Briefs for Aug. 19, 2020
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DPHHS issues statement on proposed rule regarding flavored electronic smoking device
News from DPHHS
MONTANA — Department of Public Health and Human Services Director Sheila Hogan sent this notification to the Children, Families, Health and Human Services Interim Committee today regarding MAR Notice No. 37-923:
I’m writing to notify you that the department is withdrawing MAR Notice No. 37-923 from consideration and will not be adopting the proposed rules. After this week’s interim committee meeting it is apparent that more education and collaboration is necessary to protect Montana kids from the epidemic of e-cigarette use through this proposed rule, in spite of the latest study which came out this week showing that teens and young adults who vape are five times more likely to become infected with coronavirus than those who don’t. DPHHS will continue to work with partners, including the legislature, to protect the health of Montana’s greatest asset – its kids.
Keough appointed to Rehabilitation Council
HELENA — Governor Steve Bullock announced that Renea Keough of Hot Springs was appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council. Her qualifications include that she is a representative of individuals with disabilities who have difficulty or are unable to represent themselves. Keough is a Telephone Reassurance Coordinator for the Sanders County Council on Aging.
Block Management Program information now available
News from Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks
MONTANA — Hunters can now get their 2020 Block Management Area Hunting Access Guide, individual BMA map and rules information.
Hunters are strongly encouraged to request their 2020 BMA Hunting Access Guide and individual BMA maps and rules via mail, email, phone or by completing the online Access Guide request form and downloading or printing BMA maps at fwp.mt.gov/BMA. For those who’ve already have ordered one, guides will be shipped beginning Aug. 10.
FWP seeks public comments on ice fishing contests
News from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
MONTANA — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on ice fishing contests proposed for the 2020-21 season. Participants must comply with state fishing regulations, including daily and possession limits.
Applications for fishing contests may be approved, approved with conditions, or denied by the FWP Fisheries Division in Helena. Conditions placed on contests may help to minimize fish mortality, regulate harvest, reduce user conflicts, and/or require additional access site maintenance when needed.
Information on the proposed fishing contests can be found on the FWP Fishing Contest webpage or by calling 406-444-2449. All comments must be received on or before Sept. 14, 2020.
Comments may be mailed to FWP Fisheries Division, Attn: Fishing Contests, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701, or emailed to fwpfsh@mt.gov.
USDA accepting applications to help cover costs for organic certification
News from USDA
WASHINGTON — USDA’s Farm Service Agency announced that organic producers and handlers can apply for federal funds to assist with the cost of receiving and maintaining organic certification through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program. Applications for eligible certification expenses paid between Oct. 1, 2019, and Sept. 30, 2020, are due Oct. 31, 2020.
