Bill description: HB 538 would extend the sunset date for the Wolf Depredation Control Board by one year.

Rating: -1

Does it increase government spending (for objectionable purposes) or debt? Conversely, does it decrease government spending or debt? 


HB 538 would extend the sunset date for the Wolf Depredation Control Board from June 30, 2019 to June 30, 2020. The board was established in 2014 to control wolf populations in the state that are preying on livestock and other wildlife, such as elk or deer.

The Legislature has appropriated $400,000 annually for the Board in addition to funding from livestock assessments and sportsmen. The board currently has a fund balance of more than $1.4 million. In this past Fiscal Year, the cost for each wolf killed under the board’s auspices was over $8,000.

The Fiscal Note for HB 538 states that extending the sunset date for the board would include a $400,000 appropriation from the Legislature.

(-1)