Transportation

introduced · Montana · Legislature Nov 19, 2024

LC 179: Provide for the use of autonomous vehicles

This bill, known as the Montana Autonomous Vehicle Act, permits the operation of both partially and fully autonomous vehicles on state public highways. It establishes clear definitions for different levels of vehicle automation, from Level 1 systems that assist with braking or steering to Level 4 and 5 systems that can operate without human intervention. The legislation allows partially autonomous vehicles to be used immediately while requiring fully autonomous vehicles to comply with rules set by the Department of Transportation. Additionally, the bill mandates that anyone operating a partially autonomous vehicle from the driver's seat must hold a valid driver's license for that vehicle class.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly permits autonomous vehicle operation, advancing technology adoption and establishing regulatory frameworks for emerging transportation technology.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill permits autonomous vehicle operation on state highways, enhancing transportation infrastructure and modernizing vehicle regulations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles Driver Licensing

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 12, 2025

LC 449: Revise vehicle registration fees and allocate revenue for bridges and victims of crime

This bill changes how vehicle registration fees are calculated in Montana, particularly for newer and more expensive vehicles. It directly affects vehicle owners by adjusting registration costs based on a vehicle's age and manufacturer's suggested retail price. The key provision introduces an additional fee of 1% of the vehicle's price for the first year of registration for cars costing over $150,000 that are 10 years old or newer. Revenue from these fees will be allocated to special state accounts to fund highway patrol salaries, victim services, and local bridge projects. The bill also repeals an existing section and updates several state codes related to vehicle registration and fee collection.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases revenue from vehicle registration fees and allocates it to bridges and crime victim programs, strengthening state budget for public services.85% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill allocates revenue from vehicle fees specifically to victims of crime, providing financial support for criminal justice victim services and compensation programs.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill allocates revenue from vehicle registration fees specifically for bridges and transportation infrastructure, directly funding transportation improvements.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Roads & Highways Vehicle Registration

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Dec 31, 2024

LC 3259: Require bicycles to go opposite the flow of traffic

This bill requires cyclists riding on public roads to travel in the opposite direction of traffic unless they are escorted by a flag vehicle. The law directly affects all bicycle operators in Montana who ride on roadways without professional escort services. By removing existing traffic laws that allowed cyclists to ride with traffic, the legislation establishes a new default rule favoring counter-traffic movement for safety. The only exception permits cyclists to ride with traffic when accompanied by a flag vehicle escort, which typically refers to a lead vehicle with a flagger or safety officer. This change modifies current Montana traffic codes by repealing previous sections that governed bicycle operation on roadways.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by requiring cyclists to ride opposite traffic flow, reducing collision risks and promoting safer road usage.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Bicycle Infrastructure

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 24, 2025

LC 1996: Revise tow truck regulation laws

This bill updates Montana's commercial tow truck regulations by establishing clearer definitions and classification standards for tow truck operators and equipment. It directly affects tow truck companies and drivers by requiring new equipment specifications for three vehicle classes (light, medium, and heavy-duty) and mandating that at least 75% of employees in company operations hold recognized certifications or have one year of experience in Montana. The law also revises requirements for participation in the state law enforcement rotation system, which allows tow trucks to assist police with traffic stops, and includes a transition provision for existing trucks that do not meet the new standards.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill strengthens tow truck regulations by improving safety standards and certification requirements, enhancing transportation safety and operational clarity.85% confidence

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 21, 2025

LC 2178: Generally revise Montana department of transportation’s utility relocation process

This bill updates Montana's laws to give the Department of Transportation more authority to manage how utilities and other facilities are moved when highway projects are planned. It allows the department to create rules that set specific timelines for relocation and reduce the amount of money the state pays if utilities or facility owners do not move their equipment in a timely manner. Under the new provisions, the state would normally cover 75% of relocation costs, but this percentage can decrease to zero if facilities are not moved within a reasonable time after notice. The bill also clarifies when the department can remove facilities without compensation and limits the department's liability for service interruptions during removal, while requiring the department to consult with utility companies before setting new rules.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill strengthens DOT authority to manage utility relocation for highway projects, improving transportation infrastructure efficiency and reducing project delays.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 28, 2025

LC 1515: Revise MDT and transportation commission roles in transit

This bill clarifies the division of responsibilities between Montana's Department of Transportation and the Transportation Commission regarding transit funding. It authorizes the Department to allocate federal transit and freight assistance funds for rail and transit projects, while allowing the Commission to transfer federal funds between highway and transit programs. Additionally, the bill permits the Commission to delegate its funding responsibilities to the Department. These changes aim to streamline how transportation funds are managed and distributed across different transit-related initiatives.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill clarifies and expands MDT's ability to allocate transit and freight funds, strengthening transportation infrastructure and funding mechanisms.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Freight Rail Transportation Funding

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 24, 2025

LC 2782: Generally revise vehicular traffic laws related to pedestrian crossings

This bill updates Montana's traffic laws to strengthen protections for pedestrians in crosswalks and establishes new penalties for drivers who endanger them. It requires vehicles to stop completely when approaching activated pedestrian-actuated devices like flashing beacons and remain stopped until pedestrians finish crossing. The legislation creates a specific misdemeanor offense called "endangerment of pedestrians" with escalating fines for repeat violations and mandates that drivers pay for repairs if they damage pedestrian-actuated equipment. Additionally, the bill clarifies rules about when vehicles may turn right at crosswalks and prohibits overtaking stopped vehicles at intersections where pedestrians are crossing.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill strengthens pedestrian safety protections and establishes stricter penalties for drivers endangering pedestrians, enhancing overall transportation safety standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bicycle Infrastructure Driver Licensing Pedestrian Safety

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 22, 2025

LC 1951: Prohibit motorboats and motorized watercraft on Class 2 waters

This bill prohibits the use of motorboats and personal watercraft on Class II waters in Montana, affecting public access to these designated waterways. The key provision adds a new restriction to existing state law that specifically bans motorized watercraft on Class II waters, while maintaining public rights to non-motorized recreation like kayaking or canoeing. The legislation also clarifies that public recreational use of Class II waters does not include overnight camping, big game hunting, or placing seasonal objects without landowner permission. Additionally, the bill requires the state commission to adopt rules for managing recreational use of Class I and II waters, including procedures for requesting restrictions and identifying waters with limited recreational capacity.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibiting motorboats on Class II waters reduces pollution and protects aquatic ecosystems, aligning with environmental conservation goals.85% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationBill restricts motorized watercraft on Class II waters, limiting transportation options for recreational boating and reducing access to waterways.85% confidence

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Dec 10, 2024

LC 193: Staff Sergeant Arthur J Rambo memorial bridge

This bill establishes the Arthur John Rambo Memorial Bridge over the Kootenai River in Libby, Montana, on Highway 37, honoring Staff Sergeant Arthur J. Rambo, a World War II and Vietnam War veteran who was awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions in Vietnam. The legislation directs the Montana Department of Transportation to install signs at both ends of the bridge and to place a memorial plaque near the bridge to commemorate Rambo's life and sacrifice. The bill affects the state transportation department, which will be responsible for designing and installing the signage and plaque, while the community of Libby is the primary beneficiary of this memorial designation.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill directs Montana DOT to install signs and a memorial plaque on a bridge, enhancing transportation infrastructure with commemorative elements.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill establishes memorial bridge and plaque honoring WWII/Vietnam veteran, recognizing his service and sacrifice.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Roads & Highways Memorials & Recognition

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 30, 2025

LC 693: Provide for human trafficking awareness training for school bus drivers

This bill requires school bus drivers in Montana to complete a free, transportation industry-specific training course on recognizing and reporting signs of human trafficking as part of their driver qualifications. The Office of Public Instruction will provide the training materials at no cost to driver candidates and is directed to recommend that this training be included in ongoing inservice training for bus drivers. The law also encourages the Office of Public Instruction to educate the broader community about child sex trafficking prevention and to coordinate with law enforcement and other agencies on awareness efforts. These changes take effect on July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances public safety by training school bus drivers to recognize and report human trafficking, strengthening law enforcement capabilities and victim protection.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill enhances student safety by requiring human trafficking awareness training for school bus drivers, protecting students and supporting educational staff.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by requiring human trafficking awareness training for school bus drivers, improving safety standards and driver qualifications.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking School Transportation Public Transit

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