Budget & Taxes (Government Spending)

House Bill 618, the "Montana Individual Freedom Act," aimed to restrict how state and local government agencies, including the Department of Military Affairs, could use public funds. The bill would have prohibited these agencies from spending money on memberships, goods, or services from organizations that discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, or religion. It also sought to prevent the expenditure of funds on programs related to "diversity, equity, and inclusion" or on political or social activism. The Attorney General would have been granted authority to investigate alleged violations and adopt rules for enforcement.

LC 1852 would have prohibited local governments (like cities and counties) and state agencies from using taxpayer money to pay for lobbying activities. The bill directly affected these entities by banning the expenditure of public funds to influence legislation or government decisions. Its key provision was a clear ban on using public money for lobbying, regardless of the purpose or target of the lobbying effort. This bill died in the legislative process in May 2025 and never became law.

SB 254 prohibits Montana local governments (including counties, cities, towns, and school districts) and judicial officers from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay organizations that hire lobbyists on their behalf. It allows public officials to use public funds for travel and expenses related to lobbying on behalf of their entity, following standard per diem rates. The bill also enables taxpayers or residents to sue to stop prohibited spending and recover attorney fees if they win such cases, ensuring government entities cannot use taxpayer money to influence legislation through lobbying.