HB 722 requires public agencies in Montana to retain all electronic communications (like emails) from work accounts for at least one year after a public employee leaves their position. This applies to state and local government employees, excluding communications from constitutional officers (e.g., governors, judges). The bill mandates that agencies cannot delete these records before the one-year period ends, and disposal requires approval from oversight committees. It also updates record-keeping rules to formalize this retention period for work-related electronic communications.
HB 339 would change Montana's school funding formula to provide 6th graders in accredited middle schools with the same per-pupil funding rate as 7th and 8th graders - currently, 6th graders receive lower elementary school funding. The bill amends Montana Code Sections 20-9-306 and 20-9-311 to eliminate this disparity, directly affecting school districts operating middle schools with 6th graders. It aims to align funding with accreditation standards, enabling middle schools to offer expanded programs like career and technical education. The policy change would adjust state education funding calculations for these districts without altering school structures.
SB 96, the "Establish Working Animal Protection Act," prohibits local governments (cities, counties, towns) from banning or creating barriers to the use of working animals in commerce or services. It defines "working animals" as non-livestock animals used for specific duties like law enforcement, transportation, or education (excluding poultry, cattle, or dairy animals), and prevents local ordinances that would restrict their use. The bill explicitly states it does not override state animal welfare, public health, or safety laws, nor does it affect local zoning rules. This measure aims to ensure consistent statewide standards for businesses relying on working animals, such as service dog providers or animal-assisted therapy programs.
LC 1713 was a proposed bill to revise property tax laws, but it did not advance beyond the drafting stage. The bill's title indicated a broad revision of property tax regulations, which would have affected property owners and local governments. However, the draft was placed on hold in November 2024 and ultimately "died in process" by May 2025, meaning no specific provisions were ever introduced for consideration or voting. As a result, no concrete policy changes were enacted under this bill.
This bill (LC 1711) had a vague title ("Generally revise FWP laws") but no specific provisions or details were provided in the available context. The bill was drafted in late 2024 but was placed on hold and ultimately died in process on May 27, 2025, meaning it never advanced to a vote or became law. Without concrete information on what "FWP laws" refer to or the nature of the proposed revisions, no specific policy changes or affected parties can be identified. As it never progressed beyond drafting, there are no enacted mechanisms or effects to summarize.
LC 1710 was a bill titled "Generally revise fish and wildlife laws" introduced to update existing state regulations governing fish and wildlife management. The bill did not specify particular provisions or direct impacts, as its scope was broadly described as a revision of current laws. It progressed through drafting stages but ultimately "died in process" on May 27, 2025, meaning it was not enacted into law. No concrete policy changes were implemented, as the bill never advanced beyond the drafting phase. This summary is based solely on the bill's title and official status, with no details on specific mechanisms or affected groups available.
This bill (LC 1708) proposed a review of existing state laws related to wind energy development. It did not advance beyond the drafting stage, as its draft was placed on hold and later died in process without moving forward. No specific policy changes or provisions were enacted, as the bill never progressed to committee consideration or a vote. The bill's purpose was to examine current wind energy regulations, but no concrete outcomes were achieved.
This bill (LC 1717) was titled "Generally revise income tax law" but contained no specific policy details in the provided context. It was drafted in November 2024, placed on hold, and ultimately died in the legislative process by May 2025 without advancing to a vote or becoming law. As no substantive provisions, affected groups, or mechanisms were described, a meaningful policy summary cannot be provided. The bill's status confirms it did not result in any legislative change.
LC 1723, titled "Generally revise labor law," was a bill introduced to update labor regulations but did not advance beyond the drafting stage. The bill's draft was assigned on November 20, 2024, and subsequently died in process on May 27, 2025. No specific provisions or affected parties are detailed in the available records, as the bill never progressed to committee or floor consideration. This indicates the proposal was not enacted or debated further.
This bill (LC 1730) proposed general revisions to campaign finance laws but was never enacted. It was drafted in late 2024, placed on hold in January 2025, and ultimately died in the legislative process by May 2025 without advancing to a vote or becoming law. The bill's specific provisions or affected parties are not detailed in the available records, as it did not progress beyond the drafting stage. No concrete policy changes were implemented through this bill.
(LC) Draft Died in Process
This bill (LC 1770, "Generally revise laws pertaining to children") was assigned to a drafter in November 2024 but was placed on hold in February 2025 and ultimately died in process by May 2025. No specific policy changes or provisions were developed or advanced, as the drafting process was terminated. The bill did not proceed to committee review or floor action, meaning no legislative changes were enacted. Therefore, no concrete revisions to children-related laws were implemented through this bill.
