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.
HB 101 reclassifies gray wolves as furbearers, integrating them into existing furbearer hunting and trapping regulations. The bill establishes specific wolf hunting licenses for residents and nonresidents, outlining associated fees and tagging requirements for harvested wolves. It introduces new management provisions, allowing for more liberal harvest opportunities such as multiple licenses per individual, the use of bait for trapping, and night hunting on private lands. Additionally, the bill permits landowners to take wolves threatening human safety, livestock, or dogs on their property without a license under specific reporting requirements and a quota.
HB 152 revises election laws concerning county attorney retention elections. If an incumbent county attorney is the only candidate for the office, the general election ballot would not include a nonpartisan designation or a write-in space. Instead, the ballot would present a question asking voters if the named incumbent county attorney should be retained for another term. Voters would then indicate a "yes" or "no" vote. This change directly affects how voters cast their ballots for unchallenged incumbent county attorneys.
HB 877, known as the "Montana Data Center Development Act," aims to encourage the development of data centers and other large electricity consumers in Montana. The bill clarifies the Public Service Commission's (PSC) role, stating it cannot prevent a regulated public utility from serving new large customers established after October 1, 2007, with an average monthly demand of 5,000 kilowatts or more. It allows the PSC to establish tariffs and regulatory processes for these services. Additionally, the bill appropriates $50,000 to market Montana as a data center location and assist developers in acquiring electrical generation resources.
HB 200 proposes to increase the total amount of film tax credits available annually under the Montana Economic Development Industry Advancement (MEDIA) Act. The bill would raise the yearly cap on these tax credits from $12 million to $350 million. This change directly affects film production companies and related businesses that qualify for and claim these tax credits in Montana. The Department of Commerce grants authorization for these credits, which are then claimed on a first-come, first-served basis. This increase would apply to income tax years starting after December 31, 2024.
