SB 247 classifies certain nonprofit shooting ranges as "Class four property" for taxation purposes, affecting organizations that operate these ranges and are exempt under 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4). The bill establishes a specific property tax rate for these qualifying ranges, taxing them at one-half the rate applied to general commercial property. It defines a "shooting range" as the necessary buildings, improvements, and up to 150 acres of appurtenant land, excluding residential or general commercial business uses. These changes will apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.
SB 297 generally revises privacy laws, affecting consumers and entities that collect personal data. The bill requires these "controllers" to notify consumers when their information has been collected and to provide an opt-out option for consumers. It also mandates that controllers issue privacy notices and outlines their specific duties regarding data handling. Additionally, the Attorney General is required to post information about consumer privacy rights and responsibilities online.
SB 300 provides new legal protections for service animals and their handlers. The bill establishes specific offenses for harassing, harming, or taking unauthorized control of a service animal. Individuals convicted of these offenses face misdemeanor penalties and are required to pay full restitution for all related damages and expenses incurred by the handler. Additionally, it amends existing state laws to include service animals in definitions related to vicious dogs and owner liability for dog bites.
SB 464 revises laws related to the appointment and duties of special advocates in child abuse and neglect proceedings. The bill mandates that courts appoint a special advocate for children alleged to be abused or neglected, establishing minimum qualifications and prohibiting conflicts of interest for these individuals. It expands the advocates' responsibilities, requiring them to conduct independent reviews, access records, prepare reports, and advocate for the child's best interests throughout the case. These duties include monitoring the case, ensuring the child's needs are met, and facilitating safe living arrangements.
SB 238 establishes the Supporting Bowhunters with Disabilities Program, aimed at helping hunters with disabilities acquire modified archery equipment. The bill creates an optional donation mechanism, allowing individuals to contribute $1 or more when purchasing certain hunting licenses. These donations will be deposited into a dedicated Supporting Bowhunters with Disabilities Account. Funds from this account will then be used to provide grants to qualified nonprofit organizations, enabling them to purchase and distribute modified archery equipment to eligible disabled hunters.
SB 121 revises Montana's land use planning act, affecting local governments, developers, and the public involved in development projects. The bill clarifies that local governments may make decisions on development applications and provides additional opportunities for public comment on proposed developments by clarifying public notice requirements. It allows cities to retain extraterritorial zoning authority beyond their limits. Additionally, the bill amends land divisions excluded from subdivision review and allows for a public hearing before a planning commission hears an appeal.
Senate Bill 311 aims to enhance state legislators' understanding of state-tribal relations. It requires the State Director of Indian Affairs, in collaboration with the legislative services division, to provide information and training to all legislators on Indian law, federal Indian policy history, and the legal rights of tribal members. This includes updated handbooks and access to existing educational resources. Additionally, the bill revises the annual deadline for the Governor's office to provide a report on state and tribal activities to tribal governments, moving it from September 15 to October 15.
SB 317 prohibits health insurance companies from requiring prior authorization for psychiatric prescription drugs that are officially designated as being in shortage. The list of these drugs will be updated quarterly, based on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's official shortage list. This aims to ensure covered persons can access necessary psychiatric medications without delays due to prior authorization when supplies are limited. Additionally, the bill prevents manufacturers of these shortage drugs from engaging in predatory pricing or marketing practices.
SB 48 revises the complaint process for the Judicial Standards Commission. This bill allows citizens who file a complaint against a judge to make their complaints public at any time, removing the previous requirement for the complainant to maintain confidentiality. The change ensures citizens can exercise their right to free speech regarding alleged judicial misconduct while the commission conducts its investigation. This is achieved by amending sections 3-1-1106 and 3-1-1123 of state law.
SB 57 revises county election canvassing processes to improve accuracy and address discrepancies. The bill requires Boards of County Canvassers to compare the number of votes cast against the number of registered electors and the number of persons who voted. If discrepancies or errors are identified during canvassing, the board must investigate them within two days. As part of this investigation, the board is authorized to require the election administrator to conduct a recount of votes.
SB 390 revises Montana's Clean Indoor Air Act by updating the definition of "smoking." The bill explicitly defines "electronic smoking device" to include e-cigarettes, dab rigs, and vape pens. It then expands the definition of "smoking" to include the use of both marijuana and any electronic smoking device. This change means that existing prohibitions on smoking in enclosed public places will now also apply to these electronic devices and marijuana use.
SB 60 revises the laws governing insurance premium taxes for certain captive insurance companies and special purpose insurers. The bill establishes new tiered tax rates for both direct premiums collected and assumed reinsurance premiums. It also sets a minimum annual tax of $5,000, with quarterly adjustments for authorization or surrender, and an aggregate tax cap of $100,000 for most captive insurers. These changes apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.
