Healthcare

signed · Montana · House Mar 27, 2025

HB 195: Revise noneconomic damages in medical malpractice actions

HB 195 revises Montana’s cap on non-monetary damages (like pain, suffering, and emotional distress) in medical malpractice cases. It immediately raises the limit from $250,000 to $300,000, with scheduled annual increases: $350,000 in 2026, $400,000 in 2027, $450,000 in 2028, $500,000 in 2029, and 2% annual increases thereafter. The cap applies per patient per incident and is determined by the date the claim was first filed (with the medical panel or in court), not the trial date. This directly affects patients filing medical malpractice claims and healthcare providers defending such cases.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareIncreases caps on non-economic damages (pain/suffering) in medical malpractice cases, strengthening patient compensation rights under healthcare-related tort law.85% confidence

signed · Montana · Senate Apr 17, 2025

SB 279: Adopt the dietitian licensure compact

SB 279 enacts the Dietitian Licensure Compact, which allows licensed dietitians and nutritionists to practice in multiple participating states through a "compact privilege" without needing to obtain a separate license in each state. This bill aims to improve public access to dietetics services and reduce administrative burdens for practitioners and state licensing authorities. It establishes uniform requirements for licensure portability, including criminal background checks, and supports military members and their spouses. The compact also enhances cooperation among states in regulating the profession and protecting public health and safety.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables multi-state practice for dietitians, directly improving public access to dietetics services per bill's stated goal.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Public Health

died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 290: Regulate sales of certain products containing PFAs

HB 290 aimed to regulate products containing Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) within the state. Starting January 1, 2028, it would prohibit the manufacture, sale, or offer for sale of cosmetics, juvenile products, and menstrual products that contain intentionally added PFAS. Manufacturers would be required to provide a certificate of compliance for these products. Additionally, the bill would prohibit the use of class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS for training purposes from January 1, 2028, and regulate its emergency use at terminals, requiring annual notice and justification to the state fire marshal.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans PFAS in products and firefighting foam, reducing environmental pollution from persistent toxic chemicals.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill restricts PFAS in consumer products to prevent health risks, supporting public health programs under healthcare.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

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signed · Montana · House May 19, 2025

HB 669: Revise laws related to educating children receiving in-state inpatient treatment of serious emotional disturbances

HB 669 revises laws concerning educational programs for children receiving in-state inpatient treatment for serious emotional disturbances, directly affecting these children, their school districts, and qualifying treatment facilities. The bill authorizes the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) to contract with facilities to deliver these educational programs, establishing a daily rate for services based on actual costs. Funding responsibility is shared, with the SPI paying the facility the daily rate minus a contribution from the child's school district of residence. It also clarifies the SPI's rulemaking authority for tuition calculations and outlines alternative methods for providing education if a facility fails to offer appropriate programs or contract with the state.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAuthorizes SPI to contract for educational programs for inpatient treatment children, establishing funding mechanisms to ensure access to education for this vulnerable group.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAuthorizes funding for educational programs tied to mental health treatment for children with serious emotional disturbances, ensuring access to care during inpatient treatment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Mental Health

signed · Montana · House May 5, 2025

HB 476: Establish grant program for newborn safety devices

HB 476 establishes a grant program to fund the installation and maintenance of newborn safety devices. The Department of Public Health and Human Services will award competitive grants, up to $20,000 per applicant, to eligible fire departments, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies. The department is also responsible for creating rules for the application process and evaluation criteria. The bill appropriates $160,000 from the general fund for this program, which is effective July 1, 2025, and terminates on June 30, 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $160,000 from general fund for newborn safety device grants, directly funding a public service program under budget authority.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds newborn safety devices in hospitals via public health department, directly supporting infant healthcare services and public health programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

vetoed · Montana · Senate Jun 18, 2025

SB 72: Provide presumptive eligibility for Medicaid coverage of home and community-based services

SB 72 creates a "presumptive eligibility" process for Montana Medicaid, allowing people with physical disabilities or who are elderly to immediately access home and community-based services like personal care, meal delivery, medical equipment, and emergency response systems while awaiting full Medicaid approval. It requires a screening process by trained staff (including tribal entities, hospitals, or aging agencies) to verify income, residency, and need, with applicants having 30 days to apply for ongoing Medicaid coverage. The program aims to prevent hospitalizations or institutional care by providing temporary coverage during the application period, ending after 30 days or when full eligibility is determined. The bill requires state approval from CMS before implementation and was vetoed by the governor in May 2025, with a legislative override attempt failing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates immediate Medicaid access to home/community services for disabled/elderly, expanding coverage without full approval process95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

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signed · Montana · Senate May 13, 2025

SB 218: Provide for private right of action for injuries caused by certain medical interventions to treat gender dysphoria

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.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBill creates legal liability for providers of gender dysphoria treatments (hormones, puberty blockers, surgeries) to minors, restricting access to these healthcare services through potential lawsuits.92% confidence

died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 164: Revise offense of endangering the welfare of children

SB 164 amends Montana's endangering the welfare of children law to prohibit specific medical treatments for children under 16. The bill bans surgical procedures, puberty blockers, and hormone therapies (like estrogen or testosterone) when used to alter a child's appearance or affirm a gender identity inconsistent with their biological sex. Violating this prohibition is classified as a felony, carrying up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, with harsher penalties if the child suffers serious injury. The law would take effect on January 1, 2026, directly affecting medical providers, caregivers, and children under 16 who might receive these treatments.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by classifying medical treatments as felony offenses, increasing penalties for specific acts. Aligns with OPPOSE indicators: expands criminalization.95% confidence ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBill bans gender-affirming medical treatments (surgery, puberty blockers, hormone therapy) for minors, restricting access to healthcare services under the guise of child welfare.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 479: Generally revise laws related to chemical abortion

SB 479 proposes to revise Montana laws around chemical abortion by requiring health care providers to physically examine patients, be present during administration, schedule a follow-up within 7 days, and provide disposal kits (catch kits and medical waste bags) for patients to return used materials. It holds manufacturers of abortion drugs responsible for environmental cleanup if drug byproducts contaminate wastewater systems, with fines up to $20,000 per violation. The bill exempts life-threatening medical emergencies and prohibits prosecuting patients for violations. This legislation directly affects health care providers prescribing abortion drugs and pharmaceutical manufacturers, with penalties including felony charges for providers violating the requirements. The bill died in process in May 2025 and was never enacted.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareRestricts access to chemical abortion via mandatory provider presence and follow-ups, limiting patient access to a healthcare service95% confidence

Sub-Topics Women's Health

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died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 135: Eliminate termination of chemical dependency voucher program

This bill would have repealed a 2023 law (Section 7, Chapter 187) that was set to terminate Montana's chemical dependency treatment voucher program. It aimed to prevent the program's end by removing the termination provision, ensuring continued funding for individuals seeking substance use disorder treatment. The bill specified immediate effectiveness upon approval but did not become law. It died in the legislative process in May 2025, so the voucher program's termination date remains in effect as originally scheduled under the 2023 law.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill aimed to prevent termination of substance use disorder treatment funding, protecting mental health care access under healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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