SB 86 revises Montana's laws governing automatic external defibrillator (AED) programs. It requires entities (like schools, businesses, or public venues) using AEDs to create written plans detailing AED locations, authorized users, CPR/AED training, coordination with local emergency medical services, and maintenance records. The bill eliminates the Department of Public Health's authority to create rules about AEDs and updates enforcement: violations now trigger a written cease order from the department, with entities able to request a hearing within 30 days. These changes aim to clarify AED program requirements and streamline oversight.
SB 88 revises Montana's certificate of need process for healthcare facilities by requiring the Department of Public Health and Human Services to publish descriptions of letters of intent on the 10th of each month in a newspaper of general circulation and on its website. It establishes a 30-day window for interested parties to request comparative review of proposals and sets clear deadlines for the department to review applications (20 working days for completeness, 90 days for final review). The bill also mandates that the department notify applicants of decisions within 5 working days after the review period ends. These changes directly affect healthcare providers seeking to acquire or expand long-term care facilities, particularly those involving 50% or more of an existing facility. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
SB 55 is a procedural bill that states Montana's legislative intent to support coordinated collection and sharing of streamflow data. It recognizes that timely streamflow information - gathered by state, federal, tribal, and local entities - is essential for managing water under existing laws, including the Montana Water Use Act and drought planning. The bill does not create new programs or funding but affirms the legislature's position that better data coordination benefits water managers, municipalities, and agricultural users in addressing seasonal and climate-related water supply challenges.
SB 73 amends Montana's child protective services law to improve communication and process for children placed in protective care. It requires agencies placing a child in protective care to notify prehearing conference facilitators within 24 hours (new requirement) and mandates a prehearing conference before emergency protective services hearings. The bill also strengthens parent notifications, detailing hearing timelines, contact information, and rights - including the right to request kinship foster care - while adding specific provisions for cases involving domestic violence. These changes directly affect child protection agencies, parents, courts, and children in emergency removal situations under Montana law.
SB 82 establishes a new program within Montana's Department of Public Health and Human Services to support individuals under age 55 with severe visual impairments in achieving independent living goals. The bill defines "severe visual impairment" as a disability that significantly hinders daily tasks even with correction, and outlines specific services including mobility training, Braille instruction, assistive technology, and peer counseling. Eligibility is determined by the department based on established criteria, with services provided based on available funds and consumer needs, while also guaranteeing a fair hearing for those disagreeing with decisions. The program takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to Montana residents meeting the defined criteria.
SB 144 changes the name of Montana's "Mental Health Oversight Advisory Council" to "Behavioral Health Advisory Council" in Section 53-21-702 of the Montana Code Annotated. This is a technical name change that does not alter the council's composition, responsibilities, or functions. The advisory council will continue to provide input to the Department of Public Health and Human Services on mental health system development and management. This change does not affect eligibility requirements, service provisions, or other substantive aspects of Montana's mental health care system.
This bill makes Montana's community health aide program permanent by removing its previously scheduled expiration date. It directs the Department of Public Health and Human Services to apply for Medicaid coverage for services provided by certified community health aides. The change directly affects community health aides and their patients, particularly in rural and tribal communities, ensuring continued access to essential healthcare services without future legislative renewal.
HB 74 revises Montana's laws governing private fish ponds and commercial fish sales. It requires private pond owners who sell fish, eggs, or fry to provide a $2,500 surety bond and maintain detailed records of transactions, including species, quantities, and buyer information. The bill prohibits paddlefish caviar sales, increases application and renewal fees for pond licenses, and mandates annual reporting by commercial sellers. These changes directly affect private pond operators and commercial fish sellers, focusing on preventing invasive species spread, ensuring disease control, and improving regulatory oversight.
HB 110 requires Montana's Legislative Services Division to provide electronic versions of all bills, resolutions, and amendments instead of selling paper copies. It eliminates the option to purchase single printed copies of legislative documents and ends the subscription service for mailed status sheets. This change directly affects anyone seeking legislative documents, such as researchers, journalists, or the public, by shifting access to digital formats. The law, effective immediately upon the Governor's signature on April 3, 2025, updates Section 5-11-212 of Montana law to mandate electronic access and remove paper-based sales.
HB 107 revises licensing and recordkeeping requirements for businesses handling wildlife in Montana, directly affecting taxidermists, fur dealers, fur farm operators, and owners of exotic wildlife facilities (menageries, sanctuaries, zoos). Key provisions include setting an annual $50 taxidermist license fee (expiring February 28), requiring fur dealers to maintain detailed transaction records for 5 years, establishing a $85 fur farm license fee, and mandating specific permit applications for wildlife facilities with detailed documentation like facility specifications and insurance. The bill also requires all licensees to retain records open for inspection by wildlife officials for at least 5 years. These changes streamline oversight while imposing clearer fee structures and documentation standards for regulated commercial wildlife activities.
HB 96 creates a trapper apprentice program in Montana, allowing individuals aged 10 and older to learn trapping under a mentor's supervision. The bill revises the existing apprentice hunting certificate to include trapping, enabling apprentices to obtain a Class C or Class C-2 trapping license. Apprentices must complete a trapper education course within two license years (or before age 12 if completed early) and be accompanied by a mentor during trapping activities. This program aims to provide structured training while ensuring safety and conservation through education.
HB 95 amends Montana law to allow landowners or employees to trap muskrats or beavers causing severe damage to rural or urban developed structures without a permit during the closed season (outside June 1-August 31), expanding the existing exception for irrigation projects and stock ponds. It directly affects property owners and managers of residential, commercial, or municipal structures facing damage from these animals. The key provision adds "rural or urban developed structures" to the list of protected properties eligible for damage-based trapping, while maintaining the June 1-August 31 permit-free period. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.
