_____________ bill NO. _____________

INTRODUCED BY _________________________________________________

By Request of the ****

A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: "AN ACT GENERALLY REVISING OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE GRANT FUNDING LAWS; REQUIRING 10% OF MONEY DEPOSITED IN THE OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE ACCOUNT TO BE USED TO REPAIR AREAS IMPACTED OR DAMAGED BY OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES; REVISING DISTRIBUTION FOR GRANT AWARDS; AMENDING SECTION 23-2-825, MCA; and PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE."

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

Section 1. Section 23-2-825, MCA, is amended to read:

"23-2-825. Off-highway vehicle grant program. (1) Money deposited in the off-highway vehicle account pursuant to 60-3-201 must be used by the department of fish, wildlife, and parks to administer an off-highway vehicle grant program to develop and maintain facilities open to the general public, to repair areas that are impacted or damaged by off-highway vehicles, and to promote off-highway vehicle safety.

(2)        Ten percent of the money deposited in the account must be granted for the promotion of off-highway vehicle safety.

(3)        Up to 10% Ten percent of the money deposited in the account may be used to repair areas that are impacted or damaged by off-highway vehicles.

(4)        The department may require an applicant to provide a 10% match in cash or donated services to be eligible to receive a grant.

(5)        After awarding a grant pursuant to this section, the department shall, distribute on request of the grantee, make an initial distribution of 50% of the funding to the entity receiving the award with the other 50% to be distributed upon receipt by the department of expense receipts and proof of completion of the project for which the money is awarded, a distribution of 40% on receipt by the department of expense receipts, and a distribution of the final 10% of the funding on receipt by the department of proof of completion of the project for which the money is awarded.

(6)        Entities receiving a grant may use up to 7% of the funds for administrative costs."

NEW SECTION. Section 2. Saving clause. [This act] does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, proceedings that were begun, or grants awarded or applied for before [the effective date of this act].

NEW SECTION. Section 3. Effective date. [This act] is effective July 1, 2023.