Transportation

died · Montana · House May 22, 2025

HB 731: Revise laws related to airports and light aircraft

HB 731 requires airports that receive public funding to provide specific services to light aircraft at no cost. These services include allowing light aircraft to land, taxi, and park with tie-downs for up to three days. Publicly funded airports must also provide access for passengers and aircrew through security fencing. The bill defines "light aircraft" as those weighing less than 9,000 pounds operating under a specific federal regulation.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates publicly funded airports to provide free services for light aircraft, enhancing transportation infrastructure access and accessibility.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 933: Establish the Montana railroad crossing clarity act

HB 933, the "Montana Railroad Crossing Clarity Act," would establish a framework for utilities to place infrastructure within railroad rights-of-way and adjacent railroad land. It outlines an application process requiring utilities to provide notice, project drawings, and a certificate of insurance to railroads. The bill sets limits on the one-time crossing fees and potential annual fees that utilities would pay for these crossings. Utilities could commence construction 30 days after a complete application, unless a railroad objects due to safety concerns, with provisions for dispute resolution.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes framework for utility infrastructure in railroad rights-of-way, clarifying processes to support transportation infrastructure development and safety at crossings.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 103: Creating a railroad track inspection program

HB 103 aimed to establish a Montana Rail Inspection Program to supervise and inspect railroads operating within the state. The bill proposed creating a dedicated Montana rail inspection account in the state special revenue fund. This account would be funded by diverting 8% of taxes collected from railroad car company property. The program was mandated to employ specific inspectors for motive power, equipment, track, and operating practices, along with administrative staff.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationCreates rail safety inspection program funded by transportation-related taxes, directly advancing transportation infrastructure safety and oversight.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 677: Require suspension of a driver's license if driving without insurance

House Bill 677 aimed to revise laws related to driver's licenses by establishing a new consequence for driving without insurance. The bill proposed that the state's department of motor vehicles would be required to suspend the driver's license or driving privilege of any person determined to have driven a vehicle without the legally required insurance coverage. This measure would have added a specific enforcement mechanism for non-compliance with mandatory vehicle insurance laws.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEnforces mandatory insurance to improve traffic safety, directly strengthening transportation safety regulations under Motor Vehicles subject.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 951: Transferring funds to local road and bridge account

HB 951 proposed a one-time transfer of $30 million from the state's general fund to the local road and bridge account. This action would have directed the state treasurer to complete the transfer by July 15, 2025. The funds were intended to support local road and bridge projects throughout the state, benefiting communities and their infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesTransfers $30M from general fund to road infrastructure, directly allocating state budget funds to support essential public infrastructure projects.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationTransfers $30M to local road/bridge projects, directly funding infrastructure improvements per bill summary and subjects.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

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signed · Montana · House May 19, 2025

HB 588: Defining and regulating motorized scooters

HB 588 revises existing transportation laws by establishing a legal definition for "motorized scooter." The bill also provides specific regulations for the operation and use of these devices. It achieves this by amending various sections of the Montana Code Annotated to integrate motorized scooters into the state's vehicle and traffic laws.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes regulatory framework for motorized scooters under transportation laws, enhancing traffic regulation clarity and safety within vehicle operations.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Montana · House May 19, 2025

HB 11: Providing grants and appropriations through the Montana coal endowment program

HB 11 appropriates money from the Montana coal endowment special revenue account to the Department of Commerce for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025. This bill authorizes over $20 million in grants for specific water and wastewater infrastructure projects in various towns, cities, and water/sewer districts across Montana. Additionally, it allocates over $3.5 million for bridge projects in several counties. The grants are conditional upon recipients meeting specified requirements and the availability of funds, with deadlines for project completion to maintain eligibility.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $23.5M from coal endowment for infrastructure projects, directly funding public services via state budget appropriations.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAllocates $3.5M for bridge projects, directly funding transportation infrastructure (bridges are part of road/highway systems).90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Montana · Senate May 16, 2025

SB 553: Generally revise state policy laws

SB 553 introduces new policies concerning residential development, airline travel, and legislative committees. It allows local governments to establish rules for residential developers to share costs for extending or enhancing capital facilities or intersection improvements. The bill also prohibits expiration dates on airline travel credits, assigns ownership to the possessor, limits associated fees, and allows for cash redemption of small remaining balances. Additionally, it establishes a $1 fee on airline tickets for travel to or from Montana, with the collected revenue designated to combat human trafficking.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAllows local governments to require developers to share costs for road infrastructure improvements, directly funding transportation capital projects.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Montana · House May 13, 2025

HB 855: Establish FWP wildlife highway crossings and accommodation account

House Bill 855 establishes a dedicated funding mechanism for projects aimed at reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions across Montana. It authorizes the Fish and Wildlife Commission to create a specialty license plate, with a $20 donation from its sale and renewal deposited into a new "Big Game and Wildlife Highway Crossings and Accommodations Account." Funds in this account, which also accepts gifts and grants, are statutorily appropriated to the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. These funds will be used for the design, construction, maintenance, and study of wildlife crossings and related accommodations on state roadways, improving safety for both drivers and wildlife.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates dedicated revenue stream ($20 license plate donations) and statutorily appropriates funds to wildlife safety projects, advancing budget allocation for public services.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds wildlife highway crossings to reduce vehicle collisions, conserving wildlife habitats and reducing human-wildlife conflict through dedicated appropriations.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds wildlife highway crossings to reduce vehicle collisions, directly enhancing transportation safety through dedicated infrastructure projects.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Montana · House May 13, 2025

HB 739: Revise laws for agricultural vehicles on the highway

HB 739 revises traffic laws to improve safety when motor vehicles encounter agricultural vehicles on highways. The bill requires motor vehicle operators to reduce their speed when approaching an agricultural vehicle, either matching its speed if traveling in the same direction or reducing to half the posted limit if traveling in a different direction. It also mandates that agricultural vehicle operators move off the roadway or onto the shoulder when a line of vehicles forms behind them to allow other traffic to pass. These provisions directly affect anyone operating a motor vehicle or an agricultural vehicle on public roads.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances highway safety regulations for agricultural vehicles, directly improving traffic safety on transportation infrastructure.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation