HB 383 aims to increase transparency in campaign finance reporting. It mandates that the state's electronic campaign reporting system provide a unique web address (URL) for every file, report, and search result it maintains. This provision would allow for direct linking and easier access to specific pieces of campaign finance data for the public.
HB 755 sought to prohibit certain non-resident aliens and foreign entities from owning real property within the state. The bill defined "alien" as any person not a U.S. citizen or national and not a resident of the state, and "foreign entity" as one organized or principally based in a foreign country. If an affected individual or entity owned property, they would be required to divest within six months, after which the property could be sold at public auction. The Attorney General or county attorney would have been able to enforce these provisions, which were set to apply to property purchased on or after January 1, 2026.
HB 609 sought to establish the criminal offense of "abortion trafficking." It would prohibit any person from purposely or knowingly transporting an unborn child from Montana, either within or outside the state, to obtain an abortion that is illegal under Montana law. Individuals convicted of this offense could face fines up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. The bill also included a provision allowing penalties to be imposed against the mother of an unborn child for violating this specific trafficking offense, which is an exception to general prohibitions against penalizing women for abortion-related acts.
HJ 24 was a joint resolution from the Montana Legislature expressing full support for the State of Utah in its legal dispute with the United States government. Utah is challenging the federal policy of perpetually retaining unappropriated public lands within its borders, arguing it is unconstitutional and limits state sovereignty. The resolution also highlights Montana's similar concerns regarding federal land ownership within its own state. It urged Utah to continue seeking a judgment against the federal government's land retention policies, despite the Supreme Court denying an initial motion. This resolution died in the legislative process.
HB 854 would have established a refundable income tax credit for Montana taxpayers who purchase a federal firearm suppressor tax stamp. The credit aimed to offset the cost of one such stamp, providing up to $50 or the actual stamp cost, whichever was less. This credit would have been available in the tax year the stamp was purchased, starting January 1, 2026, and terminating December 31, 2027. The bill's stated purpose was to encourage citizen safety by helping to prevent long-term hearing damage.
HB 243 proposed a new state income tax credit for qualified volunteer emergency first responders. This credit would apply to individuals providing active, uncompensated volunteer service as firefighters, EMTs, auxiliary officers, or search and rescue volunteers. The credit amount would be the lesser of $15 per hour of service or $1,500 annually. If the credit exceeds a taxpayer's liability, the excess amount would be refunded. The bill's stated purpose was to retain existing volunteers and recruit new ones, with an applicability date for income tax years beginning January 1, 2026.
HB 843 aimed to establish a Montana emergency solutions grant to help individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It proposed appropriating $1 million annually for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 from the state's general fund to the Department of Public Health and Human Services. These funds would supplement federal emergency solutions grants for rapid re-housing assistance. The bill would have allowed for rental assistance up to 150% of the fair market rent for program participants with incomes below 80% of the area median income.
House Bill 286 aims to revise election laws by requiring the Secretary of State to verify the United States citizenship status of both registered electors and new voter applicants. The bill mandates the Secretary of State to determine the citizenship status of current electors, categorize them as U.S. citizen, undetermined, or non-U.S. citizen, and alert those with undetermined status to provide proof of citizenship. It requires the removal of individuals determined to have non-U.S. citizenship from the voter list. New voter applicants would also be required to provide documentary proof of United States citizenship as part of their registration process.
HB 842 proposed a legislative referendum for Montana voters to decide on establishing a statewide sales tax. If approved by voters, this bill would allow the legislature to enact a sales tax not exceeding 4%. The revenue generated from this sales tax would be exclusively used to reduce property taxes that fund public schools and the Montana university system. The proposed sales tax would apply to final goods and services but include exemptions for necessities such as housing, groceries, fuel, health care, and utilities. The bill was to be submitted to qualified electors at the November 2026 general election for approval.
HB 314 proposed creating a State Energy Authority to help develop Montana's energy resources and improve electricity transmission within the state and regionally. This authority would consist of 14 members appointed by the governor, representing utilities, energy stakeholders, and state agencies. Its responsibilities would include planning, developing, and analyzing energy and transmission projects, coordinating with state agencies, and participating in regional energy initiatives. The bill also proposed funding the authority's activities through a special revenue account, using money from the wholesale energy transaction tax.
HB 812 aimed to revise state unemployment laws specifically concerning nonprofessional employees of educational institutions. Currently, employees in educational settings are generally denied unemployment benefits between academic terms if they have a reasonable assurance of returning to work. This bill proposed to allow nonprofessional employees of educational institutions to claim unemployment benefits during these interim periods, in alignment with federal law. The change would have enabled these specific workers to receive unemployment compensation during breaks when they might otherwise be ineligible.
HB 734, titled the "Responsible Restroom Allocation Act," would prohibit public educational institutions in Montana from providing or maintaining menstrual product dispensers in male-designated restrooms. This applies to all public elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as units of the Montana university system and community colleges. The bill requires existing dispensers in male-designated restrooms to be removed within 60 days of its effective date. Compliance would be overseen by the Superintendent of Public Instruction for K-12 schools and the Board of Regents for higher education, with potential withholding of administrative funding for non-compliance. The bill clarifies that menstrual products can still be provided in female-designated restrooms, nurse's offices, or student health centers.
