Senate Bill 106 updates Montana's laws concerning the use of manned and unmanned aircraft, including drones, in hunting-related activities. It allows permits for using aircraft to herd wild animals damaging private property, but these permits can only be issued during a legal hunting season for that specific animal. The bill also introduces a new prohibition against intentionally interfering with hunting using an aircraft and adjusts rules for using aircraft to spot or communicate game locations. Additionally, it creates an exception for aircraft use when supporting agricultural operations. These revisions primarily affect hunters, landowners, and agricultural operators.
SB 133 revises the laws governing impact fees that local governments charge on new development. The bill removes the ability for governmental entities to include an administrative fee within impact charges and limits impact fee increases to the rate of inflation. It also updates definitions related to these fees and details the required documentation for their calculation, such as a service area report.
SB 183 amends Montana law to require an outfitter endorsement for individuals seeking or renewing a guide's license. This means new guide applicants must be endorsed by a licensed outfitter, in addition to meeting other requirements like age and having a valid conservation license. For license renewals, the application must be signed by an outfitter employing the guide, or it will be denied. The bill directly affects individuals who want to become or remain licensed guides, as well as the outfitters who employ and endorse them.
SB 218 establishes a private right of action, allowing minors, their legal guardians, or estates to file civil lawsuits against healthcare professionals and physicians. These lawsuits can be brought for injuries caused by specific medical interventions, including certain surgeries, hormone therapies, and puberty blockers, when provided to minors to treat gender dysphoria. Liability may arise if the injury is proximately caused by a deviation from the applicable medical standard of care. The bill sets a statute of limitations for these actions and clarifies that it does not apply to treatments for medically verifiable disorders of sex development or complications from prior medical treatments.
SB 303 requires designated state agencies in Montana to submit annual reports detailing financial assistance provided directly or indirectly to tribal entities. This includes both state and federal funds passed through the state, in forms such as grants, contracts, and loans. The Office of Budget and Program Planning then compiles these agency reports into a comprehensive document. This compiled report is submitted to the State-Tribal Relations Committee, the Legislative Finance Committee, and the Office of State Director of Indian Affairs, and is also posted on the latter's website. The reports must specify the amount, recipient, purpose, and any administrative costs or retained funds associated with the assistance.
SB 296, known as "Alan's Law," establishes an enhanced penalty for individuals who commit offenses against vulnerable persons while employed or volunteering in a caregiving facility. If found guilty of a misdemeanor or felony offense, offenders face an additional prison sentence of 1 to 10 years. This additional sentence runs consecutively to the original punishment and generally cannot be deferred or suspended. The bill defines "caregiving facilities" broadly to include various health, youth, and educational settings, and "vulnerable persons" as children, vulnerable adults, or incapacitated individuals.
SB 364 establishes "kill switch" laws, primarily affecting individuals who own electronic consumer products and motor vehicles, and the entities that manufacture or service them. The bill prohibits an entity from remotely activating a kill switch on a person's personally owned property without a court order or warrant. Exceptions include situations involving unpaid subscriptions or leased items (with prior disclosure), and certain safety features in motor vehicles. Additionally, a kill switch can be activated on stolen property with the owner's consent. Violations allow individuals to seek $10,000 in statutory damages per instance.
SB 449 generally revises health utilization review laws, affecting health insurance enrollees, health insurance issuers, and healthcare providers. It requires health insurers to honor existing prior authorizations for at least 90 days when an enrollee changes health plans and prevents requiring repeat step therapy protocols if already completed. The bill prohibits prior authorization for certain prescriptions written at discharge from inpatient care for at least three days. Additionally, it generally prevents health insurers from retroactively denying covered services that received prior authorization and mandates that insurers accept and respond electronically to prior authorization requests from healthcare providers.
SB 247 classifies certain nonprofit shooting ranges as "Class four property" for taxation purposes, affecting organizations that operate these ranges and are exempt under 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4). The bill establishes a specific property tax rate for these qualifying ranges, taxing them at one-half the rate applied to general commercial property. It defines a "shooting range" as the necessary buildings, improvements, and up to 150 acres of appurtenant land, excluding residential or general commercial business uses. These changes will apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.
SB 297 generally revises privacy laws, affecting consumers and entities that collect personal data. The bill requires these "controllers" to notify consumers when their information has been collected and to provide an opt-out option for consumers. It also mandates that controllers issue privacy notices and outlines their specific duties regarding data handling. Additionally, the Attorney General is required to post information about consumer privacy rights and responsibilities online.
SB 300 provides new legal protections for service animals and their handlers. The bill establishes specific offenses for harassing, harming, or taking unauthorized control of a service animal. Individuals convicted of these offenses face misdemeanor penalties and are required to pay full restitution for all related damages and expenses incurred by the handler. Additionally, it amends existing state laws to include service animals in definitions related to vicious dogs and owner liability for dog bites.
SB 464 revises laws related to the appointment and duties of special advocates in child abuse and neglect proceedings. The bill mandates that courts appoint a special advocate for children alleged to be abused or neglected, establishing minimum qualifications and prohibiting conflicts of interest for these individuals. It expands the advocates' responsibilities, requiring them to conduct independent reviews, access records, prepare reports, and advocate for the child's best interests throughout the case. These duties include monitoring the case, ensuring the child's needs are met, and facilitating safe living arrangements.
