SB 166 revises the education requirements for certified public accountants (CPAs) in Montana. For initial licensure, applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree with a minimum of 150 semester hours of credit and meet specific accounting and business course credit hour requirements. The bill grants rulemaking authority to the relevant board to define these specific course credit requirements for initial licensure and continuing education for current licensees. These revised requirements are scheduled to become effective on January 1, 2026.
HB 337 revises Montana's income tax laws, affecting individual taxpayers and certain estates or trusts. The bill aims to lower income taxes by adjusting the state's tax brackets. It increases the amount of Montana taxable income taxed at lower rates and reduces the highest income tax rate. Additionally, the bill revises the tax rates and income thresholds applied to net long-term capital gains.
HB 267, also known as "Bobby's Law," creates the new crime of aggravated vehicular homicide while under the influence. This bill applies to individuals who negligently cause another person's death while operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Upon conviction, offenders face mandatory imprisonment ranging from 3 to 30 years, a fine between $10,000 and $50,000, or both. A key provision is that the imposition of this sentence cannot be deferred, meaning it must be served immediately upon conviction. The bill also updates existing statutes to include this new offense as a "serious crime" and to reflect the non-deferrable sentencing.
SB 426 generally revises the state's Uniform Commercial Code to update it for the digital age. The bill modernizes terminology and establishes rules for commercial transactions involving certain digital assets, including cryptocurrency. It also explicitly prohibits the support, endorsement, creation, or implementation of a central bank digital currency within the state. This legislation affects businesses, financial institutions, and individuals engaged in commercial activities, particularly those involving digital records and assets.
SB 368 establishes a new process for addressing minor maintenance issues at mines in Montana, directly affecting mine operators and the state department responsible for inspections. The bill introduces a "minor maintenance correction letter" for permit violations that do not pose an imminent danger or significant environmental harm. Mine permittees are given 14 days to correct these minor items, with verification occurring at the next regular inspection. If the minor issue is not corrected within the timeframe, the department can then issue a notice of noncompliance or a cessation order.
Senate Bill 495 eliminates the Tobacco Prevention Advisory Board. The bill repeals the specific section of law that established this board. It also amends existing statute to remove the board from the list of entities funded by state special revenue accounts, which are primarily used for tobacco disease prevention programs and the Children's Health Insurance Program. The direct effect is the dissolution of the advisory board, which previously provided guidance for these programs.
SB 305 revises laws related to funeral trusts. It requires that money received for prearranged funeral or related services, which is held in a trust fund, must comply with the prudent investor rule. This means that the financial institutions or entities holding these funds must manage them according to a specified standard for investments, a requirement that cannot be waived. The bill directly affects providers of prearranged funeral services and the individuals who contract for them by setting a new standard for how their trust funds are invested.
HB 186 increases the size of the Montana Board of Pardons and Parole from five to six members. This bill directly affects the composition and operations of the board, which is responsible for decisions regarding parole and executive clemency. It outlines qualifications for board members, such as a college degree in a relevant field, extensive work experience in criminal justice, or a law degree. The bill also includes a transition plan for appointing the new sixth member, who will serve an initial term ending in January 2029, with subsequent full 6-year terms.
SB 228 revises laws related to public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, affecting EV owners and charging station operators. The bill imposes a 3-cent per kilowatt-hour tax on electricity delivered to public charging stations, with specific effective dates for new and existing stations. It mandates that all public charging stations install a separate electric meter, with the owner responsible for installation costs. Additionally, the bill eliminates a future 30% reduction in state registration fees for electric vehicles. Public charging station operators are also required to register with the state and disclose their charging rates.
SB 309 eliminates the Scenic-Historic Byways Advisory Council, which was previously responsible for assisting in the design and review of the state's scenic-historic byways program. This council, composed of up to 11 members with expertise in areas like tourism, history, and transportation, also helped develop criteria for designating roads. Under this bill, the Montana Department of Transportation and the commission would no longer have this specific advisory body for these functions. The scenic-historic byways program itself and the commission's authority to designate roads remain in effect.
HB 135 establishes specific time limits for bringing legal claims against real estate appraisers, real estate appraisal firms, and appraisal management companies. For most claims seeking damages or other relief related to an appraisal or appraisal review, a lawsuit must be started within 5 years of the appraisal's completion. However, claims specifically for breach of contract have a longer limit, allowing them to be filed up to 8 years after the appraisal or review was finished. The bill also defines the types of entities and activities covered by these new timeframes.
Senate Bill 357 extends a deadline for the "perfection" of certain water reservations. This means it provides more time for entities, such as the state, political subdivisions, or U.S. agencies, to finalize their claims for specific water rights. The bill primarily affects those with water reservations on the Missouri River located above the Fort Peck Dam. It amends existing state law to implement this extension and also grants authority for the development of related rules.
