Transportation

signed · Montana · House Mar 27, 2025

HB 43: Generally revise motor vehicle traffic regulation laws

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.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by clarifying cyclist access, school bus passing rules, and accessible parking protections within traffic regulations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Bicycle Infrastructure Driver Licensing Roads & Highways

died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 103: Creating a railroad track inspection program

HB 103 aimed to establish a Montana Rail Inspection Program to supervise and inspect railroads operating within the state. The bill proposed creating a dedicated Montana rail inspection account in the state special revenue fund. This account would be funded by diverting 8% of taxes collected from railroad car company property. The program was mandated to employ specific inspectors for motive power, equipment, track, and operating practices, along with administrative staff.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationCreates rail safety inspection program funded by transportation-related taxes, directly advancing transportation infrastructure safety and oversight.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

Track

died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 423: Generally revise the route of the Lewis and Clark Highway

This bill revises the route of Montana's Lewis and Clark Highway specifically through Missoula, changing the path between South Higgins Avenue and Arthur Avenue north of 6th Street. It prohibits the highway from running through that residential area and requires the transportation department, with input from Missoula County and the city, to identify an alternate route that avoids residential neighborhoods. The rest of the highway route - connecting Idaho to Lolo, then to Missoula via U.S. Highway 93, and continuing east to North Dakota - remains unchanged. The bill directly affects Missoula residents in the affected neighborhoods and transportation planning officials.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill revises Lewis and Clark Highway route to avoid residential areas, improving transportation infrastructure planning by minimizing community disruption.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

Track

signed · Montana · House May 13, 2025

HB 739: Revise laws for agricultural vehicles on the highway

HB 739 revises traffic laws to improve safety when motor vehicles encounter agricultural vehicles on highways. The bill requires motor vehicle operators to reduce their speed when approaching an agricultural vehicle, either matching its speed if traveling in the same direction or reducing to half the posted limit if traveling in a different direction. It also mandates that agricultural vehicle operators move off the roadway or onto the shoulder when a line of vehicles forms behind them to allow other traffic to pass. These provisions directly affect anyone operating a motor vehicle or an agricultural vehicle on public roads.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances highway safety regulations for agricultural vehicles, directly improving traffic safety on transportation infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

in committee · Montana · House Apr 16, 2025

HB 512: Require seat belts on newly purchased school buses

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates seat belts on new school buses, improving student safety in school transportation infrastructure, a direct educational safety measure.92% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates seat belts on school buses, directly enhancing vehicle safety standards within Transportation regulations as specified in bill subjects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety School Transportation Traffic Safety

Track

died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 172: Revise laws for prioritization of highway projects

House Bill 172 revises the process for prioritizing highway construction and reconstruction projects. It requires the Transportation Interim Committee to prepare a joint resolution for each legislative session, recommending specific projects for the Transportation Commission to prioritize. The bill also mandates that the Transportation Commission report biennially to the committee on the status of these recommended projects, explaining any reasons why a project was not prioritized. The Department of Transportation is tasked with assisting the Commission in considering these legislative recommendations.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes process to prioritize highway projects and mandates status reports, advancing infrastructure management and ensuring project progression.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Transportation Funding

Track

died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HJ 3: Joint resolution on Bowman's Corner

House Joint Resolution 3 (HJ 3) is a legislative measure that recommends the Montana Transportation Commission prioritize specific projects. It urges the Commission to focus on safety improvements at the intersection of U.S. Highway 287 and Montana Highway 200, commonly known as Bowman's Corner. This resolution serves as a recommendation from the Legislature to the Commission regarding highway construction and reconstruction project prioritization.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationUrges prioritization of safety improvements at Bowman's Corner intersection, directly advancing transportation safety standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

Track

signed · Montana · Senate May 8, 2025

SB 428: Generally revise county speed limits

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.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enables quicker implementation of lower speed limits in school zones without engineering studies, enhancing transportation safety per traffic regulation standards.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

passed both · Montana · Senate May 5, 2025

SJ 16: Joint resolution on automated vehicles

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.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationUrges federal safety standards for automated vehicles in all weather/road conditions, enhancing transportation safety as per bill's explicit call for operational safety rules.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles Electric Vehicles Roads & Highways

Track

signed · Montana · House Apr 3, 2025

HB 97: Allow for platooning vehicles

HB 97 allows trucks to travel in coordinated groups (called "platoons") using technology to maintain closer, synchronized spacing on Montana highways. It requires all drivers operating in a platoon - both the lead vehicle and anyone who can take control - to hold a commercial driver's license (CDL). The Department of Transportation can restrict platooning during dangerous road conditions and must consult stakeholders before creating safety rules. The law applies to trucking companies and drivers on public highways and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEnables truck platooning on highways with safety requirements, advancing transportation infrastructure efficiency and safety standards through coordinated vehicle technology.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Freight Roads & Highways