HB 180 revises sanitation laws for subdivisions, focusing on "mixing zones" associated with subsurface wastewater treatment systems. The bill prohibits local boards of health from adopting regulations that would allow these mixing zones, which are areas where treated wastewater mixes with groundwater, to extend onto adjacent properties. This measure restricts the regulatory authority of local health boards and aims to protect adjacent property owners from encroachment by neighboring septic systems. It ensures that the environmental impact of such systems remains within the boundaries of the property where they are installed.
House Joint Resolution 40 (HJ 40) is a legislative measure requesting an interim study in Montana. This study will explore the benefits and drawbacks of transferring the responsibility for producing fiscal notes - which estimate the financial impact of proposed bills - from the executive branch to the legislative branch. The Legislative Council will designate a committee to conduct this study, with support from legislative divisions. The committee is required to complete its work by September 15, 2026, and report its findings to the 70th Legislature.
HJ 74 is a joint resolution requesting an interim study on water reuse in Montana. This study will examine existing state laws, administrative rules, and infrastructure related to purifying wastewater for designated beneficial purposes. An assigned legislative committee will analyze legal, economic, and social barriers to implementing water reuse programs, and explore how other states utilize this practice. The study aims to identify industries and geographic areas in Montana that could benefit from water reuse, and may propose legislation to incentivize and facilitate such programs. The final results of the study are to be reported to the 70th Legislature by September 2026.
House Joint Resolution 17 is a resolution from the Montana Legislature urging the U.S. Congress and President to take actions to promote American energy production. It calls for reforming and streamlining federal permitting obligations and revising environmental regulations that are deemed not to align with national security interests. The resolution specifically recommends that the Environmental Protection Agency immediately review and potentially suspend, revise, or rescind certain power plant regulations issued in May 2024.
HJ 45 is a joint resolution requesting an interim study in Montana on the impact of collateral consequences on criminal record expungement. The study will investigate challenges faced by individuals with expunged criminal records, particularly concerning employment and housing barriers due to existing laws, online information, and discrimination. It aims to review current expungement laws, analyze outcomes for individuals with expunged records, and examine practices in other states. The study will suggest specific changes to state law to address these barriers and report its findings to the 70th Legislature in the form of introduced legislation.
HJ 48 is a joint resolution requesting an interim study on moving the date of Montana's primary election. The study will examine how changing the primary date would impact existing election deadlines, procedures, other local elections, and election administrators. An appropriate legislative committee will conduct the study, consult with stakeholders, and develop potential legislation for the 70th Legislature to implement a new primary election date and necessary legal changes.
HB 193, titled "Require signature for voter registration cancellation," amends Section 13-2-402 of the Montana Code Annotated. This bill mandates that a voter's registration can only be canceled if the elector provides a signed written request. The change directly affects voters and election administrators by ensuring that any voter-initiated cancellation requires explicit written consent.
HJ 50 is a joint resolution requesting an interim study of uniform common interest ownership laws in Montana. This study will review the Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (UCIOWA) and current state laws governing owners' associations and condominiums. Its purpose is to determine if legislative changes are warranted to update and improve these laws, many of which have not been thoroughly amended since 1965. The study will involve input from interested parties, including representatives from banking, real estate, and land title industries, with its final results reported to the 70th Legislature.
HJ 15 is a joint resolution from the Montana Legislature that expresses support for increasing electric transmission capacity. It states that upgrading and expanding transmission infrastructure, both within Montana and across state borders, is essential for ensuring affordable and reliable electricity service and stable economic growth for Montanans. The resolution directs copies to be sent to various governors, state and federal energy commissions, and rural electric cooperatives.
Senate Joint Resolution 48 (SJ 48) requests an interim study on the public health and safety impacts of marijuana legalization in Montana. This study, to be conducted by a designated legislative committee, will examine various areas including emergency room trends related to marijuana use, its effects on youth and schools, and impacts on the criminal justice system. The committee will engage stakeholders such as health professionals, law enforcement, and educators to gather data and input. The final report, including findings and proposed legislative strategies, will be submitted to the 70th Legislature to inform future policy.
Senate Joint Resolution 42 requests an interim study on noxious weed control in Montana. This study will examine existing state laws, department rules, and the responsibilities of District Weed Boards and Coordinators in enforcing compliance. Its goal is to research current control strategies, review how other states manage noxious weeds, and propose legislation to update terminology, clarify statutes, and improve consistency for the 70th Legislature.
SJ 49 requests an interim study of youth and family behavioral health prevention programs across Montana. An interim committee will be designated to comprehensively review these programs, focusing on their funding, workforce, and delivery settings for youth under 18. The study aims to identify gaps in the state's behavioral health system and assess how prevention efforts divert youth and families from crises, with findings to be reported to the 70th Legislature.
