HB 749 proposed to revise the procurement process for state contracts related to public assistance and human services programs. It would have required applicable state departments to use a scoring system that gives priority to contractors based on specific criteria. These criteria included a provider's demonstrated experience within the service area, their length of time operating in the state, their ability to leverage existing relationships, and the number of in-state jobs they propose to create or maintain. This bill aimed to influence how contracts for services such as housing and energy assistance are awarded.
HB 779 aimed to revise discrimination laws by adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of "antisemitism." It would have required the Department of Labor and Industry to consider this definition when reviewing discrimination complaints. Additionally, the bill proposed that this definition be considered for sentence enhancement in cases where offenses are committed due to a victim's race, religion, or national origin. It also would have explicitly recognized antisemitism, as defined by the IHRA, as a form of discrimination under the state's civil rights laws.
HB 799 expands the definition of who can vote in local mill levy elections for counties, cities, school districts, and other taxing entities. It allows individuals who own property within the taxing jurisdiction to vote, even if they do not reside there. These property owners must hold title and provide proof of tax payment. Each individual is limited to one vote per election, regardless of the number of properties they own within the district.
HB 704 seeks to revise Montana's groundwater laws by establishing temporary "closure" and "monitoring" areas in specific regions. In designated closure areas, including the Gallatin, Helena, Bitterroot, and Missoula Valleys, new groundwater use generally requires a permit, with limited exceptions for small-scale uses like individual homes or stockwater. All new groundwater appropriations in both closure and monitoring areas (such as Flathead and Billings) would require metering and annual reporting of water usage. These provisions are intended to gather data and manage groundwater resources pending a comprehensive study, directly affecting individuals and entities seeking to use groundwater in these regions.
House Bill 700 (HB 700) proposes to shorten the maximum amortization period for statewide defined benefit public employee retirement systems from 30 years to 25 years. This change directly affects the funding requirements for various public employee retirement plans, including those for general public employees, judges, highway patrol officers, sheriffs, police officers, firefighters, and teachers. The bill specifies that contributions must be sufficient to cover future benefits and amortize unfunded liabilities over this shorter 25-year period. Additionally, it establishes that no new benefits can be added to these systems unless they can amortize within 25 years or less and are projected to be fully funded.
HB 916 aimed to provide property tax assistance specifically for primary residences. The bill proposed to fund this relief by revising the allocation of revenue generated from the state's lodging tax. This mechanism would have redirected a portion of the lodging tax proceeds, which are currently distributed to various state programs supporting tourism, historical preservation, and state parks, towards property tax relief for homeowners.
HB 673 proposes to revise donor privacy laws for certain political contributions in Montana. The bill establishes that the identity of individuals who contribute less than $1,000 to organizations designated as 501(c)(4) under federal tax law will remain confidential and not subject to public disclosure. It directs the Commissioner of Political Practices to adopt rules to implement this confidentiality provision and makes conforming changes to existing campaign finance disclosure requirements.
HB 402 proposes to designate Wolf Point, Montana, as the official site for the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center. This bill amends existing law to establish Wolf Point as the permanent location for the hall of fame. It directs the Department of Commerce and the Department of Transportation to identify Wolf Point as this site on official state maps and to update road signs accordingly when they are replaced.
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.
