HB 834: Create a government evidence and impact commission - Montana

HB0834_X(2).pdf → HB0834_X(3).pdf · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was renamed from 'Government Evidence Data and Impact Commission' to 'Government Data and Impact Commission,' removing the word 'Evidence' from the title and throughout the text. The commission's purpose was simplified to focus on data collection and integration rather than developing a system of evidence and impact analysis. The duties section was modified to remove references to evidence-based analysis and added a new requirement to report on the quantified cost of providing efficient data access. The appropriation amount remains $75,000 for the biennium.

Scope change

The commission's scope was narrowed from developing evidence and impact analysis systems to focusing primarily on data collection, integration, and reporting on data access costs.

DEFINITION

Commission name changed from 'Government Evidence Data and Impact Commission' to 'Government Data and Impact Commission' throughout the document.

PURPOSE

Purpose section was rewritten to remove references to developing an 'evidence and impact analysis' system, focusing instead on data collection and integration for analyzing program outcomes.

REQUIREMENT

Duties section was updated to remove references to 'evidence' in program analysis requirements and added a new duty to report on the quantified cost of providing efficient data access to the state.

TECHNICAL

Minor formatting changes were made to member lists and section numbering, including adding indentation to commission member lists.

HB0834_2(3).pdf → HB0834_X.pdf · 7 edits

MODERATE

This bill establishes a Government Evidence Data and Impact Commission to improve how Montana government uses data for decision-making. The commission will analyze program effectiveness, identify inefficient programs, and recommend improvements to ensure efficient use of state resources. The bill formalizes the commission's structure, membership, duties, and operational requirements.

Scope change

The bill creates a new permanent commission with defined membership requirements and specific duties for analyzing government program effectiveness and data usage.

SCOPE

Establishes a new Government Evidence Data and Impact Commission to analyze program effectiveness and data usage across state government

REQUIREMENT

Defines commission membership including voting members from legislative committees, executive agencies, and public appointment, plus ex officio nonvoting members

Specifies commission duties including receiving reports on data system implementations, program analysis opportunities, and data access structures

Changed commission meeting frequency from unspecified to quarterly basis starting June 1, 2025

Requires commission to reserve time for public participation at meetings

TIMELINE

Sets commission meeting schedule starting June 1, 2025 with quarterly meetings when legislature is not in session

FISCAL

Requires department of administration to staff and fund commission operations, with budget and legislative fiscal division providing research support

HB0834_1(7).pdf → HB0834_2.pdf · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to rename the 'Government Evidence and Impact Commission' to the 'Government Evidence Data and Impact Commission,' emphasizing data integration and collection. The changes add specific language about developing a system for collecting and integrating targeted data for legislative and executive use, and recommend a system for data collection and integration to analyze agency program outcomes. Several section titles and content were modified to reflect this expanded focus on data integration and performance measures.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to explicitly include data collection, integration, and performance measure development as core functions of the commission, moving beyond just evidence and impact analysis.

DEFINITION

Commission name changed from 'Government Evidence and Impact Commission' to 'Government Evidence Data and Impact Commission' to emphasize data integration.

REQUIREMENT

Added requirement for the commission to recommend a system for collecting and integrating targeted data for use by the legislature and executive branch.

Modified duties to include developing impactful performance measures to ensure effective use of state resources and efficient administration.

Updated language to specify that the commission should develop and make recommendations regarding collection and integration of targeted data.

LC4230.pdf → HB0834_1.pdf · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was renamed from LC 4230 to HB 834 and updated with the primary sponsors (B. Mercer and J. Esp). The most substantive change is the addition of a new appropriation section that allocates $75,000 from the general fund for the commission's administration and costs, covering the biennium ending June 30, 2025, and continuing into the biennium beginning July 1, 2025. Minor formatting and capitalization changes were also made throughout the document.

FISCAL

Added a new Section 4 appropriating $75,000 from the general fund to the department of administration to cover the commission's administrative costs for the 2025-2027 biennium.

TECHNICAL

Changed the bill title from LC 4230 to HB 834 and added the names of the primary sponsors (B. Mercer and J. Esp).

Converted all-caps words to lowercase for consistency (e.g., DECISIONMAKING to decisionmaking, TIMEFRAME to timeframe, FOR WHICH to for which, OF to of).

Changed the lettering style in subsection (5) from capital letters (A, B) to lowercase letters (a, b).

Create a government evidence and impact commission

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