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.
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 483 aims to reduce property taxes by revising school funding laws, while preserving the existing 95 school equalization mills. The bill fixes state and county school equalization mills and vocational-technical education mills, and exempts school levies from general property tax increase limits. It also increases guaranteed tax base multipliers for fiscal year 2026 and raises state reimbursement rates for school transportation, which helps lower local property tax burdens. Additionally, the bill requires reports from the Office of Public Instruction and Department of Revenue on the impacts of property reappraisal on school funding and property taxes.
This bill directs the state treasurer to transfer $30 million from the general fund to Montana's local road and bridge account by July 15, 2025. The funds are intended to support local road and bridge maintenance and improvement projects managed by counties and municipalities. The transfer is a one-time action, not an ongoing funding source, and applies specifically to the account designated under state law (15-70-132). The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, with the transfer deadline set for July 15.
This bill creates a Board of Passenger Ropeway Safety to regulate ski lifts and similar systems in Montana. It requires all ski area operators to register their ropeways with the board through an application process, undergo periodic inspections, and comply with safety rules. The board, appointed by the governor and including ski industry representatives, will issue annual certificates, set safety standards, and collect registration fees. This directly affects ski area operators by imposing new registration and inspection requirements to enhance public safety.
This bill requires private companies that transport children (excluding government employees) to register annually with Montana's Department of Public Health and Human Services, providing details like company ownership, vehicle information, and business licenses. Companies must notify the department 48 hours before transporting a child, including the child's details, parent contact, and transport route, while the department maintains records for 10 years and shares them with law enforcement for human trafficking investigations. The bill prohibits using physical restraints, chemical restraints, or visually impairing children (like blindfolds), and bans pickups between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. It directly affects secure youth transportation companies, aiming to enhance child safety and prevent trafficking through transparency and record-keeping.
This bill establishes clear rules for utilities (like power, gas, and cable companies) to place infrastructure - such as pipes, cables, or conduits - across railroad rights-of-way in Montana. It requires utilities to submit a 30-day notice with a detailed application and pay a one-time crossing fee (capped at $3,000 or $10 per linear foot of railroad property used) plus an annual fee (capped at 10% of the original fee or $300). Railroads cannot impose arbitrary fee increases, and the bill prohibits mechanic’s liens on utility infrastructure. These provisions directly affect utilities seeking to cross railroad land and railroads managing those crossings.
Bill LC 3985 proposed creating a grant program to cover fees for teen driver education programs. The bill aimed to provide financial assistance, making these programs more accessible for teenagers. By covering the costs of enrollment, it would directly benefit young individuals seeking to obtain a driver's license and their families.
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.
Bill LC 3762, titled "Generally revise electric transportation laws," aimed to update state regulations governing electric vehicle infrastructure and incentives. The bill was drafted in December 2024 but was placed on hold and ultimately died in the legislative process on May 23, 2025. As a result, no specific policy changes were enacted, and the proposed revisions to electric transportation rules were never implemented. The available context does not include the bill's full text or detailed provisions.
