Montana Bills

This bill is a procedural resolution confirming the Speaker of the House's appointment of Judge Ashley Harada to Montana's Judicial Standards Commission. It formally approves her appointment to serve a term ending July 1, 2029, as required by Montana law (section 3-1-1101, MCA). The resolution does not create new policy or affect any laws - it simply confirms an existing appointment to the commission that oversees judicial conduct.

Senate Joint Resolution 7 is a non-binding resolution urging Montana's universities to support shooting sports as collegiate activities. It encourages the Montana University System to adopt shooting sports (such as trap, skeet, rifle, and pistol competitions) as intercollegiate sports, use university resources to facilitate these programs, and develop scholarships for student competitors. The resolution highlights Montana's tradition of firearm use and notes that current lack of such programs causes students to seek opportunities elsewhere. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a policy recommendation to university leaders.

This Montana joint resolution (SJ 8) requests a study of special districts that collect property taxes, which account for roughly 10% of the state's total property tax revenue. The study, to be completed by September 2026, will categorize these districts, examine their funding mechanisms (including fees not tied to mill levies), and assess whether current reporting requirements are sufficient. It does not change existing laws but aims to improve data on special districts' purposes, areas, funding, and spending. The final report will be submitted to Montana's 70th Legislature for consideration.

This Montana House resolution (HR 2) expresses legislative support for expanding critical minerals development within the state. It urges state, federal, tribal, and local entities to advance exploration, processing, and recycling of minerals like rare earth elements, platinum group metals, and others found in Montana's geology. The resolution highlights Montana's existing mining infrastructure and aims to strengthen domestic supply chains for technologies, energy, and defense - reducing reliance on foreign sources like China. As a symbolic resolution (not binding law), it directs Montana's delegation to advocate for these projects but does not create new regulations or funding.

HR 1 is a procedural resolution adopting the official rules for the Montana House of Representatives. It establishes internal operating procedures by defining roles like the Speaker, majority/minority leaders, and whips, and outlining their duties - including presiding over sessions, managing legislative calendars, and ensuring orderly conduct. The rules also cover administrative functions, such as appointing staff (Chief Clerk, Sergeant-at-Arms) and handling legislative documents. This resolution directly affects all House members, leadership, and staff by setting the framework for how legislative business is conducted.