SJM 108: Recrimination Protections for Federal Grazing Permittees (2026)

Summary: Senate Joint Memorial 108 urges federal officials to protect grazing permits for livestock producers who file wildlife depredation claims, despite a lack of evidence that federal agencies have penalized permittees for participating in existing compensation programs.

ICL’s Position: Neutral

Current Bill Status: Committee - Senate Resources and Environment

Issue Areas: Agriculture, Wildlife

Official Legislative Site

Senate Joint Memorial 108, introduced by Senator Todd Lakey (R–District 23), calls upon the Trump administration and Congress to ensure that federal grazing permits are not jeopardized if permittees file compensation claims after livestock are attacked or killed by predatory wildlife, such as wolves and bears. The Idaho Conservation League supports payments under this important federal reimbursement program when claims can be substantiated. Willing permittees may also choose to retire grazing allotments in areas with chronic conflict. However, there is no evidence that the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management have revoked, modified, or threatened grazing permits as a means of discouraging livestock producers from filing depredation claims.