Senate Bill 34 revises laws related to K-12 school districts, primarily affecting how these unified districts manage their finances and transitions. It removes obsolete language concerning tuition calculations for K-12 districts. The bill clarifies how various funding components, such as basic county tax and guaranteed tax base aid, are calculated separately for elementary and high school programs within these districts. Additionally, it specifies that the previous year's general fund budgets of the elementary and high school districts are combined to determine the budget limitation for a newly formed K-12 school district.
SB 361 revises Montana law regarding health insurance claims submitted by the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). It prevents health insurance issuers and other entities responsible for claim payments from denying DPHHS claims solely based on the date of submission, claim format, lack of prior authorization, or failure to present proper documentation at the point of sale. This applies if DPHHS submits the claim within three years of the service date and takes enforcement action within six years of submission. The bill clarifies that it does not require payment for services not covered under a health plan or impose new financial liabilities beyond existing agreements.
HB 278 requires peace officers, during a lawful investigative stop, to make a reasonable attempt to determine a person's immigration status, unless it is impractical or would hinder an investigation. If the officer determines the person is not lawfully present in the United States, the bill mandates that this information be reported to a federal immigration agency. This affects peace officers by adding new duties during stops and impacts individuals who are lawfully stopped, as their immigration status may now be checked and reported.
Senate Resolution 102 confirms the Governor's appointments of Hal Fuglevand, Catherine Laughner, Scott Rosenthal, and Jon Wells to the Coal Board. This resolution allows these four individuals to officially serve their terms on the board, ending January 3, 2029.
This resolution confirms the Governor's appointments to the Board of Funeral Service. It specifically approves Chris Holt, Denis Pitman, and Rick Walter to serve on the board for terms ending in 2027 or 2028.
This resolution confirms the Governor's appointment of Sonja Nowakowski as the Director of the Department of Environmental Quality. The Montana Senate officially approved this appointment, allowing her to serve in the position.
Senate Resolution 101 confirms the Governor's appointment of Jim Wonnacott to the Board of Personnel Appeals. This resolution signifies the Senate's agreement and consent to his appointment for a term ending January 1, 2027.
Senate Resolution 94 is a procedural bill that confirms the Governor's appointment of Adam Millinoff to the Montana Tax Appeal Board. This resolution signifies the Senate's concurrence, confirmation, and consent for Mr. Millinoff to serve on the board for a term ending January 1, 2031.
SR 103 is a resolution by the Montana Senate to confirm three appointments made by the Governor to the Livestock Loss Board. It approves Doreen Gillespie, Joseph Kipp, and Jordan Mannix to serve terms ending January 2, 2029.
Senate Resolution 46 confirms the Governor's appointments of Hillary Carter and Barbara Doughty to the Board of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. This action signifies the Senate's agreement for these individuals to serve on the board.
HB 512 mandates that all new school buses purchased on or after January 1, 2026, must be equipped with lap-shoulder belts for each passenger. School districts using these buses would be required to adopt and enforce a seat belt usage policy and ensure belts are properly maintained. The bill provides exceptions for school districts that cannot afford such buses, following a public vote. Additionally, it limits the liability of the state, counties, and school districts in personal injury cases where passengers fail to use or improperly use the belts, provided an enforceable policy is in place.
Senate Resolution 88 confirms the Governor's appointments of five individuals to the Board of Milk Control. This action officially approves Brian Beerman, Ken Bryan, Staci Ketchum, W. Scott Mitchell, and Travis Stroh to serve on the board for terms ending in either 2027 or 2029.
