This bill establishes a formal licensing and regulatory system for community health workers in Montana, requiring them to meet specific education, training, and experience standards before practicing. The Department of Labor and Industry will oversee the program, setting rules for qualifications, supervision requirements, and license fees while allowing exemptions for those with equivalent training or experience. The legislation also authorizes the Department of Public Health and Human Services to reimburse community health workers for services provided to patients. Additionally, the bill amends existing state law to include community health workers in the uniform licensing framework used for other regulated professions.
This bill directs the Montana Legislative Council to conduct an interim study on laws governing morticians and funeral services, aiming to improve clarity and consistency in existing statutes. The study will examine current regulations across seven different legal titles, review how other states handle new burial technologies, and research alternative final disposition methods like natural organic reduction and alkaline hydrolysis that are not currently covered. The process requires collaboration with funeral professionals, tribal representatives, health experts, and industry stakeholders, with findings and recommendations to be completed by September 2026 and reported to the next legislature.
This bill directs the Montana Legislative Council to conduct an interim study examining federal grant opportunities available to the state, tribal governments, and local government entities since 2020. The study will identify which grants are currently used versus those that remain unused or underutilized, analyze reasons for these patterns, and investigate whether smaller, rural, or tribal governments face unique challenges in accessing funding compared to larger urban areas. An interim committee will work with stakeholders from state agencies, tribal and local governments, and federal representatives to gather input and develop recommendations for improving grant acquisition. All findings and recommendations must be completed and reported to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026.
This bill directs the Montana Legislative Council to conduct an interim study on guardianship and conservatorship issues, including training, licensing, certification, and auditing of these roles. The study will examine existing resources in Montana, review programs used by other states, identify potential costs and funding sources, and determine where a Montana program should be administratively placed. The committee must gather input from stakeholders such as guardians, conservators, family members, judges, and relevant state agencies, and complete the study by September 15, 2026. The final results, including findings and recommendations, will be reported to the Montana Legislature.
This bill requires Montana counties to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit by right on single-family lots, meaning homeowners can add a secondary living space without needing special permits or hearings. The law sets specific rules for these units, such as limiting their size to no more than 75% of the main home or 1,000 square feet, whichever is smaller, and prohibits counties from requiring matching exterior designs, owner occupancy, or additional parking. Counties may charge a one-time application fee of up to $250 per unit but cannot impose impact fees, restrictive covenants, or more stringent building standards than those already applied to the primary residence. The bill also clarifies that existing building, fire, and health codes still apply, while allowing counties to adopt even more permissive regulations if they choose.
This bill creates a dedicated funding account for regional rail authorities in Montana by allocating a portion of rental car sales and use tax revenue. The money will be distributed annually by the Department of Transportation to rail authorities established before January 1, 2025, and can be used for administrative costs, matching federal grants, and developing cooperative transportation relationships. Funds may also support planning, designing, and operating rail projects that improve safety and connectivity between train stations, airports, roads, and other transit systems, including exploring north-south rail service corridors. The legislation amends existing state statutes to establish these distribution requirements and funding purposes.
This bill revises Montana's property tax rules for business equipment classified as Class Eight, which includes agricultural, mining, manufacturing, and oil and gas machinery and equipment. It increases the exemption threshold so that business equipment costing less than $250 is no longer taxed, and it establishes an annual inflation adjustment mechanism to update the exemption amount each year. To compensate local governments, tax increment financing districts, and the Montana University System for lost tax revenue from these changes, the state will provide reimbursements calculated based on historical tax collections. The bill amends existing state statutes to implement these tax adjustments and reimbursement procedures effective from its passage date.
This bill increases Montana's state income tax deduction for contributions to 529 family education savings accounts from $3,000 to $4,500 for the 2025 tax year. It allows taxpayers to reduce their taxable income by up to $4,500 for contributions made to accounts owned by themselves, their spouse, or their Montana-resident children or stepchildren. The bill also establishes an automatic inflation adjustment mechanism that will increase the deduction limit each year based on changes in the consumer price index, rounded to the nearest $100. Additionally, the changes apply retroactively to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024, and take effect immediately upon passage.
This bill modifies Montana's property tax system to allow for financial reimbursement between school districts when students from one district attend school in a neighboring district due to geographic barriers. It creates a process where a school district can petition the county superintendent for a reconciliation payment if an isolated pupil from a wealthier district attends their school, requiring a $100 processing fee and annual application. The bill also establishes that when school territory is transferred between districts, the taxable value of that land will be split between both districts for three years to maintain tax equity. Additionally, it provides a legal appeal process for districts that disagree with the county superintendent's determination regarding payment eligibility.
This bill allocates $210,000 from the general license account to Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks to hire two full-time bear technicians for Region 3, which covers southwest Montana. The funding is intended to help the agency manage conflicts between expanding grizzly bear populations and increasing human development in the area. The money will supplement existing base funding and is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2025, with the legislature planning for the 2027 appropriation to become part of future base funding.
This Montana Senate resolution confirms the governor's appointment of Kurt Nelson to serve on the Board of Veterans' Affairs. The bill formally approves Nelson's selection for a term ending on August 1, 2025, in accordance with state law. Once confirmed, the resolution is sent to the Secretary of State and the governor to complete the appointment process. This procedural measure directly affects the staffing of the veterans' affairs board and does not change existing policies or funding.
This bill extends Montana's at-home infant care program from two years to three years for low-income families. It directly affects parents who provide full-time care for infants under three years of age and meet specific eligibility requirements, including income limits of 150% of the federal poverty level and work or education requirements. The legislation amends state law to allow families to receive up to 36 months of assistance instead of the previous 24 months, with funding of $2 million appropriated annually from the general fund starting July 1, 2025.
