This Montana Senate resolution confirms four individuals appointed by the governor to serve on the state Board of Horseracing. The bill validates the appointments of Janis Calton, John Hayes, Corey Jones, and Jody Smith, each serving staggered terms ending in 2027 or 2028. By concurring in these appointments, the Senate completes the legislative process required for these individuals to officially join the board. The resolution directs the Senate Secretary to send copies to the Secretary of State and the governor to finalize the appointments.
This Montana joint resolution formally acknowledges Jesus Christ as the rightful ruler of all nations, including the state of Montana. The bill does not create new laws or change government operations but serves as a symbolic statement of religious belief. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to tribal governments, the President, the Governor, and federal representatives. The resolution cites biblical passages to support the claim of Christ's authority over civil government.
This bill increases the maximum income tax credit available to elderly homeowners and renters in Montana by adjusting the credit calculation thresholds and amounts. It directly affects seniors who own or rent their primary residences by providing a tax credit that offsets a portion of their property taxes or rent-equivalent costs. The key mechanism involves raising the income threshold at which the credit begins to phase out and increasing the maximum credit amount, while also updating the definition of household income to $14,100 for calculation purposes. The bill includes an inflationary adjustment provision to ensure the credit maximum and phase-out income levels keep pace with economic changes.
This bill requires all nonresident vessel operators to obtain an aquatic invasive species prevention pass before launching their boats on Montana waters, with fees of $10 for nonmotorized vessels and $30 for motorized vessels. To qualify for the pass, operators must complete a 30-minute online course covering prevention methods and regulations, which includes watching an educational video and passing a test. The legislation also increases penalties for violations, including fines up to $750 for negligent negligence and up to $10,000 plus potential jail time for intentionally introducing invasive species.
This bill creates a Local Emergency Quick Response Program to provide financial assistance to property owners in rural areas of Montana who suffer damage from catastrophic natural events. The program allows conservation districts to distribute funds to cover specific recovery needs such as removing fallen trees, clearing fire hazards, purchasing livestock feed, and repairing damaged fences. Funding is available on a cost-share basis where the state covers up to 75% of eligible costs, with property owners required to contribute the remaining portion and conservation districts retaining up to 7% for administrative expenses. The legislation appropriates $8 million for the 2025-2026 biennium, with $1 million allocated quarterly, and requires applications to be submitted within 60 days of a county emergency resolution.
This bill updates how Montana Medicaid reimburses healthcare providers by requiring annual cost-of-living adjustments for all covered services. It mandates that contracts with non-physician providers must include automatic fee increases based on the Consumer Price Index for Medical Care, while physician payments continue under existing inflation adjustment rules. The changes apply to all Medicaid service contracts and take effect on July 1, 2025, ensuring provider fees keep pace with inflation without requiring individual renegotiations.
This bill directs Montana's Department of Public Health and Human Services and the Office of Public Instruction to create a plan for expanding mental health education to all public schools in the state. The plan must include curriculum details, financial and technical support mechanisms, data collection methods, and focus on specific areas like bullying, suicide prevention, and substance use. The agencies are required to submit interim progress reports by September 2025 and January 2026, with a final plan due by May 2026. The legislation also requires the secretary of state to notify federally recognized tribal governments about the act.
This bill directs the Montana Medicaid department to take steps to reduce or eliminate waiting lists for covered health services. It requires the department to use administrative, programmatic, and funding tools such as adjusting reimbursement rates or applying for federal waivers to address these delays. The law specifically prioritizes waiting lists for senior and long-term care, behavioral health, dental services, family education support, and home-based services for people with developmental disabilities. Additionally, the department must submit an annual report to the legislature detailing current waiting list sizes, reduction efforts, and expected timelines for eliminating each list.
This bill updates Montana laws governing dietitians and nutritionists by establishing new licensing requirements and criminal background checks for those seeking professional credentials. It defines key terms such as "quality educator" and "impacted school" to clarify which institutions and professionals qualify for state payments and regulatory protections. The legislation also creates exemptions for certain situations, sets requirements for qualified supervisors, and includes transitional provisions for permits and existing licenses. Additionally, it repeals two older sections of the code and amends multiple statutes to align with these new standards.
This bill allows Montana school districts and public charter schools to hire paid or volunteer chaplains to provide support services to students. Schools that choose to use chaplains must create a policy outlining the services offered, notify parents about availability, and obtain written consent before students participate. The bill requires chaplains to pass background checks, be at least 18 years old, and have good moral character, with their religious affiliations listed publicly on school websites. Additionally, schools may use chaplains to perform duties typically assigned to school counselors, and all chaplains must be certified by the state superintendent of public instruction. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025.
This bill increases the payment threshold for lobbyists in Montana from $2,150 to $3,000 for the 2025 calendar year. It establishes a new rule requiring the state commissioner to adjust this threshold every two years based on inflation, using the Consumer Price Index to calculate the change. The adjustment must be rounded to the nearest $50 and takes effect on January 1 of the following odd-numbered year. This change affects lobbyists who receive payments from state agencies and ensures the threshold keeps pace with rising costs over time.
This bill revises Montana's asbestos litigation laws by requiring individuals filing asbestos lawsuits to disclose all related compensation claims they have made against asbestos trusts within 30 days of filing. It establishes transparency rules that mandate claimants provide sworn statements confirming they have completed all applicable trust claims and submit all related documents, including medical records and settlement information. The legislation also allows defendants to request additional trust claims before trial and permits courts to delay proceedings if claimants fail to comply with disclosure requirements. Additionally, the bill makes trust claim materials and governance documents presumptively admissible in court, removing protections against discovery for these documents. These changes directly affect people filing asbestos-related lawsuits and the defendants in those cases by creating stricter disclosure and discovery procedures.
