HB 203 Montana House · 2025 Regular Session

Establish Montana mining day

HB 203 designates February 9 as "Montana Mining Day" to honor the state's mining heritage, specifically commemorating when Montana's territorial government adopted its motto "oro y plata" (gold and silver) in 1865. This ceremonial bill directly affects all Montanans by establishing an annual day to recognize the historical and ongoing role of mining in the state's economy, culture, and identity. The key provision is the official designation of February 9 as a day for public education and celebration of Montana's mining legacy, including its contributions to jobs, tax revenue, and mineral resources. The bill does not create new regulations or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of the industry's significance.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
House Passage
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Signed into Law
Feb 2025
Introduced Jan 14, 2025 Signed Feb 28, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

HB0203_1(7).pdf HB0203_2.pdf · 3 edits
MINOR
The bill was reorganized from a House draft into an Enrolled Bill, moving the title and sponsor list to the end of the document. The substantive content was significantly expanded to include a detailed historical narrative about Montana's mining heritage, safety standards, and environmental impacts, replacing the shorter original text. The core policy remains unchanged: establishing Montana Mining Day on February 9th.
Scope change
The scope of the bill's text was expanded to include extensive historical context and justification, but the legal effect and applicability remain the same.
TECHNICAL

Added a comprehensive preamble with seven 'Whereas' clauses detailing the history of Montana mining, the state motto, and the industry's economic and environmental contributions.

Reordered the document structure to place the bill title and sponsor list at the end, consistent with the final Enrolled Bill format, while the original draft had them at the top.

Included certification signatures for the Chief Clerk, Speaker of the House, and President of the Senate, indicating the bill has passed both chambers and is ready for the Governor.

Floor votes · Senate Feb 12, 2025 · House Jan 28, 2025

How they voted

419
Passed
Total votes 50
Feb 12, 2025
D Democratic18
13 Yea 5 Nay
72% Yea
R Republican32
28 Yea 4 Nay
87% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
37
Key actions
9
Committee
6
Feb 27, 2025
Signed into law
(H) Signed by Governor
lower
Feb 20, 2025
Upper · Passed
(S) Signed by President
upper
Feb 18, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) Signed by Speaker
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (41-9)
senate
Feb 4, 2025
Upper · Passed
(S) Committee Report - (S) State Administration
upper
Feb 3, 2025
Upper · Passed
(S) Committee Executive Action - (S) State Administration
upper
Jan 29, 2025
Committee
(S) Referred to Committee - (S) State Administration
upper
Jan 28, 2025
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (94-5-1)
house
Jan 23, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) Committee Report - (H) State Administration
lower
Jan 23, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) Committee Executive Action - (H) State Administration
lower
Jan 15, 2025
Committee
(H) Referred to Committee - (H) State Administration
lower
Jan 14, 2025
Introduced
(H) Introduced
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Curtis Schomer
Curtis Schomer
RRepublican
MT
48