House Bill 475 restricts the use of physical restraints on inmates known to be pregnant during labor and delivery. It generally prohibits restraints unless there are extraordinary circumstances, such as an individualized determination that the inmate is a flight risk or poses a clear threat to themselves or others. Even in these cases, leg or waist restraints are strictly prohibited. The bill also requires that any applied restraints be the least restrictive necessary and removed when the risk is mitigated or at the request of a healthcare professional.
HB 342 establishes a statutory duty of care for licensed health care providers in medical malpractice actions. It requires providers to offer care consistent with the skill and learning reasonably used by others in the same specialty and with the same certification. Individuals claiming a violation must establish this standard of care using competent evidence, including qualified expert testimony. The bill clarifies that the existence of risks does not change the established standard of care.
This joint resolution formally recognizes and commends the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) on its 50th anniversary. It highlights NCSL's work in supporting state legislators, legislative staff, and institutions, and acknowledges the significant contributions of Montana legislators and staff to the organization over the years.
HB 502 establishes a new "Board of Facility Health Care Professionals" to regulate specific healthcare occupations. This new seven-member board will consist of clinical laboratory scientists, radiologic technologists, respiratory therapists, and a public member. It consolidates and transfers the authority for licensing and oversight of clinical laboratory science practitioners, radiologic technologists, and respiratory care practitioners to this single board. The board is responsible for administering licensing provisions, establishing criteria for licensure, adopting associated fees, and issuing or renewing licenses for these professions.
House Bill 504 expands the types of livestock covered under Montana's Livestock Loss Mitigation Program. This bill allows Montana livestock producers to receive reimbursement for domestic bison lost due to predation by wolves, mountain lions, and grizzly bears. It also specifies that the fair market value for domestic bison, used for reimbursement, will be twice the average value of commercial cattle of the same age and sex.
HB 311 requires landlords and property managers to refund residential rental application fees to applicants who do not ultimately sign a rental agreement. Landlords may deduct costs for specific services actually performed, such as a credit check, if the applicant was given written notice of these allocated costs when the fee was collected. However, they cannot retain fees for services not performed or for their own time. If an application fee is wrongfully withheld, an applicant can take civil action to recover the amount, with potential for attorney fees.
HB 650 revises state bonding laws by expanding the definition of "project" to include facilities that provide broadband service. This change allows municipalities and counties to issue bonds to fund projects aimed at delivering broadband services. Specifically, it targets areas where existing broadband speeds are below 100 megabits per second download and 20 megabits per second upload. The bill provides a mechanism for local governments to finance the development of high-speed internet infrastructure in underserved locations.
HB 631 revises student data privacy laws by amending the definition of "K-12 school purposes" in Section 20-7-1324, MCA. This change means that the existing data privacy protections for K-12 online applications will no longer apply to courses taken for postsecondary (college) credit. It also excludes work-based learning courses from these specific K-12 data privacy regulations. This bill aims to remove barriers to postsecondary opportunities by clarifying which educational activities fall under K-12 online application privacy rules.
Bill HB 463 allows a Montana Limited Liability Company (LLC) to convert into either a domestic corporation or a limited liability partnership. For such a conversion to occur, all members of the LLC must unanimously agree to the terms and conditions. A written conversion agreement detailing how member interests will be handled is required, along with filing new articles of organization with the secretary of state. Upon successful filing, the LLC's certificate is canceled, and the conversion becomes effective, providing a clear pathway for businesses to change their legal structure.
HB 544 revises health insurance laws, affecting health insurance issuers, covered individuals, and state employees/retirees. It prohibits health insurance issuers from retroactively denying coverage for services that received prior approval, with exceptions for fraud or misrepresentation. The bill also allows biologic therapies to be prescribed to minors under 18, even if FDA-approved only for adults, provided the treatment is medically necessary and supported by peer-reviewed medical literature. Furthermore, it amends provisions for state insurance contracts, detailing conditions under which certain state employees, retirees, and their families, as well as legislators and judges, can continue membership in state group health plans.
HB 487 revises laws related to the Department of Transportation (DOT). This bill eliminates the current legal requirement for the DOT to maintain specific divisions, including highways, aeronautics, and administration. Instead, it allows the department to establish "as many divisions as are necessary." This change provides the DOT with greater flexibility in structuring its internal organization.
HB 476 establishes a grant program to fund the installation and maintenance of newborn safety devices. The Department of Public Health and Human Services will award competitive grants, up to $20,000 per applicant, to eligible fire departments, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies. The department is also responsible for creating rules for the application process and evaluation criteria. The bill appropriates $160,000 from the general fund for this program, which is effective July 1, 2025, and terminates on June 30, 2027.
