HJ 29 is a joint resolution recognizing and reaffirming the strong bilateral relationship between the State of Montana and Taiwan. It commemorates the upcoming 40th anniversary of their sister-state relationship and highlights existing trade, educational, and cultural ties. The resolution also advocates for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations and endorses a closer economic and trade partnership between the United States and Taiwan.
HJ 35 is a joint resolution from the Montana Legislature urging federal officials to modify current federal land management and wildfire policies. It calls for an aggressive initial attack on wildfires across all federal lands and for federal forest roads to remain open for access and fire suppression. The resolution also recommends that EPA air quality standards include wildfire smoke and that federal "let it burn" policies be reversed, ensuring NEPA processes are followed. Finally, it advocates for increased involvement of state and local governments and stakeholder groups in federal fire management decisions to protect Montana's communities.
Senate Joint Resolution 29 (SJ 29) requests an interim study to examine how the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) can coordinate efforts. The study aims to address the health and learning needs of children who have been prenatally exposed to methamphetamine and fentanyl. An assigned committee will gather statistics, research approaches from other states, and develop proposals in collaboration with various entities, including tribal governments and early childhood providers. The final results and recommendations from this study will be reported to the 70th Legislature.
House Joint Resolution 40 (HJ 40) is a legislative measure requesting an interim study in Montana. This study will explore the benefits and drawbacks of transferring the responsibility for producing fiscal notes - which estimate the financial impact of proposed bills - from the executive branch to the legislative branch. The Legislative Council will designate a committee to conduct this study, with support from legislative divisions. The committee is required to complete its work by September 15, 2026, and report its findings to the 70th Legislature.
HJ 74 is a joint resolution requesting an interim study on water reuse in Montana. This study will examine existing state laws, administrative rules, and infrastructure related to purifying wastewater for designated beneficial purposes. An assigned legislative committee will analyze legal, economic, and social barriers to implementing water reuse programs, and explore how other states utilize this practice. The study aims to identify industries and geographic areas in Montana that could benefit from water reuse, and may propose legislation to incentivize and facilitate such programs. The final results of the study are to be reported to the 70th Legislature by September 2026.
House Joint Resolution 17 is a resolution from the Montana Legislature urging the U.S. Congress and President to take actions to promote American energy production. It calls for reforming and streamlining federal permitting obligations and revising environmental regulations that are deemed not to align with national security interests. The resolution specifically recommends that the Environmental Protection Agency immediately review and potentially suspend, revise, or rescind certain power plant regulations issued in May 2024.
HJ 45 is a joint resolution requesting an interim study in Montana on the impact of collateral consequences on criminal record expungement. The study will investigate challenges faced by individuals with expunged criminal records, particularly concerning employment and housing barriers due to existing laws, online information, and discrimination. It aims to review current expungement laws, analyze outcomes for individuals with expunged records, and examine practices in other states. The study will suggest specific changes to state law to address these barriers and report its findings to the 70th Legislature in the form of introduced legislation.
HJ 48 is a joint resolution requesting an interim study on moving the date of Montana's primary election. The study will examine how changing the primary date would impact existing election deadlines, procedures, other local elections, and election administrators. An appropriate legislative committee will conduct the study, consult with stakeholders, and develop potential legislation for the 70th Legislature to implement a new primary election date and necessary legal changes.
HJ 50 is a joint resolution requesting an interim study of uniform common interest ownership laws in Montana. This study will review the Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (UCIOWA) and current state laws governing owners' associations and condominiums. Its purpose is to determine if legislative changes are warranted to update and improve these laws, many of which have not been thoroughly amended since 1965. The study will involve input from interested parties, including representatives from banking, real estate, and land title industries, with its final results reported to the 70th Legislature.
HJ 15 is a joint resolution from the Montana Legislature that expresses support for increasing electric transmission capacity. It states that upgrading and expanding transmission infrastructure, both within Montana and across state borders, is essential for ensuring affordable and reliable electricity service and stable economic growth for Montanans. The resolution directs copies to be sent to various governors, state and federal energy commissions, and rural electric cooperatives.
Senate Joint Resolution 48 (SJ 48) requests an interim study on the public health and safety impacts of marijuana legalization in Montana. This study, to be conducted by a designated legislative committee, will examine various areas including emergency room trends related to marijuana use, its effects on youth and schools, and impacts on the criminal justice system. The committee will engage stakeholders such as health professionals, law enforcement, and educators to gather data and input. The final report, including findings and proposed legislative strategies, will be submitted to the 70th Legislature to inform future policy.
Senate Joint Resolution 42 requests an interim study on noxious weed control in Montana. This study will examine existing state laws, department rules, and the responsibilities of District Weed Boards and Coordinators in enforcing compliance. Its goal is to research current control strategies, review how other states manage noxious weeds, and propose legislation to update terminology, clarify statutes, and improve consistency for the 70th Legislature.
