HB 924 creates the Montana Growth and Opportunity Trust, funded by half of the state's unpredictable revenue (like capital gains or oil royalties) starting in 2027. Interest income from the trust is split: half distributes $15 million annually to five specific programs (disaster resiliency, property tax relief, water development, bridge repairs, and early childhood care), while the other half reinvests in pension funds and housing infrastructure. The bill establishes new accounts for these programs and sets rules for calculating volatile revenue using historical data to stabilize budgeting. It directly affects state budgeting, early childhood services, infrastructure projects, and pension systems through mandatory funding allocations.
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 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.
HB 848 aimed to provide dedicated funding for regional rail authorities in the state. The bill proposed creating a "Big Sky Rail Account" within the state special revenue fund, which would receive a portion of rental car sales and use tax proceeds. The Department of Transportation would then annually distribute these funds to eligible regional rail authorities. These authorities could use the money for administrative costs, matching federal grants, fostering partnerships, and planning, developing, and operating rail projects and services, such as enhancing safety, improving stations, and exploring new train routes.
HB 586 revises child safety restraint system laws, establishing new age-specific requirements for children traveling in motor vehicles. It mandates that children under 2 years use a rear-facing system, children aged 2-4 use a rear-facing or forward-facing system with a harness, and children aged 4-8 use a forward-facing system with a harness or a booster seat. Children 9 years or older, or those who have outgrown a booster, must use an adult safety belt. The bill also defines various restraint types and provides exemptions for certain vehicles like school buses or in emergency situations.
SB 471 revises vehicular traffic laws to enhance pedestrian safety at crossings by creating the offense of "endangerment of pedestrians." It establishes a tiered system of fines for drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, with higher penalties for violations occurring at crosswalks equipped with activated pedestrian-actuated devices. Drivers are also made liable for the cost of repairing or replacing any pedestrian-actuated devices they damage. Additionally, the bill clarifies driver responsibilities at flashing pedestrian-actuated devices, requiring them to yield and remain stopped until the pedestrian has crossed, or proceed with caution if unable to stop safely.
SB 264 amends Montana law concerning motor vehicle exhaust noise. This bill eliminates a specific legal defense for motor vehicle operators cited for exceeding the 95-decibel noise limit. Previously, a driver could not be convicted if they had reasonable grounds to believe their vehicle complied with the noise standard. With this change, that defense is no longer available to those charged with a violation.
SB 428 revises how local authorities and county commissions can set speed limits on roads. It allows local authorities to adjust speed limits in various areas, such as urban districts, outside urban districts, and school zones, typically requiring an engineering and traffic investigation. A key change is that boards of county commissioners can now set certain decreased speed limits on county roads, including in school zones, without first conducting an engineering and traffic investigation. The bill also specifies signage requirements for altered limits and mandates consultation with relevant bodies for school zones.
SB 508 revises Montana's driving under the influence (DUI) laws concerning tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for younger drivers. This bill establishes that for individuals under 21 years of age, having any detectable amount of THC in their system constitutes a DUI offense. This means there is no specific THC concentration threshold for drivers under 21, unlike the 5 ng/ml limit for adult drivers. The change applies to any amount of THC, excluding inactive metabolites, found in a driver under 21.
Senate Joint Resolution 19 (SJ 19) requests an interim study on ways to improve passenger transportation and public transit services throughout Montana. The study aims to benefit various residents, including senior citizens, people with disabilities, students, and tourists, particularly in areas currently underserved by transportation options. It will investigate potential solutions, such as establishing a passenger transportation commission and reviewing laws to accommodate autonomous vehicles. The Legislative Council is requested to assign a committee or staff to conduct this study, with final results and recommendations due to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026.
