HB 137 revises state securities laws by eliminating the fee distinction between in-state and out-of-state salespersons or investment adviser representatives. Currently, in-state individuals pay $50 for original registration, annual renewals, and transfers, while out-of-state individuals pay $100 for the same actions. This bill standardizes these fees, ensuring all salespersons and investment adviser representatives pay the same amount regardless of their in-state or out-of-state status. The changes take effect immediately upon passage and apply to registration fees paid on or after that date.
This bill revises state law to provide a continuous, automatic funding mechanism for the state's reinsurance program. It designates assessments collected from members of the reinsurance association, along with any earned interest, as statutorily appropriated. This means these funds can be spent by the program's administrator, the commissioner, without requiring new legislative approval each budget cycle. The money is specifically for covering the administration, operation, and claims expenses of the reinsurance program.
HB 55 revises the laws governing how public utilities plan for their customers' future energy needs. It requires public utilities to submit detailed resource plans every three years, including evaluations of renewable energy and demand-side management scenarios, and to hold more public meetings before submitting these plans. The bill establishes a special revenue account within the Department of Environmental Quality to fund an independent evaluator, paid for by fees charged to public utilities, who will assist in reviewing these plans. Additionally, the state commission can now engage independent consultants to evaluate utility plans, with these costs being recoverable in rates charged to customers.
HB 356 expands Montana's existing livestock loss reduction and mitigation programs to include black bears. This bill allows livestock producers to receive reimbursement for livestock losses caused by black bear predation. It also enables cost-sharing for measures designed to prevent black bear predation on livestock. The Livestock Loss Board will administer these expanded programs, adding black bears to the species covered alongside wolves, mountain lions, and grizzly bears.
House Bill 161 establishes a new "vending machine account" within the state's special revenue fund for the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). This account will receive a percentage of income collected by DPHHS from vending machines located on federal and state properties that are not operated by blind vendors. The money in this account is statutorily appropriated to DPHHS, meaning the department can use these funds for specific program purposes consistent with federal law without needing further legislative approval. The bill is effective starting July 1, 2025.
HB 7 implements and funds the reclamation and development grants program, appropriating over $13.9 million from the natural resources projects state special revenue account. The bill allocates funds to the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) for grants beginning July 1, 2025. These grants support planning for reclamation and development projects, pilot water storage initiatives, and specific prioritized projects for political subdivisions and local governments. Grant recipients, which include various counties, cities, and state agencies, must meet conditions such as having an approved project scope, securing matching funds, and complying with auditing requirements.
HB 348 revises the process for Montana legislators to request a special session when the legislature is not in session. It increases the number of legislators required to initiate a poll for a special session from 10 to 30. Additionally, the bill mandates that any request for a special session poll must include specific draft legislation proposed for consideration during that session. These changes affect the mechanisms by which legislators can trigger the process to potentially call an extraordinary legislative session.
HB 207 revises election laws for candidates seeking local, state, and special district offices. It requires all candidates to file for office prior to the primary election. A key provision prohibits candidates who are unsuccessful in a primary from seeking the same office in the general election through write-in votes or petitions. The bill also adjusts filing deadlines for candidates and write-in declarations, and increases the signature percentage needed for third-party or independent candidate petitions.
House Bill 421 increases the fire protection assessment rates collected by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). This bill directly affects owners of forest land located within a wildland fire protection district or under contract for fire protection services. It raises the maximum annual fee per landowner from $50 to $58.70 and increases the additional per-acre charge from 30 cents to 49 cents for land exceeding 20 acres. These new assessment rates are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.
Senate Bill 147 repeals Section 55 of Chapter 716, Laws of 2023. It also requires the Montana Secretary of State to send a copy of this act to each federally recognized tribal government in Montana. The bill took effect immediately upon passage and approval.
Senate Bill 77 requires conservation districts to comply with state procurement laws when expending state-funded grants and loans. It mandates that contracts for architectural, engineering, and land surveying services follow specific state public procurement requirements. The bill also updates existing rules for conservation districts concerning purchases, construction contracts, and advertising requirements for bids and proposals. It establishes new thresholds for when districts can use direct negotiation versus when they must advertise for bids, aligning their purchasing practices with statewide standards.
SB 243 amends state zoning laws to allow for increased housing density and building height in certain municipalities. In urban areas with populations over 5,000, it requires cities to permit multiple-unit dwellings and mixed-use developments in commercial zones, provided they have municipal water and sewer. For these developments, the bill limits parking requirements to no more than one space per unit and prohibits height restrictions below 60 feet in specific commercial and industrial zones. Furthermore, it mandates that cities with at least 5,000 residents allow duplex housing in areas zoned for single-family residences, with similar zoning regulations.
