Bill limiting crop damage payments to farmers passes House

Legislation to limit how much the Idaho Department of Fish and Game has to pay ranchers and farmers for damage to crops caused by elk, deer and other big game is headed to Gov. Brad Little.

The House on Friday voted 54-12 to approve the bill that would cap the amount paid for any single claim at 10 percent of the money in the Expendable Big Game Depredation Trust Account.

Backers say the cap is needed because a claim recently came in for $1 million, enough to wipe out the fund and eliminate smaller payments to others.

Those opposed to the bill say it lets Fish and Game off the hook when it comes to paying for damage to crops caused by big game.

The legislation passed the Senate earlier this month 33-0.