House Joint Resolution 53 requests an interim study to improve school safety across Montana K-12 schools. The Legislative Council is asked to designate a committee to conduct this study, collaborating with various state agencies and educational organizations. The study will examine Montana's current school safety practices, review existing laws and funding mechanisms, and assess the state's implementation of the "Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety" recommended by the U.S. Attorney General. The committee's final report, including findings and recommendations, is due to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026.
HJ 47 is a joint resolution requesting an interim study on cooperation and consolidation among local government entities in Montana. The study will identify areas that could benefit from improved intergovernmental cooperation or consolidation, affecting various local governments such as counties, municipalities, and special districts like fire or water districts. It will review existing methods, analyze approaches used in other states, and assess the fiscal impacts of increased cooperation or consolidation. The Legislative Council is tasked with designating a committee or staff to conduct this study, engaging stakeholders and local officials. The final report, including findings and recommendations, is due to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026.
Montana House Joint Resolution 10 (HJ 10) declares the Montana Legislature's belief that biological boys and men should not be allowed to participate in girls' and women's sports. The resolution formally urges the United States Congress to pass the "Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025." It directs that copies of this resolution be sent to key federal officials, including the President and members of Congress, to communicate this position and request.
Joint Resolution 23 (HJ 23) requests an interim study to review and simplify the Montana Youth Court Act. The study aims to streamline the Act, which has become complex and difficult to navigate due to decades of amendments. An interim committee will conduct the study, gathering input from county attorneys, judges, and public defenders. The goal is to propose legislative changes that clarify procedures for legal professionals and families, while maintaining accountability and protecting youth rights, with a report due to the 70th Legislature.
HJ 26 is a joint resolution requesting an interim legislative study on guardianship and conservatorship issues in Montana. The study will review existing resources and examine programs in other states for training, licensing, certification, and auditing of guardians and conservators. It will also identify potential costs, funding sources, and administrative placement for a Montana program. The study will involve input from various stakeholders, including guardians, family members, and legal and health professionals, with final results reported to the 69th Legislature.
House Joint Resolution 7 (HJ 7) is a resolution from the Montana Legislature that congratulates Donald J. Trump on his inauguration as President of the United States. It expresses confidence in his leadership, offers best wishes for his term, and reaffirms Montana's commitment to partnering with the federal government. Copies of the resolution are to be transmitted to President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Montana's Congressional Delegation.
House Joint Resolution 52 requests an interim study on the Montana cattle industry. This study will explore the implementation of a state assessment on Montana cattle to fund research, promotion, and educational programs for Montana beef and beef products. An interim committee will review similar assessment programs in other states, examine stakeholder interest for a state assessment, and evaluate options for a governing board. The study aims to improve the profitability and marketability of the state's cattle industry. The final results of this study, including any recommendations, are to be reported to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026.
HJ 42 requests an interim study of state agency procurement practices in Montana. This study will review existing statutes and rules, identify how agencies determine whether to seek bids, and examine state procurement items over $25,000 from the past four years for any deviations from the Montana Procurement Act. It aims to identify funds paid to vendors selected outside standard processes, evaluate contracts for waste, fraud, or abuse, and investigate ways to standardize contract reporting. The study will culminate in recommendations for changes to prevent future deviations and will be reported to the 70th Legislature.
House Joint Resolution 1 (HJ 1) is a resolution from the Montana Legislature urging the United States Congress to fully fund public safety and law enforcement agencies and programs within Montana's Indian reservations. It also calls on the U.S. Department of Justice to collaborate with the Department of the Interior and consult with tribal governments to improve the administration and funding of tribal justice systems, including courts and victim services. The resolution further invites Montana's tribal governments and requests the Governor to send supporting communications to Congress, which the Montana Secretary of State will then compile and forward.
Senate Joint Resolution 37 requests an interim survey of behavioral health services in Montana to assess access to mental health care for Montanans. An assigned legislative committee will survey the number and geographic distribution of various mental health beds, including those for emergency detention, crisis stabilization, and long-term psychiatric treatment for adolescents and adults. The survey will also count providers of crisis stabilization and ongoing mental health services, including psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. The committee is asked to draft legislation based on the survey to increase bed availability and reduce barriers for behavioral health care providers, especially in rural areas, with results reported to the 70th Legislature.
House Joint Resolution 61 (HJ 61) requests an interim study on Montana's property insurance market. This study aims to evaluate the reasons behind rising property insurance costs and their impact on rates, which directly affects homeowners, landlords, tenants, and businesses across the state. An interim committee will analyze policy strategies to stabilize the market and develop approaches for more accessible and affordable property insurance, with final results reported to the 70th Legislature.
House Joint Resolution 32 requests an interim study to examine the training and qualifications of law enforcement investigators within Montana agencies. This study will review current training opportunities for serious crimes, survey the number of qualified officers, and explore ways to increase qualified investigators. The final results, including any recommendations, will be reported to the 70th Legislature.
