House Joint Resolution 53 requests an interim study to improve school safety across Montana K-12 schools. The Legislative Council is asked to designate a committee to conduct this study, collaborating with various state agencies and educational organizations. The study will examine Montana's current school safety practices, review existing laws and funding mechanisms, and assess the state's implementation of the "Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety" recommended by the U.S. Attorney General. The committee's final report, including findings and recommendations, is due to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026.
HJ 47 is a joint resolution requesting an interim study on cooperation and consolidation among local government entities in Montana. The study will identify areas that could benefit from improved intergovernmental cooperation or consolidation, affecting various local governments such as counties, municipalities, and special districts like fire or water districts. It will review existing methods, analyze approaches used in other states, and assess the fiscal impacts of increased cooperation or consolidation. The Legislative Council is tasked with designating a committee or staff to conduct this study, engaging stakeholders and local officials. The final report, including findings and recommendations, is due to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026.
Montana House Joint Resolution 10 (HJ 10) declares the Montana Legislature's belief that biological boys and men should not be allowed to participate in girls' and women's sports. The resolution formally urges the United States Congress to pass the "Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025." It directs that copies of this resolution be sent to key federal officials, including the President and members of Congress, to communicate this position and request.
House Bill 141 revises Montana's gambling laws to permit certain entities to accept credit cards for raffle entries. Specifically, nonprofit organizations, colleges, universities, and school districts are now allowed to use credit cards when conducting raffles. The bill achieves this by updating the legal definitions of "credit gambling" and "internet gambling" to exempt these specific raffle transactions from prior restrictions. This change enables these designated organizations to offer credit card payment options for their raffles.
HB 201 establishes new disclosure requirements for individuals paid to gather signatures for petitions. These "paid signature gatherers" must verbally inform anyone they approach about their paid status and wear a badge stating this information. Additionally, they are required to disclose the state of their legal residence.
HB 266 revises the annual inflation adjustments for K-12 public school funding in Montana, directly affecting school districts and the Superintendent of Public Instruction. It updates the method for calculating the inflation factor for various school entitlements, using the Consumer Price Index over a three-year period, with an annual cap of 3%. The bill also establishes a new "inflation reconciliation factor" and requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to submit a biennial report comparing budgeted funding increases with actual inflation. This reconciliation factor will then be incorporated into future funding calculations to ensure base aid accurately reflects inflation.
House Bill 217 transfers the State Building Energy Conservation Program from the Department of Environmental Quality to the Architecture and Engineering Division within the Department of Administration. This means the A&E Division will now manage efforts to identify state-owned buildings for energy savings, conduct energy analyses, and implement improvements. The bill also allows the Department of Environmental Quality to retain certain federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds previously allocated to the program. This change affects state agencies and aims to consolidate the administration of state building energy efficiency.
Joint Resolution 23 (HJ 23) requests an interim study to review and simplify the Montana Youth Court Act. The study aims to streamline the Act, which has become complex and difficult to navigate due to decades of amendments. An interim committee will conduct the study, gathering input from county attorneys, judges, and public defenders. The goal is to propose legislative changes that clarify procedures for legal professionals and families, while maintaining accountability and protecting youth rights, with a report due to the 70th Legislature.
HJ 26 is a joint resolution requesting an interim legislative study on guardianship and conservatorship issues in Montana. The study will review existing resources and examine programs in other states for training, licensing, certification, and auditing of guardians and conservators. It will also identify potential costs, funding sources, and administrative placement for a Montana program. The study will involve input from various stakeholders, including guardians, family members, and legal and health professionals, with final results reported to the 69th Legislature.
House Joint Resolution 7 (HJ 7) is a resolution from the Montana Legislature that congratulates Donald J. Trump on his inauguration as President of the United States. It expresses confidence in his leadership, offers best wishes for his term, and reaffirms Montana's commitment to partnering with the federal government. Copies of the resolution are to be transmitted to President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Montana's Congressional Delegation.
House Joint Resolution 52 requests an interim study on the Montana cattle industry. This study will explore the implementation of a state assessment on Montana cattle to fund research, promotion, and educational programs for Montana beef and beef products. An interim committee will review similar assessment programs in other states, examine stakeholder interest for a state assessment, and evaluate options for a governing board. The study aims to improve the profitability and marketability of the state's cattle industry. The final results of this study, including any recommendations, are to be reported to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026.
HB 184 revises various Montana laws to update language pertaining to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The bill specifically amends multiple sections of the Montana Code Annotated to modify terminology that may diminish the dignity of these individuals. This legislative action aims to ensure more respectful and inclusive language is used throughout state statutes. The changes directly affect the legal framework by updating how individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing are described within Montana law.
