HB 798 proposes a constitutional amendment to repeal Article XIII, Section 7 of the Montana Constitution. This section currently prohibits same-sex marriage, so its repeal would remove this specific ban. If passed by the legislature with a two-thirds vote, the proposed amendment would then be put before Montana's voters in the November 2026 general election for their approval. If approved by the electorate, the change would take effect on January 1, 2027, directly impacting same-sex couples seeking to marry in Montana.
HB 514 revises Montana's privacy in communications laws, specifically targeting the non-consensual use of sexually explicit images. The bill makes it an offense to publish, distribute, or disclose real or "digitally fabricated" sexually explicit images of an identifiable person without their consent, especially with intent to harm or extort. It also criminalizes possessing and threatening to disclose such images to obtain money or valuables. "Digitally fabricated" is defined as media created using technical means, like artificial intelligence, to falsely depict an individual engaging in sexual conduct. Penalties for these offenses range from a misdemeanor for a first conviction to a felony for subsequent convictions.
HB 424 revises property tax classifications for data center property. It modifies the types of property included in Class seventeen for qualified data centers, and extends the timeframe within which this data center property must be built. The bill also revises ownership requirements for Class seventeen data center property. Additionally, it updates the classification of certain dedicated communications infrastructure in Class thirteen, extending its relevant timeframe.
HB 329 aims to encourage the formation of ammunition component manufacturing businesses in Montana. It establishes various state tax exemptions for qualified manufacturers, including property, individual income, corporate income, and other business-related taxes. To receive these exemptions, manufacturers must make their products available to in-state consumers at prices no higher than those for out-of-state purchasers. Additionally, the bill provides individual and corporate income tax exemptions to investors and lenders who provide loans to these eligible ammunition component manufacturers.
HB 683 revises conflict of interest laws for construction contracts awarded by local governments, including counties, cities, and towns. The bill prohibits these governments from awarding a construction contract to an entity if it has an ownership or financial interest with a person or entity that participated in the design or engineering of the same project. It defines what constitutes a "financial interest" for these purposes. This measure integrates these new conflict of interest prohibitions into existing competitive bidding rules for various local government and road contracts.
HB 775 repeals the sunset date on laws governing judicial review of water rights, ensuring the Water Court's authority in this area continues indefinitely. This bill specifically repeals Section 6, Chapter 126, Laws of 2017, which previously set an expiration for these provisions. It also authorizes the Water Court to review certain decisions made by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and clarifies the Water Court's responsibilities. The bill directly affects the operations of the Water Court and the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, as well as stakeholders involved in water rights.
HB 899 establishes the Montana State Shooting Complex Development and Oversight Task Force, made up of state officials, industry representatives, and public members. This task force is charged with developing a framework for selecting a location, creating preliminary specifications, and soliciting proposals for a new state shooting complex. The bill also creates the Montana State Shooting Complex Account to fund the complex's siting and construction, and appropriates $55,000 from the general fund for the task force's initial activities. The task force is set to terminate on June 30, 2027.
This bill, HB 818, revises campaign finance laws in Montana by prohibiting foreign nationals from directly or indirectly influencing statewide ballot issues. It prevents foreign nationals from making contributions or expenditures related to ballot issues, electioneering communications, or political committees. The bill also prohibits individuals and entities in Montana from knowingly soliciting or accepting funds from foreign nationals for these purposes. It grants investigatory authority to the Commissioner of Political Practices or county attorneys and establishes civil actions and penalties, including fines, for violations.
HB 954 extends the period during which Lake County can withdraw from enforcing state criminal jurisdiction within the Flathead Indian Reservation. Specifically, the bill changes the termination date for this arrangement from June 30, 2027, to June 30, 2031. This amendment allows Lake County to continue its current approach to criminal jurisdiction on the reservation for an additional four years. The bill became effective immediately upon passage and approval.
HB 943 establishes the Montana Rare Disease Advisory Council within the Department of Public Health and Human Services. This 17-member council, composed of patients, caregivers, medical professionals, researchers, and other stakeholders, will provide guidance, education, and recommendations on the needs of individuals with rare diseases in Montana. Its duties include surveying patient needs, developing policy recommendations for improved access to care and treatment, publishing resources, and identifying research opportunities. The council is required to meet regularly and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature, and the bill includes an appropriation to cover initial costs.
HB 898 revises laws governing Limited Liability Company (LLC) operating agreements, directly impacting LLC owners (members) and managers. The bill clarifies that operating agreements must be interpreted using general contract law principles and outlines specific member rights and duties, such as the duty of loyalty and care, that cannot be unreasonably restricted or eliminated by an agreement. It also specifies certain significant decisions, like amending the operating agreement or admitting new members, that typically require the consent of all members, unless the company's foundational documents state otherwise. Additionally, the bill allows for the creation of different "series of members" within an LLC, each with potentially distinct rights or duties, and applies retroactively to existing operating agreements as well as new ones.
HB 770 revises campaign finance reporting laws for candidates, political committees, and joint fundraising committees. The bill clarifies that candidates must file campaign finance reports even if they have no contributions or expenditures to report. A key provision establishes that failure to comply with these reporting requirements will result in a candidate's name not appearing on the official election ballot. Additionally, it adjusts specific deadlines for when candidates and committees must submit their reports.
