HJ 18 is a joint resolution from the State of Montana that proclaims support for admitting Washington, D.C., into the Union as a state. The resolution states Montana's opposition to federal efforts that interfere with D.C.'s local self-government and home rule. It calls on Congress and the President to enact federal legislation granting statehood to the people of Washington, D.C.
HB 893 proposes creating a new annual lottery game called "Montana millions" to provide funds for property tax assistance. This game would be held on July 4, offering four $1 million prizes, with 500,000 tickets sold at $20 each. After covering costs and prizes, the net revenue generated would be transferred to a state property tax assistance account. The bill also appropriates $50,000 to the Department of Revenue for implementing related provisions of Senate Bill No. 90, upon which this act is contingent.
This bill would allow businesses in Montana to receive a state income tax credit for payment processing fees they direct to charitable organizations, provided the payment processor reimburses the state for the credit amount in the first year it is claimed. The credit applies to both individual and corporate income taxes and can be carried forward for up to two years if it exceeds the taxpayer's tax liability for that year. The legislation defines payment processing fees as charges for electronic transactions like credit card or digital wallet payments and specifies that charitable organizations must meet federal charitable contribution standards. The bill also requires the credit to be attributed to shareholders or partners if claimed by certain business structures.
HB 730 sought to revise state laws concerning the "best interest of a child" in parenting proceedings. The bill would have amended the factors courts consider when determining parenting plans, specifically for children who are transitioning genders. It stipulated that a parent's support for a child's gender transition "must be considered not in the child's best interests" and treated similarly to physical abuse. Conversely, a parent's opposition to a child's gender transition could not be considered as being against the child's best interests. This bill would have directly affected parents involved in child custody and parenting plan decisions.
House Bill 353 grants the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks the authority to manage the collection of naturally shed antlers and horns from elk, deer, and antelope, as well as those with a skull or portion of a skull attached. The bill establishes new licensing requirements, instituting a $10 Class F-1 license for residents and a $50 Class F-2 license for nonresidents who collect these items. Landowners, their immediate family, and employees are exempt from needing a license when collecting on their own land. This legislation also provides the department with rulemaking authority, implements a waiting period for nonresidents, and revises criminal acts related to possessing sheds.
HJ 41 was a joint resolution that requested an interim study of Montana's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and the Residential Mobile Home Lot Rental Act, which impact renters and mobile home park residents across the state. The study aimed to identify outdated provisions, compare Montana's laws to those in other states, and examine the effects of private equity firms owning housing. Its purpose was to find opportunities for clarifying, modernizing, or reforming these laws, with findings to be reported to the 70th Legislature.
HB 847 proposed to provide funding for grizzly bear management in Montana. The bill aimed to appropriate $210,000 annually from the general license account to the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) for the biennium starting July 1, 2025. This funding was specifically designated to create and support two new full-time bear technician positions within FWP Region 3, located in Southwest Montana. These technicians would assist in managing human-wildlife interactions and conflicts as grizzly bear populations expand in the region. The legislature intended for this appropriation to become part of FWP's ongoing base funding.
House Joint Resolution 22 is a legislative measure through which the Montana Senate and House of Representatives formally acknowledge the kingship of Jesus Christ over the world. The resolution also directs the Secretary of State to transmit copies of this acknowledgement to various federal, state, and tribal officials.
HB 695 establishes rules for competitive access to utility poles, primarily affecting pole owners like rural electric cooperatives and entities wishing to attach their equipment. The bill requires pole owners who have received broadband grant funding and offer broadband services to allow access to their poles according to federal regulations. It also mandates that grant agreements for broadband funding include compliance with these rules. If a pole owner does not comply, an aggrieved entity can take civil action in court for damages and other relief.
HB 761 revises laws regarding residential property covenants, aiming to protect property owners' rights. It prevents the enforcement of any new or amended restrictions on property use that are more restrictive than those that existed when the owner acquired the property, unless the owner provides express written consent. Owners claiming this protection must record their exception with the county clerk. The bill clarifies how these protections apply to successor owners and maintains the validity of existing covenants, except for newly imposed, more restrictive terms without consent.
House Joint Resolution 37 requests an interim study on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Montana. The study would investigate the presence of PFAS, including their sources, testing methods, and how people and the environment are exposed to them, particularly through food and water. It would also examine the dangers associated with PFAS exposure and explore potential solutions, such as public health interventions, environmental cleanup, product labeling, and legal actions. The findings and recommendations from this study are to be reported to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026.
HB 773, known as "Noah's Act," aimed to streamline transportation planning by reducing redundant reviews for certain projects. It would have eliminated the need for the Transportation Commission to re-review long-range transportation plans and associated projects that were already adopted by Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and approved by the Department of Transportation. Instead, these projects, including urban street and nonoperational safety improvements, would be approved by a department district administrator. For communities without MPOs, department district administrators would also gain authority to approve smaller projects without Commission approval, intending to enhance local transportation efficiency.
