Senate Joint Resolution 36 (SJ 36) requests an interim study on standardizing the prosecution of dependent neglect and child abuse cases in Montana. The study will evaluate the feasibility of expanding the Department of Justice's Child Protection Unit to handle these cases statewide. This aims to address inconsistencies in how these cases are currently handled across different judicial districts. The goal is to improve outcomes for children, ensure due process for all parties, and enhance the overall effectiveness and fairness of Montana's child welfare system. The final results of this study will be reported to the 70th Legislature.
HJ 34 is a Joint Resolution from the Montana Legislature expressing strong support for Montana's beef producers, recognizing their vital role in the state's economy and culture. It calls on state and federal governments to prioritize policies that ensure fair market conditions, reduce regulatory burdens, and facilitate better trade relationships for Montana beef. The resolution encourages sustainable beef production practices and opposes federal or state proposals, such as those associated with the Green New Deal, that would impose excessive regulations or taxes on the industry. Additionally, it strongly opposes the promotion, production, and sale of lab-grown "meat" as a substitute for natural beef.
HB 651 allows public buildings to use temporary door locking devices during shelter-in-place or emergency lockdown situations. These devices can secure doors, including fire exits, as a limited exception to the fire code. The bill defines these devices with specific safety requirements, such as being removable from the egress side without a key, not permanently mounted, and integrated into building safety plans and training. Their use must also be approved by the local fire department, law enforcement, or code official.
SB 221 revises the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) by establishing new requirements for greenhouse gas (GHG) assessments during state agency environmental reviews. Under this bill, state agencies are mandated to conduct GHG assessments for proposed actions classified as "fossil fuel activities." For other proposed actions, agencies may conduct a GHG assessment if deemed necessary for MEPA compliance. The bill clarifies that these assessments are for informational purposes, and state agencies cannot regulate greenhouse gas emissions or deny permits based solely on these GHG assessments under MEPA. This affects Montana state agencies conducting environmental reviews and entities proposing fossil fuel-related projects.
HB 455 revises election laws in Montana by updating the deadlines for the Commissioner of Political Practices (COPP) to notify election officials about municipal candidates. This notification occurs when a candidate's name should not appear on the ballot due to their failure to file required campaign finance reports. For municipal primary and general elections, the COPP must now provide this notification no later than 5 days after the candidate filing deadline. An additional deadline is set for municipal general elections, requiring notification no later than September 30th. This bill primarily affects municipal candidates and the COPP's process for ensuring compliance with financial reporting requirements.
This joint resolution recognizes the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and honors the military service of Montanans who served in that war. It highlights the contributions of over 75,000 Montanans, including specific regiments, women, and Native American service members, as well as homefront efforts.
HB 521 revises civil liability laws by establishing that a person convicted of a crime has no legal right to sue for injuries or other damages they sustained during the commission of that crime. This means individuals cannot recover damages through a civil lawsuit if their injuries occurred while they were actively committing a crime for which they were later convicted. The bill specifies that this new provision will be codified as part of Title 27, chapter 1, part 5 of the state's legal code.
Senate Joint Resolution 28 requests an interim study by the Legislative Council on ethics processes for the Montana Legislature. The study will focus on developing a procedure for adjudicating ethics issues within the legislature and identifying any overlaps or gaps in authority with the Commissioner of Political Practices. It will also consider necessary revisions to the existing code of ethics and legislative rules. The final results, including recommendations, are to be reported to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026.
HB 447 enacts the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, allowing licensed respiratory therapists to practice in multiple member states without needing a full license in each. This aims to increase public access to respiratory therapy services and improve workforce mobility, including for military members and their spouses. The compact establishes a "compact privilege" for therapists to practice in other member states while preserving each state's regulatory authority. It also includes provisions for criminal background checks for license applicants.
HB 454 revises the required frequency of patient visits by a licensed physical therapist when supervising a physical therapy assistant. This bill directly affects licensed physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, and the patients they serve. It changes the supervisory requirement, allowing a physical therapist to make an onsite or telehealth visit once for every eight visits made by an assistant, rather than six. Additionally, the time-based supervisory visit is extended from every two weeks to every 30 days, whichever occurs first.
HB 473 grants the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) the authority to adopt Medicare fee schedules issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) through administrative rule. A key provision allows for the automatic incorporation of future updates to these federal fee schedules. This streamlines the process for DPHHS to align state reimbursement rates with federal Medicare standards. The bill affects the DPHHS's rulemaking procedures and indirectly impacts healthcare providers and beneficiaries whose services are reimbursed based on these schedules.
HB 632 revises the daily compensation for members of two state boards. The bill increases the per diem payment for members of the Burial Preservation Board and the Montana Facility Finance Authority from $50 to $100 for each day they are actively engaged in board duties. This change is in addition to existing reimbursements for travel, meals, and lodging. The new compensation rates for these members will become effective on July 1, 2025.
