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

Track

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 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

Track

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 849: Provide for special motorcycle plates promoting motorcycle safety

HB 849 establishes a new special motorcycle license plate for Montana residents who own motorcycles or quadricycles. Owners choosing this plate will pay a total fee, which includes a $20 donation. This donation fee is statutorily appropriated to the Department of Justice. The Department will use these funds to provide grants to Montana-based nonprofit organizations that promote motorcycle rider safety and awareness through education and outreach.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds motorcycle safety education via plate donation, directly advancing transportation safety through statutory appropriation for rider awareness programs.95% 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 8, 2025

HB 345: Revise MDT and transportation commission roles in transit

HB 345 clarifies the roles of the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and the transportation commission concerning transit funding. The bill specifies that the MDT will be responsible for allocating federal transit administration funds, freight assistance funds, and other legislative appropriations. These funds are designated for the study, design, construction, repair, or improvement of rail or transit intermodal transportation systems. This change shifts the authority for allocating these specific funds from the commission to the department.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill allocates federal transit funds for infrastructure improvements (study, design, construction, repair) of rail/transit systems, clarifying MDT's role in funding allocation.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Montana · House May 8, 2025

HB 672: Generally revise Montana department of transportation’s utility relocation process

HB 672 revises the process for relocating utility and nonutility facilities during highway construction projects in Montana, directly affecting the Department of Transportation (DOT) and facility owners. The bill grants the DOT new rulemaking authority to establish timelines and standards for these relocations. It allows the department to reduce its reimbursement for relocation costs if facilities are not moved promptly after notice, and permits the DOT to remove facilities that are not relocated in a reasonable time or not installed according to permit. The bill also provides limited liability protection for the department during these removals and adjusts reimbursement percentages for publicly owned water and sewer facilities.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill streamlines utility relocation during highway projects, granting DOT authority to set timelines and enforce prompt action, supporting efficient transportation infrastructure development.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Montana · Senate May 8, 2025

SB 433: Revise right-of-way laws for roundabouts

SB 433 revises right-of-way laws for drivers navigating roundabouts in Montana. It establishes that vehicles already in a roundabout have the right-of-way over those approaching it, which must yield. The bill creates specific provisions for towing vehicles, allowing them to deviate lanes for safe passage and requiring other drivers to yield and not pass them within or approaching a roundabout. If two towing vehicles enter a roundabout simultaneously, the vehicle to the left is granted the right-of-way.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationClarifies right-of-way rules in roundabouts to improve traffic safety and reduce collisions, directly advancing road infrastructure safety standards.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation