HB 378 proposes to remove state-level prohibitions that currently restrict local governments from requiring certain contributions for housing development. The bill would repeal existing laws preventing cities, towns, and counties from mandating fees or land dedications from developers for the purpose of providing housing for specified income levels or sale prices. If enacted, this would allow local governments to include such requirements in their zoning regulations and conditions for approving new additions or developments. This change would directly affect local government planning capabilities and property owners or developers undertaking new projects.
HB 295, titled "Revise laws related to judicial transparency and elections," sought to change rules for judicial candidates in elections. The bill would have allowed candidates for judicial office to indicate a political party affiliation on their declaration for nomination. This affiliation would then be permitted to appear on the election ballot alongside the candidate's name. Additionally, the bill would have allowed judicial candidates to publicly announce their political party affiliations and any campaign endorsements they received.
HJ 11 is a joint resolution from the state of Montana urging the U.S. Congress to propose a constitutional amendment. This amendment would clarify that constitutional rights belong solely to human beings, not to corporations, unions, or other artificial entities. It would empower federal, state, and local governments to regulate and limit campaign contributions and expenditures to ensure fair access to the political process and prevent undue financial influence in elections. The resolution also requests that contributions and expenditures be publicly disclosed.
HB 840 proposed creating a nine-member legislative committee, composed of five House members and four Senate members. This committee would be tasked with investigating district court judges and supreme court justices to assess their independence and the quality of their rulings. It would establish standards for rulings, disseminate its findings, and could contract for investigative services. The bill appropriated $473,000 for the first biennium to support the committee's work, which was set to terminate on December 31, 2028.
HB 526 proposes that the state join the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) compact. This initiative allows Advanced Practice Registered Nurses licensed in one member state to practice in other compact states without needing to obtain a separate license for each. The bill establishes a framework for uniform licensure requirements and facilitates the exchange of information between states for regulatory and enforcement purposes. Its aim is to streamline the licensing process for APRNs and enhance their ability to provide care across state lines, potentially increasing access to healthcare services.
HB 709 sought to establish the crime of "human smuggling" in Montana, targeting individuals and entities who knowingly transport or harbor people who have unlawfully entered the United States without federal inspection. Individuals convicted of this crime would face penalties including imprisonment, a substantial fine, or both. Entities found guilty would lose their eligibility for certain state tax exemptions. Additionally, the bill included provisions for the criminal forfeiture of property, such as vehicles and funds, if used in or derived from the crime of human smuggling.
HB 622 proposes to revise protection order laws by establishing a new process for "extreme risk orders of protection." This procedure allows law enforcement officers, partners, or family members to petition a court to temporarily prohibit an individual from possessing or acquiring firearms. A court may issue such an order if it finds the person poses a significant risk of causing personal injury to themselves or others. If an order is granted, the individual's firearms must be surrendered, and any concealed weapon permits would be revoked, with provisions for their return under specific circumstances.
HB 550 aimed to revise motor vehicle laws concerning electric and hybrid vehicles. It would have prohibited automobile manufacturers and distributors from requiring new motor vehicle dealers to purchase or sell electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Any contractual clauses mandating such sales would have been considered void and against public policy. The bill also would have amended existing law to include this prohibition among other acts forbidden to manufacturers in their dealings with dealers.
Senate Resolution 68 is a procedural bill that confirms the Governor's appointment of Chell Little to the Board of Massage Therapy. If passed, this resolution would approve Chell Little to serve on the board until July 1, 2026.
HB 422 proposed to amend Montana's covenant laws to allow specific types of agreements aimed at encouraging workforce housing affordability. The bill would have permitted covenants that restrict the sale, lease, or an owner's share of equity appreciation on residential properties. These restrictions would apply to individuals with specific incomes or occupations. The intent was to ensure the long-term affordability and attainability of housing for the workforce by allowing these covenants to remain with the property through future ownership.
HB 501 proposed a new, limited process for residential property owners to remove individuals unlawfully occupying their homes. Under this bill, owners could submit a complaint to local law enforcement, who would then verify the owner's claim and serve a 24-hour notice to vacate to the unauthorized person. This process was specifically for individuals who had unlawfully entered and remained, and it did not apply to current or former tenants with written agreements or immediate family members. The bill also outlined conditions for owners to meet and allowed individuals wrongfully removed to pursue legal action against the owner.
House Bill 927 would have required a wide range of professionals and officials in Montana to report individuals they know are "not lawfully present in the United States" to the state Department of Justice. These mandatory reporters would have included healthcare providers, school staff, social workers, law enforcement, and certain clergy members. The bill outlined procedures for the Department of Justice to receive and record these reports, with the option to share information with federal immigration agencies while keeping the reporter's identity confidential. Failure to make a required report would have been a misdemeanor.
