HB 369 authorizes the creation of county road maintenance districts to maintain roads that were previously serviced by the county but owned by other entities. These districts can be formed when at least 66% of property owners in a proposed area petition the county commissioners. The districts are funded by assessing maintenance costs directly against the benefited properties within the district. The amount assessed by a district must then be subtracted from the county's general fund dedicated to road improvement or maintenance.
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.
House Bill 784 proposed to revise the method for distributing state revenue to Montana's local governments for road construction and maintenance. The bill introduced "daily vehicle miles traveled" as a new factor in the funding allocation formula for counties, cities, and towns. Consequently, it would have reduced the percentage weight of existing factors such as rural road mileage, population, land area, and street mileage in determining each local government's share. These changes aimed to adjust how counties, cities, and towns receive funds to maintain their local roads and streets, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.
HB 672 revises the process for relocating utility and nonutility facilities during highway construction projects in Montana, directly affecting the Department of Transportation (DOT) and facility owners. The bill grants the DOT new rulemaking authority to establish timelines and standards for these relocations. It allows the department to reduce its reimbursement for relocation costs if facilities are not moved promptly after notice, and permits the DOT to remove facilities that are not relocated in a reasonable time or not installed according to permit. The bill also provides limited liability protection for the department during these removals and adjusts reimbursement percentages for publicly owned water and sewer facilities.
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.
HB 405 proposed to increase the maximum reimbursement rates that school districts receive from state and county sources for student transportation. The bill specifically raised the per-mile rates for school buses of different passenger capacities, as well as for non-bus mileage. The intent was to lower school district property taxes designated for transportation expenses. These changes would have applied to school district transportation budgets starting July 1, 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 731 requires airports that receive public funding to provide specific services to light aircraft at no cost. These services include allowing light aircraft to land, taxi, and park with tie-downs for up to three days. Publicly funded airports must also provide access for passengers and aircrew through security fencing. The bill defines "light aircraft" as those weighing less than 9,000 pounds operating under a specific federal regulation.
HB 933, the "Montana Railroad Crossing Clarity Act," would establish a framework for utilities to place infrastructure within railroad rights-of-way and adjacent railroad land. It outlines an application process requiring utilities to provide notice, project drawings, and a certificate of insurance to railroads. The bill sets limits on the one-time crossing fees and potential annual fees that utilities would pay for these crossings. Utilities could commence construction 30 days after a complete application, unless a railroad objects due to safety concerns, with provisions for dispute resolution.
Senate Bill 67, titled the "Montana Automated Driving Systems Act," allows vehicles equipped with automated driving systems to be used on the public highways of Montana. The bill defines various levels of these systems, from Level 1 (driver assistance) to Level 5 (full automation). It permits Level 1, 2, and 3 automated driving systems without additional restrictions. However, Level 4 and 5 systems are allowed subject to limitations established by the Department of Transportation through rulemaking, which is also granted by the bill. This legislation creates a framework for the use and regulation of autonomous vehicles in the state.
