HB 326, titled the "State Energy Resource Severance Act," would establish a new 10% tax on the sale price of electrical energy produced in the state. This tax would apply to electricity generated from sources such as water, wind, and solar, but specifically exempts coal-fired electrical generation. The bill also reduces the existing coal severance tax rate to match this new electrical energy production tax rate. Revenue from this new tax would be allocated to special accounts, primarily for local government infrastructure projects traditionally funded by coal.
HB 841 proposed a constitutional amendment in Montana to change the allocation of state sales or use tax revenue. It would have required that revenue from a statewide sales tax, capped at 4%, be used primarily to reduce property taxes funding public schools and the Montana University System. The bill allowed for this revenue to be appropriated for other purposes if three-fourths of the legislature voted to do so. If approved by voters in November 2026, the amendment would have taken effect on July 1, 2027.
House Bill 565, also known as the "Building Families Act," would have required certain health insurance policies in Montana to cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, including in vitro fertilization (IVF). This mandate would have applied to small group, large group, and individual health insurance policies issued or renewed in the state. The bill defined infertility based on factors like age and time trying to conceive, or a physician's findings. It set a lifetime coverage minimum of at least $40,000 for fertilization services and aimed to ensure fertility coverage was not subject to different limitations than other medical benefits.
HB 727 revises workers' compensation insurance laws to enhance oversight of market competition. It requires the commissioner to annually measure market concentration among workers' compensation insurers, including the state fund, using the Herfindahl-Hirschman index. If this index indicates a non-competitive market (over 1,800), the commissioner must hold a public hearing to confirm the finding. Following confirmation, the commissioner is mandated to implement corrective actions. These measures can include promoting new insurers, limiting large mergers, or restricting premiums written to a monopoly carrier, all aimed at restoring a reasonable degree of competition.
HB 385 proposed establishing the School Mental Health Promotion Pilot Program, administered by the Office of Public Instruction. This program would have provided grants to Montana school districts to implement innovative, student-led, and locally determined initiatives aimed at improving student mental health. Districts applying for grants would have needed to demonstrate specific needs, broad community support in their application development, and plans for mental health promotion activities and program evaluation. The bill proposed annual grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for a two-year period, with $250,000 appropriated annually from the general fund. The program was set to terminate on June 30, 2029.
HB 347 proposed to revise existing laws concerning the use of hunter orange while hunting. The bill would have granted the Fish and Wildlife Commission the authority to adopt rules regarding the specific requirements for hunter orange or similar visible clothing materials. This change would have allowed the Commission to establish safety measures for hunters and their companions through regulations.
HB 304 revises residential tenant security deposit laws, directly affecting both landlords and tenants. The bill requires landlords to provide tenants with an itemized written notice of any unaccomplished cleaning and estimated costs before deducting cleaning charges from a security deposit. Tenants are then given 48 hours, extended from 24, to complete the necessary cleaning. Additionally, the bill prohibits landlords from charging a fee for inspecting the cleaning tenants have completed within this timeframe.
HB 746 would authorize county governing bodies to create and enforce noise ordinances within their jurisdictions. These ordinances could regulate noise levels for residents and businesses, defining specific areas covered, setting time-based limits, and providing exceptions for approved activities. The noise ordinances would apply countywide or to specific portions, but not within incorporated cities or towns. Violations of these county noise ordinances could result in a fine not exceeding $200, but would not be punishable by imprisonment.
The provided bill text, labeled as SB 536, does not match the requested bill number (HB 536) or title ("Prohibit employing aliens not lawfully authorized to accept employment").
Based on the provided text for SB 536, this bill revises the contractor's gross receipts tax. It creates an exemption for resident individuals and licensed businesses that are fully compliant with state income, payroll, and property tax obligations, requiring them to apply and be listed on the department's website. The bill also extends the carryforward period for related tax credits from 5 to 7 years and allows these credits to offset certain real property taxes. It applies to accrued credit carryforwards and has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2026.
HB 405 proposed to increase the maximum reimbursement rates that school districts receive from state and county sources for student transportation. The bill specifically raised the per-mile rates for school buses of different passenger capacities, as well as for non-bus mileage. The intent was to lower school district property taxes designated for transportation expenses. These changes would have applied to school district transportation budgets starting July 1, 2025.
HB 753 proposed to revise human sexuality instruction requirements in Montana public schools. The bill mandated that if a school district offers human sexuality instruction, it must include at least one visual image of a dilation and evacuation (D&E) abortion performed between 20 and 25 weeks of gestation. This measure would have directly affected public school districts, students enrolled in human sexuality courses, and their parents.
HB 410 revises the laws for approving local government bond and mill levy elections, affecting how counties, cities, towns, and school districts can raise funds for various projects and services. The bill allows a simple majority vote to approve these measures if the election is held during a primary or general election in an even-numbered year. For elections held at other times, approval generally requires a majority vote along with a minimum 35% voter turnout. It also adjusts the minimum voter turnout requirements for certain elections that currently need 60% voter approval.
