SB 454 proposes significant revisions to Montana's commercial tow truck regulations. It establishes new classification standards for tow trucks (Classes A-E) based on equipment capacity and chassis requirements, replacing previous ratings. The bill also mandates certification for operators (75% of employees for companies, or 1 year of experience for individuals), requires equipment to meet updated safety standards, and clarifies requirements for participating in the law enforcement rotation system. These changes directly affect tow truck operators, companies, and the Montana Highway Patrol, which oversees inspections and classification. The bill was introduced in 2025 but died in committee without becoming law.
SB 359 would have prohibited holding or using handheld mobile devices while driving in Montana, including texting, watching videos, or recording content, except for hands-free navigation or voice calls. It would have required drivers to use hands-free devices for calls and navigation, with exceptions for emergency vehicles, law enforcement, and work-related radio use. Violations would have carried civil penalties of $75-$149 for a first offense and $150-$250 for repeat offenses. The bill aimed to reduce distracted driving by clarifying restrictions on device use and defining terms like "portable wireless communication device" in Montana law.
SB 455 would prohibit towing companies and tow truck operators from soliciting services at accident scenes or near disabled vehicles. It requires written proof of service requests (including vehicle details, timestamps, and requester information) and imposes fines and suspension penalties for violations, with escalating penalties for repeat offenses. The bill directly affects towing businesses, vehicle owners, and law enforcement (who must maintain records for 3 years and can request documentation within 48 hours). It amends existing towing regulations to prioritize safety and transparency, though it died in committee on May 23, 2025, and is not law.
SB 24 increases fines for railroad companies that obstruct highway crossings outside incorporated cities. It raises penalties from $25-$100 to $750-$1,500 for blocking crossings (e.g., stopping trains over 15 minutes or leaving objects on tracks) under existing Montana law. The bill directly affects rail operators and entities managing railroad infrastructure. It amends Section 69-14-626, MCA, with immediate effect, and was requested by the Public Service Commission. The change aims to strengthen enforcement of crossing safety rules without altering the core prohibition.
SB 324 revises vehicle registration fees for high-end vehicles, adding a 1% fee based on the vehicle's manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the first year of registration after January 1, 2026, for cars over $150,000 and motorhomes over $300,000. It directly affects owners of these high-value vehicles, replacing a flat annual add-on fee with the percentage-based assessment. Revenue from these fees will fund two specific programs: grants for bridge projects through the Department of Transportation and services for crime victims via the Board of Crime Control. The bill also updates related sections of Montana law governing registration fees and special revenue accounts.
SB 327 does not change motor vehicle registration fees themselves but revises the formula for distributing revenue from vehicle-related fees to local governments. It amends Montana law (sections 15-1-121, 15-1-122, 61-3-321, and 61-3-562) to adjust how entitlement share payments are calculated for counties, cities, and towns. The bill updates the growth rate calculation for these payments, basing it on specific state revenue sources like vehicle fees (from section 61-3-321) and income taxes, rather than using the previous method. This directly affects all local governments receiving these annual revenue distributions. The bill was referred to the Taxation committee and died in committee in May 2025.
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.
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.
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.
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.
