains everything in the title.” Under the bill, special permits would be available to resident and nonresident youths, would not count against existing quotas, and a department limit would allow up to five special permits for elk, deer and antelope concentrated in any one district. Youths issued a permit must hunt in the company of an adult who holds a Montana hunting license or a Montana‑licensed outfitter representing the recommending nonprofit. The bill also permits the department to waive hunter‑safety education requirements for qualifying youths and, under certain licensed conditions, to allow hunting from a vehicle.

Will Israel, executive director of Big Hearts Under the Big Sky, testified as a proponent and described a recent trip the organization ran for a child with a serious brain tumor. "We urge a do pass," Israel said, arguing the bill would help nonprofits provide one‑time experiences for families.

Clayton Elliott, representing Trout Unlimited, testified in opposition to free or reduced licenses generally. Elliott said he supports the underlying cause but warned against expanding free or reduced licenses, calling it “a slippery slope” that had previously produced many exemptions and strained the general license account. Several committee members, including Representative Konower and Representative France, discussed options for offsetting any fiscal effect, including a dedicated donation account to reimburse the license account.

Sponsor and committee members emphasized the bill is designed to start small as a pilot and be adjusted if uptake is higher than expected. The committee’s motion that House Bill 817 “do pass” was moved on the floor of the committee and approved by voice vote; proxies were recorded for absent members and the committee chair announced the bill will advance to the floor.

The committee record shows support from nonprofit hunting‑support groups and a single formal opposition from Trout Unlimited; the department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks provided an informational appearance but did not oppose the measure. The bill will now move to the House floor for further consideration.