SB 25 regulates the use of artificial intelligence (AI) generated content, specifically "deepfakes," in election communications within Montana. It prohibits individuals, political entities, and corporations from distributing deepfakes of candidates or political parties in election communications within 60 days before an election. This prohibition applies unless the communication includes a clear disclosure stating that the content has been significantly edited by AI and depicts false speech or conduct. The bill outlines specific formatting requirements for this disclosure across various media, including print, television, and internet communications. It also provides for injunctive relief, damages, and penalties for violations.
SB 39 revises the process for awarding attorney fees in civil lawsuits, especially those challenging a state statute or administrative rule. It requires that all attorney fee awards must be reasonable and sets specific requirements for how attorneys must document their work and expenses when requesting fees. The bill also establishes a rebuttable presumption that certain practices, like sending multiple attorneys to a deposition or charging for basic office costs, are unreasonable. Additionally, when attorney fees are awarded against the state, courts must consider the hourly rate charged by the state's attorney.
HB 735 generally revises Montana's alcohol license laws. The bill updates and adds various definitions related to alcohol production, sales, and the types of business entities involved in the alcohol industry. A key provision introduces a requirement for applicants of certain alcohol licenses to submit fingerprints. These changes directly affect licensed entities, individuals applying for alcohol licenses, and various business structures operating within the state's alcohol industry. The bill also includes an immediate effective date.
SB 181 generally revises Montana's Indian Education for All laws to strengthen the state's commitment to preserving American Indian cultural integrity. The bill requires all certified school personnel and students to receive instruction in American Indian studies, emphasizing tribal consultation and the use of Indian language and cultural specialists. It places additional accountability and reporting requirements on the Board of Public Education, the Office of Public Instruction, and school districts, particularly regarding the financial oversight of state funds for these programs. This legislation aims to improve the delivery and accountability of American Indian education across Montana's public education system.
Senate Bill 106 updates Montana's laws concerning the use of manned and unmanned aircraft, including drones, in hunting-related activities. It allows permits for using aircraft to herd wild animals damaging private property, but these permits can only be issued during a legal hunting season for that specific animal. The bill also introduces a new prohibition against intentionally interfering with hunting using an aircraft and adjusts rules for using aircraft to spot or communicate game locations. Additionally, it creates an exception for aircraft use when supporting agricultural operations. These revisions primarily affect hunters, landowners, and agricultural operators.
SB 133 revises the laws governing impact fees that local governments charge on new development. The bill removes the ability for governmental entities to include an administrative fee within impact charges and limits impact fee increases to the rate of inflation. It also updates definitions related to these fees and details the required documentation for their calculation, such as a service area report.
SB 183 amends Montana law to require an outfitter endorsement for individuals seeking or renewing a guide's license. This means new guide applicants must be endorsed by a licensed outfitter, in addition to meeting other requirements like age and having a valid conservation license. For license renewals, the application must be signed by an outfitter employing the guide, or it will be denied. The bill directly affects individuals who want to become or remain licensed guides, as well as the outfitters who employ and endorse them.
SB 218 establishes a private right of action, allowing minors, their legal guardians, or estates to file civil lawsuits against healthcare professionals and physicians. These lawsuits can be brought for injuries caused by specific medical interventions, including certain surgeries, hormone therapies, and puberty blockers, when provided to minors to treat gender dysphoria. Liability may arise if the injury is proximately caused by a deviation from the applicable medical standard of care. The bill sets a statute of limitations for these actions and clarifies that it does not apply to treatments for medically verifiable disorders of sex development or complications from prior medical treatments.
SB 303 requires designated state agencies in Montana to submit annual reports detailing financial assistance provided directly or indirectly to tribal entities. This includes both state and federal funds passed through the state, in forms such as grants, contracts, and loans. The Office of Budget and Program Planning then compiles these agency reports into a comprehensive document. This compiled report is submitted to the State-Tribal Relations Committee, the Legislative Finance Committee, and the Office of State Director of Indian Affairs, and is also posted on the latter's website. The reports must specify the amount, recipient, purpose, and any administrative costs or retained funds associated with the assistance.
SB 296, known as "Alan's Law," establishes an enhanced penalty for individuals who commit offenses against vulnerable persons while employed or volunteering in a caregiving facility. If found guilty of a misdemeanor or felony offense, offenders face an additional prison sentence of 1 to 10 years. This additional sentence runs consecutively to the original punishment and generally cannot be deferred or suspended. The bill defines "caregiving facilities" broadly to include various health, youth, and educational settings, and "vulnerable persons" as children, vulnerable adults, or incapacitated individuals.
SB 364 establishes "kill switch" laws, primarily affecting individuals who own electronic consumer products and motor vehicles, and the entities that manufacture or service them. The bill prohibits an entity from remotely activating a kill switch on a person's personally owned property without a court order or warrant. Exceptions include situations involving unpaid subscriptions or leased items (with prior disclosure), and certain safety features in motor vehicles. Additionally, a kill switch can be activated on stolen property with the owner's consent. Violations allow individuals to seek $10,000 in statutory damages per instance.
SB 449 generally revises health utilization review laws, affecting health insurance enrollees, health insurance issuers, and healthcare providers. It requires health insurers to honor existing prior authorizations for at least 90 days when an enrollee changes health plans and prevents requiring repeat step therapy protocols if already completed. The bill prohibits prior authorization for certain prescriptions written at discharge from inpatient care for at least three days. Additionally, it generally prevents health insurers from retroactively denying covered services that received prior authorization and mandates that insurers accept and respond electronically to prior authorization requests from healthcare providers.
