HJ 35 is a joint resolution from the Montana Legislature urging federal officials to modify current federal land management and wildfire policies. It calls for an aggressive initial attack on wildfires across all federal lands and for federal forest roads to remain open for access and fire suppression. The resolution also recommends that EPA air quality standards include wildfire smoke and that federal "let it burn" policies be reversed, ensuring NEPA processes are followed. Finally, it advocates for increased involvement of state and local governments and stakeholder groups in federal fire management decisions to protect Montana's communities.
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.
Senate Joint Resolution 16 is a resolution from the Montana Legislature urging the federal government to establish safety standards for automated vehicles. It specifically calls on the U.S. Congress and the federal Department of Transportation to adopt laws and rules ensuring these vehicles can operate safely in all weather conditions, including snow and ice, and all road conditions, such as mountain passes and open range areas. The resolution highlights Montana's unique challenges, such as a high rate of animal-related car crashes, as a particular concern for automated driving systems.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
