SR 83 is a procedural resolution that confirms the Governor's appointment of Major General J. Peter Hronek as the Director of the Department of Military Affairs, also known as the Adjutant General. The Senate voted to concur with this appointment.
Senate Resolution 80 is a procedural bill that confirms the Governor's appointment of Brian Gootkin as the Director of the Department of Corrections. This resolution signifies the Montana Senate's agreement to, confirmation of, and consent to the appointment, enabling Mr. Gootkin to serve in the role.
House Joint Resolution 4 requests the Legislative Council to conduct an interim study on artificial intelligence (AI). This study will involve an appropriate legislative committee or staff examining existing AI laws and regulations from other states and the federal government. The study will research an AI code of ethics for state agencies and an AI bill of rights for Montana citizens, based on other state models. It will also assess the benefits and risks of AI to state agencies and Montana residents, including impacts on employment, constitutional rights, privacy, and economic welfare. The findings and recommendations are to be reported to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026.
Senate Resolution 15 is a procedural bill confirming the appointment of Bina R. Peters as an Associate Water Judge for the State of Montana. This resolution signifies the Senate's concurrence, confirmation, and consent to the appointment made by the Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court, for a term ending June 30, 2028.
This Senate Resolution confirms the Governor's appointments of six individuals to the Public Safety Officer Standards and Training Council. These appointments allow the named members to serve on the council until January 1, 2027.
Senate Joint Resolution 6 (SJ 6) is a measure by the Montana Legislature to approve the Long-Range Legislative Branch Capitol Development Plan. This plan, developed by the Legislative Council, identifies overcrowding and space needs within the Capitol building for hearing rooms, legislators, and staff to improve the legislative process and public access. While approving the plan as a guide for future development decisions, the resolution specifically states that it does not consent to or approve any future option within the plan to construct a new building to accommodate these additional space needs.
SR 92 is a resolution by the Montana Senate to confirm the Governor's appointment of John A. Mercer as the District Court Judge for the 20th Judicial District. This action formally approves his appointment to the judicial position.
Senate Resolution 16 is a procedural measure that confirms an appointment made by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. This resolution specifically confirms Stephen R. Brown to serve as the Chief Water Judge of the State of Montana. The Senate formally concurs in, confirms, and consents to this appointment for a term ending July 31, 2029.
SB 426 generally revises the state's Uniform Commercial Code to update it for the digital age. The bill modernizes terminology and establishes rules for commercial transactions involving certain digital assets, including cryptocurrency. It also explicitly prohibits the support, endorsement, creation, or implementation of a central bank digital currency within the state. This legislation affects businesses, financial institutions, and individuals engaged in commercial activities, particularly those involving digital records and assets.
SB 368 establishes a new process for addressing minor maintenance issues at mines in Montana, directly affecting mine operators and the state department responsible for inspections. The bill introduces a "minor maintenance correction letter" for permit violations that do not pose an imminent danger or significant environmental harm. Mine permittees are given 14 days to correct these minor items, with verification occurring at the next regular inspection. If the minor issue is not corrected within the timeframe, the department can then issue a notice of noncompliance or a cessation order.
Senate Bill 495 eliminates the Tobacco Prevention Advisory Board. The bill repeals the specific section of law that established this board. It also amends existing statute to remove the board from the list of entities funded by state special revenue accounts, which are primarily used for tobacco disease prevention programs and the Children's Health Insurance Program. The direct effect is the dissolution of the advisory board, which previously provided guidance for these programs.
SB 305 revises laws related to funeral trusts. It requires that money received for prearranged funeral or related services, which is held in a trust fund, must comply with the prudent investor rule. This means that the financial institutions or entities holding these funds must manage them according to a specified standard for investments, a requirement that cannot be waived. The bill directly affects providers of prearranged funeral services and the individuals who contract for them by setting a new standard for how their trust funds are invested.
