Senate Joint Resolution 21 (SJ 21) requests an interim study on interstate power grid development in Montana. This study will evaluate the legal and regulatory frameworks for Montana to participate in new cooperative interstate agreements for electric transmission. Its goal is to assess potential economic benefits and costs for Montana's ratepayers and industries, explore market-based principles, and consider ways to streamline permitting for transmission projects. The final results of this study will be reported to the 70th Legislature.
HB 638 revises human rights laws by prohibiting state and local government agencies in Montana from requiring, requesting, or soliciting "diversity statements." It also prevents these agencies from granting any preferential treatment based on the submission of such statements. A "diversity statement" is defined as one promoting differential treatment based on characteristics like race, sex, or gender identity.
The bill includes an exception, allowing agencies to accept or require diversity statements only to the extent mandated by federal law, with consideration limited to federal requirements. This legislation applies to various state and local government entities, including universities and school districts, but does not limit policies necessary to comply with existing anti-discrimination and harassment laws.
HB 468 revises several laws related to watercraft operation and registration in Montana, affecting watercraft owners and operators. The bill removes the requirement for watercraft to display a validation decal, simplifying display requirements. It also updates regulations concerning boating accident reporting, personal flotation devices, and right-of-way rules. Finally, the bill eliminates the Boating Advisory Council.
HB 293 revises laws concerning county election administrators. The bill specifies that if a county's governing body designates an official other than the county clerk and recorder, or appoints a separate election administrator, that individual must report directly to the county's governing body. It also clarifies the election administrator's duties, which include managing voter registration, overseeing elections, and serving as the primary county contact for the statewide voter registration list.
HB 387 revises the documents the Department of Transportation must file when establishing new or reconstructed highways. It amends current law to require the filing of a "right-of-way plan" instead of a "description and right-of-way plan." This clarifies that private property owners will not receive compensation for new buildings or improvements placed on land after the department files this right-of-way plan for a proposed highway. The bill also states that if no action to acquire the property begins within one year of filing, the highway location establishment becomes ineffective. This act takes effect on July 1, 2025.
HB 414 revises laws related to professional licensing applications, affecting individuals seeking occupational licenses and the state's licensing boards. The bill creates standardized procedures for issuing provisional licenses to applicants who meet most requirements but have specific pending conditions, such as passing an exam or completing supervised work. It also allows professionals licensed in good standing in another state to practice in Montana for up to 21 days per year without a Montana license for specific purposes. Additionally, the bill establishes that screening panels will review nonroutine license applications, with processes for granting, denying, or restricting licenses and opportunities for applicants to request hearings.
SJ 25 is a joint resolution from the Montana Legislature urging the United States Congress to implement mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork products. The resolution highlights that these labeling requirements were removed for beef and pork in 2015, while other food products still have them. It states that consumers desire to know the origin of their food and that transparent labeling contributes to a competitive marketplace for American producers. The resolution directs that copies be sent to the Montana Congressional Delegation, the Governor, and relevant federal officials.
HB 642 revises public nuisance laws by specifically adding camping in violation of a city ordinance or state statute to the definition of a public nuisance. This means that individuals engaging in unauthorized camping could be deemed to be maintaining a public nuisance. The bill amends existing state law (Section 45-8-111, MCA) to incorporate this provision. Maintaining a public nuisance is an offense punishable by a fine not exceeding $500, with each day of the conduct constituting a separate offense.
HB 292 establishes the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act, designed to protect individuals from civil lawsuits based on their communications in governmental proceedings or their exercise of free speech and assembly rights on matters of public concern. The bill allows a person facing such a lawsuit to file a "special motion for expedited relief" to dismiss the case quickly. Filing this motion generally pauses other legal proceedings, and if the court finds the lawsuit lacks a sufficient legal or factual basis, it must be dismissed. The act also provides for the award of court costs and attorney fees to the prevailing party on this special motion and allows for expedited appeals.
HB 710 revises laws related to the judiciary. It allows Supreme Court justices or District Court judges to issue subpoenas at the request of Internet Crimes Against Children task force officers for investigations into the sexual exploitation of a minor, enabling access to specific digital information. The bill also allocates the Judicial Standards Commission to the Department of Justice for administrative purposes and prohibits a judge on the commission from serving as its presiding officer. Furthermore, it establishes that a legislative act challenged as unconstitutional must be upheld by courts unless the challenger demonstrates its unconstitutionality "beyond a reasonable doubt."
HB 330 creates a new system for issuing special hunting licenses for antelope and swans. Each year, the state commission may offer one antelope and one swan license through a competitive auction or lottery. Wildlife conservation organizations can be authorized to conduct these events, retaining a small portion of the proceeds to cover expenses. All remaining funds generated from these license sales will be used by the department specifically for the conservation and management of antelope and migratory game birds.
HB 126 revises how state agencies create and amend administrative rules, aiming to enhance public involvement and legislative oversight. It requires agencies to accept public comments electronically and disseminate their email address for this purpose. The bill mandates that agencies contact the primary legislative sponsor of a bill before drafting rules to implement it, ensuring their input on the rulemaking process. Additionally, it allows agencies to send electronic notifications of proposed rules to interested persons and requires notices to include clear explanations and cost estimates for monetary changes. These provisions aim to make the rulemaking process more transparent and accessible.
