HB 186 increases the size of the Montana Board of Pardons and Parole from five to six members. This bill directly affects the composition and operations of the board, which is responsible for decisions regarding parole and executive clemency. It outlines qualifications for board members, such as a college degree in a relevant field, extensive work experience in criminal justice, or a law degree. The bill also includes a transition plan for appointing the new sixth member, who will serve an initial term ending in January 2029, with subsequent full 6-year terms.
SB 228 revises laws related to public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, affecting EV owners and charging station operators. The bill imposes a 3-cent per kilowatt-hour tax on electricity delivered to public charging stations, with specific effective dates for new and existing stations. It mandates that all public charging stations install a separate electric meter, with the owner responsible for installation costs. Additionally, the bill eliminates a future 30% reduction in state registration fees for electric vehicles. Public charging station operators are also required to register with the state and disclose their charging rates.
SB 309 eliminates the Scenic-Historic Byways Advisory Council, which was previously responsible for assisting in the design and review of the state's scenic-historic byways program. This council, composed of up to 11 members with expertise in areas like tourism, history, and transportation, also helped develop criteria for designating roads. Under this bill, the Montana Department of Transportation and the commission would no longer have this specific advisory body for these functions. The scenic-historic byways program itself and the commission's authority to designate roads remain in effect.
HB 135 establishes specific time limits for bringing legal claims against real estate appraisers, real estate appraisal firms, and appraisal management companies. For most claims seeking damages or other relief related to an appraisal or appraisal review, a lawsuit must be started within 5 years of the appraisal's completion. However, claims specifically for breach of contract have a longer limit, allowing them to be filed up to 8 years after the appraisal or review was finished. The bill also defines the types of entities and activities covered by these new timeframes.
Senate Bill 357 extends a deadline for the "perfection" of certain water reservations. This means it provides more time for entities, such as the state, political subdivisions, or U.S. agencies, to finalize their claims for specific water rights. The bill primarily affects those with water reservations on the Missouri River located above the Fort Peck Dam. It amends existing state law to implement this extension and also grants authority for the development of related rules.
SB 137 amends state law concerning jury service excusals. This bill allows prospective jurors who are 75 years of age or older to be excused from jury service if they make a request. Upon such a request, the court or jury commissioner is required to grant the excusal. This provides an additional, age-specific option for individuals in this demographic to opt out of jury duty.
Senate Bill 162 revises the laws governing the Montana Criminal Justice Oversight Council. It expands the types of local court judges eligible for appointment to the council, now including justices of the peace alongside district and municipal court judges. Additionally, the bill directs the code commissioner to renumber and recodify the statute that establishes the council. These changes primarily affect the composition and organizational structure of the Criminal Justice Oversight Council.
SB 200 generally revises laws governing cooperative associations in Montana. It establishes rights and privileges for out-of-state cooperative associations, including those from federally recognized Indian tribes, allowing them to operate within the state. The bill clarifies that cooperative associations organized under specific chapters can be either for-profit or not-for-profit. Additionally, it restricts the use of the term "cooperative" for other types of business registrations, such as LLCs or standard corporations, unless they are formed under specific cooperative laws, imposing fines for violations.
HB 234 extends the period for using funds previously appropriated in 2023 for projects addressing lead in schools. The bill reappropriates specific funds, originally allocated under Section 5, Chapter 763, Laws of 2023, subsection (10). This ensures the appropriations remain available for their original purpose until they are fully spent or the related capital improvement projects are completed. This measure allows schools to continue utilizing these funds for lead remediation efforts without a set expiration date.
SB 165 establishes a new $5 "trail enhancement rental fee" for individuals renting snowmobiles or motorized equipment from licensed businesses in Montana. Rental vendors will collect this fee from renters and remit it monthly to the state department. The collected funds are specifically designated to support the statewide snowmobile trail grooming program, including repairs for grooming vehicles. Additionally, a portion of these funds will be distributed to local entities responsible for maintaining trails in areas where rental businesses operate. This bill aims to revise existing business laws concerning snowmobile rentals and their contribution to trail maintenance funding.
SB 80 authorizes individuals transporting livestock to use digital copies of their required documentation. The bill amends existing state law to allow for the exhibition of digital versions of documents such as inspection certificates, market consignment permits, and transportation permits. This provision applies specifically for travel and transportation purposes. People in charge of livestock must still be able to present these digital documents to law enforcement or stock inspectors upon request.
Senate Bill 242 revises election laws to enhance uniformity in ballot design and appearance across the state. It mandates the Secretary of State to adopt statewide uniform rules for ballot forms, addressing elements like how ballots are corrected and provisions for write-in candidates. The bill requires that all candidate names on a ballot must appear in the same font size and style. Additionally, it specifies that the words "official ballot" must be printed directly on the ballot, ensuring no part of the mark appears on the stub.
