Transportation

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

Track

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 5, 2025

HB 387: Revise laws related to highway reconstruction

HB 387 revises the documents the Department of Transportation must file when establishing new or reconstructed highways. It amends current law to require the filing of a "right-of-way plan" instead of a "description and right-of-way plan." This clarifies that private property owners will not receive compensation for new buildings or improvements placed on land after the department files this right-of-way plan for a proposed highway. The bill also states that if no action to acquire the property begins within one year of filing, the highway location establishment becomes ineffective. This act takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationClarifies land acquisition process for highway projects, reducing delays/costs by eliminating post-plan compensation for new property improvements, enabling faster infrastructure development.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Montana · House May 5, 2025

HB 312: Revise speed limit laws

HB 312 revises speed limit laws for drivers in Montana. The bill increases the daytime speed limit to 75 miles per hour and the nighttime speed limit to 70 miles per hour on national highways that have been expanded to four lanes and are at least 15 miles long, except in special speed zones. It also updates the penalty section to reflect these new speed limits, maintaining that minor speeding violations (up to 10 mph daytime or 5 mph nighttime) are generally not recorded against a driver's record, with specific exceptions for commercial drivers or high-speed violations on interstates.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill directly revises speed limits on highways (transportation infrastructure) per Traffic Regulations, advancing regulatory framework for road safety and efficiency.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

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