Transportation

signed · Montana · Senate May 5, 2025

SB 111: Revising laws related to green lights on snow removal equipment

SB 111 revises state law to limit the use of green lights on public highways. The bill prohibits vehicles from displaying flashing, rotational, or continuous green lights while on a highway. It specifically authorizes the use of green lights for snow removal equipment operated by the Department of Transportation or other government entities. Additionally, police or authorized emergency vehicles serving as on-scene incident command or control vehicles are also permitted to use green lights. This bill directly affects vehicle operators and government entities by clarifying the legal use of green lights on roadways.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill regulates vehicle lights on highways for safety, aligning with transportation safety standards under Traffic Regulations.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Montana · Senate Apr 18, 2025

SB 228: Revise laws related to public charging stations for electric vehicles

SB 228 revises laws related to public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, affecting EV owners and charging station operators. The bill imposes a 3-cent per kilowatt-hour tax on electricity delivered to public charging stations, with specific effective dates for new and existing stations. It mandates that all public charging stations install a separate electric meter, with the owner responsible for installation costs. Additionally, the bill eliminates a future 30% reduction in state registration fees for electric vehicles. Public charging station operators are also required to register with the state and disclose their charging rates.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes 3-cent/kWh tax on EV charging stations, directly increasing tax revenue under taxation policy for transportation infrastructure.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates EV charging infrastructure improvements with tax for regulation, supporting renewable energy adoption and clean transportation infrastructure expansion.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes regulations and funding mechanisms for EV charging infrastructure, directly promoting sustainable transportation adoption through public charging station requirements and tax structure.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Montana · Senate Apr 18, 2025

SB 23: Increase thresholds for railroad accident reporting requirements

SB 23 revises railroad accident reporting requirements for companies operating in Montana. The bill amends current law to empower the Public Service Commission to adopt rules that set specific thresholds for when a railroad accident must be reported. This grants the Commission the authority to define the criteria for reportable incidents, rather than requiring companies to report every accident. The changes directly affect railroad companies operating in the state and the Public Service Commission.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill revises railroad accident reporting thresholds to empower safety-focused rule-making, enhancing transportation safety standards per subject 'Safety'.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Montana · Senate Apr 18, 2025

SB 310: Revise the trail stewardship grant program

SB 310 revises and renames the existing trails and recreational facilities grant program as the "Trail Stewardship Grant Program." It directly affects cities, counties, tribal governments, school districts, recreational clubs, and state and federal agencies by expanding the types of projects eligible for funding. New eligible projects include trail-related studies, data collection, safety education, and equipment purchases and maintenance. The bill also specifies that grant funds will be apportioned for motorized, nonmotorized, and mixed-use projects, and allows for advance payments of up to 75% of awarded grant funds.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationExpands funding for trail infrastructure projects (studies, safety, equipment) under Transportation subject, directly advancing transportation-related infrastructure.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

in committee · Montana · House Apr 16, 2025

HB 512: Require seat belts on newly purchased school buses

HB 512 mandates that all new school buses purchased on or after January 1, 2026, must be equipped with lap-shoulder belts for each passenger. School districts using these buses would be required to adopt and enforce a seat belt usage policy and ensure belts are properly maintained. The bill provides exceptions for school districts that cannot afford such buses, following a public vote. Additionally, it limits the liability of the state, counties, and school districts in personal injury cases where passengers fail to use or improperly use the belts, provided an enforceable policy is in place.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates seat belts on new school buses, improving student safety in school transportation infrastructure, a direct educational safety measure.92% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates seat belts on school buses, directly enhancing vehicle safety standards within Transportation regulations as specified in bill subjects.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

Track

signed · Montana · House Apr 7, 2025

HB 3: Supplemental Appropriations Bill

HB 3 is a funding bill that allocates specific amounts to Montana state agencies for the 2024-2025 fiscal year and continues some funding into the 2025-2026 biennium. It provides $22.2 million to the Public Health and Human Services Division, $12.5 million to the State Public Defender's Conflict Division, $4.07 million to the Montana Highway Patrol, and other sums to agencies like Revenue, Corrections, and Fish and Wildlife. The bill directs these funds for existing agency operations, with unspent balances reverting to their respective funds. It became law immediately upon the governor's signature on April 7, 2025, without requiring additional legislative action. This is a routine budget measure affecting state agency operations, not a policy change impacting citizens.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $22.2M to Public Health, $12.5M to Public Defender, and other funds for essential state operations, directly supporting budget allocation and fiscal management.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllocates $12.5M to State Public Defender's Conflict Division, directly funding indigent defense and defendants' rights in criminal justice system.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAllocates $4.07M to Montana Highway Patrol (transportation safety agency) for road safety operations, directly funding transportation infrastructure maintenance.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Montana · House Apr 7, 2025

HB 159: Revise rural improvement district laws to include maintenance of existing public improvements

HB 159 revises Montana's rural improvement district laws to explicitly allow districts to be created for maintaining existing public improvements (like roads or drainage systems), not just building new ones. It simplifies the process by removing the need for a petition if all property owners within the proposed district waive their right to protest its creation. The bill also adjusts petition requirements for road maintenance districts, requiring only 50% consent of property area if all roads to be maintained are public improvements. This directly affects rural property owners and county commissioners by making it easier to form districts focused on upkeep rather than new construction.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly allows rural districts to maintain existing roads/drainage systems, directly supporting transportation infrastructure upkeep by simplifying maintenance processes.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Montana · House Apr 3, 2025

HB 97: Allow for platooning vehicles

HB 97 allows trucks to travel in coordinated groups (called "platoons") using technology to maintain closer, synchronized spacing on Montana highways. It requires all drivers operating in a platoon - both the lead vehicle and anyone who can take control - to hold a commercial driver's license (CDL). The Department of Transportation can restrict platooning during dangerous road conditions and must consult stakeholders before creating safety rules. The law applies to trucking companies and drivers on public highways and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEnables truck platooning on highways with safety requirements, advancing transportation infrastructure efficiency and safety standards through coordinated vehicle technology.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Montana · House Mar 27, 2025

HB 43: Generally revise motor vehicle traffic regulation laws

HB 43 revises Montana's motor vehicle traffic laws to improve clarity and consistency. It specifically defines "paved shoulder" to allow bicyclists to operate on shoulders (not just paved roads), updates rules for yielding to emergency vehicles, and clarifies when passing school buses is permitted. The bill also reorganizes traffic definitions and amends parking permit rules to better protect accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities. These changes directly affect drivers, cyclists, and emergency responders by standardizing road usage and accessibility requirements. The bill was signed into law by Montana's Governor on March 27, 2025.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by clarifying cyclist access, school bus passing rules, and accessible parking protections within traffic regulations.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation