This joint resolution requests an interim study of how recent federal funding changes might affect Montana's K-12 education agency (Office of Public Instruction) and higher education agency (Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education). The study will examine impacts on agency operations, budgets, staff positions funded by federal dollars, and programs relying on federal funding or matching support. The Legislative Finance Committee must complete the study and report findings to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026.
This joint resolution requests an interim study of the Montana State Fund's Plan 3 workers' compensation insurance for state employees. It directs a committee to examine specific aspects of the program, including class codes, rates, tiers, discounts, dividends, and whether agents receive financial incentives for selling policies. The study, to be completed by September 2026, will investigate concerns about the Fund's oversight, lawsuits, and handling of funds. The final report will be submitted to the 70th Montana Legislature for review.
This joint resolution requests a study of how federal funding changes might impact Montana's Department of Military Affairs, which relies on 79.3% federal funding. The study, to be conducted by the Legislative Finance Committee, will analyze effects on agency operations, staffing (including 252.66 federal-funded positions), and programs like the National Guard and Youth ChalleNGe Academy. It requires findings to be reported to the 70th Legislature by September 2026. The resolution is procedural and does not change funding or policy.
This joint resolution requests an interim study to examine how marijuana legalization impacts Montana's public health and safety. The study will analyze emergency room visits related to marijuana use, youth behavior in schools, criminal justice effects (including impaired driving), demand for treatment services, mental health impacts, and gaps in current data collection. It requires input from schools, hospitals, law enforcement, and community stakeholders to gather objective data. The findings must be reported to the 70th Legislature by September 2026 to inform future policy decisions.
This joint resolution requests an interim study to examine ways to improve early literacy and numeracy skills in Montana children. It directs the Legislative Council to form a committee that will collaborate with schools, educators, parents, early childhood providers, and national experts to assess evidence-based teaching methods, program effectiveness, and data systems. The study must conclude by September 15, 2026, and report findings to the 70th Legislature, including recommendations for potential policy changes. This resolution does not enact new laws but directs a review of existing approaches to support young learners.
This bill extends the date by which Lake County may withdraw from enforcing criminal jurisdiction on the Flathead Indian Reservation. It amends the existing law (Chapter 556, Laws of 2021) to change the termination date from June 30, 2027, to June 30, 2031. The change directly affects Lake County and the State of Montana regarding their enforcement of criminal jurisdiction within the reservation. The bill makes this extension effective immediately upon passage.
This bill (LC 1106) is a joint resolution requesting an interim study on Montana's current system for electing and evaluating judges and justices. It directs the Legislative Council to form a committee to review other states' methods for judicial selection, transparency, and public information about candidates, and to gather input from stakeholders like retired judges and attorneys. The study must conclude by September 2026, with findings reported to the 70th Legislature. This resolution does not change any laws but seeks to inform potential future reforms to Montana's judicial selection process.
This joint resolution requests an interim committee to study food security and agricultural prosperity in Montana. The committee will examine food availability, production, access, value-added opportunities, existing programs (like the Farmers to Families Food Box Program), and challenges such as soil health and pollinator decline, with input from stakeholders and agencies. The study must be completed by September 15, 2026, and its findings reported to the 70th Legislature. This procedural resolution does not enact new laws but sets a framework for future policy considerations.
LC 4138 is a procedural study resolution requesting an interim review of Montana's state laws governing the creation or alteration of local governments, including new cities, towns, and counties. It directs the Legislative Council to study existing processes (such as incorporation requirements and voting procedures) and analyze whether current rules are effective, redundant, or outdated. The study will engage stakeholders like county commissioners, the Montana League of Cities and Towns, and community members interested in forming new local entities. Findings must be reported to Montana's 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026, but the resolution itself does not change any laws or voting outcomes.
This joint resolution (LC 4485) requests a study of Montana's criminal justice data warehouse, established by 2023 legislation (SB 11). It directs the Criminal Justice Oversight Council to examine the warehouse's implementation progress, funding, stakeholder input, and future goals, with a report due to the 70th Legislature by September 2026. The study will involve gathering perspectives from courts, law enforcement, tribal governments, corrections agencies, and other relevant stakeholders. This procedural resolution does not change policy but seeks to inform future legislative decisions about the data warehouse.
This joint resolution (LC 1827) requests an interim study to address the vacant, state-owned executive residence in Helena (12,259 sq. ft., $100k annual upkeep cost) that has remained unused since 2021 due to renovation delays and budget constraints. The study, to be completed by September 2026, will examine necessary renovations, alternative uses (including sale), and funding options for the property. It does not enact policy but directs the Legislative Council to report findings as proposed legislation to the 70th Legislature. The resolution directly affects Montana's state property management and budget for the governor's official residence.
This joint resolution (LC 1031) requests an interim study of Montana’s affordable housing programs. It directs the Legislative Council to evaluate costs and effectiveness of state/local/federal housing initiatives - including HB 819 (2023) and the Coal Trust Multifamily Homes program - comparing subsidized housing development to non-subsidized options. The study will analyze housing choice vouchers, identify successful programs, and review stakeholder input from agencies like the Board of Housing and nonprofit developers. Findings must be reported to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026. The resolution itself does not change laws but sets a framework for assessing existing housing policies.
