SB 228 revises laws related to public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, affecting EV owners and charging station operators. The bill imposes a 3-cent per kilowatt-hour tax on electricity delivered to public charging stations, with specific effective dates for new and existing stations. It mandates that all public charging stations install a separate electric meter, with the owner responsible for installation costs. Additionally, the bill eliminates a future 30% reduction in state registration fees for electric vehicles. Public charging station operators are also required to register with the state and disclose their charging rates.
House Bill 855 establishes a dedicated funding mechanism for projects aimed at reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions across Montana. It authorizes the Fish and Wildlife Commission to create a specialty license plate, with a $20 donation from its sale and renewal deposited into a new "Big Game and Wildlife Highway Crossings and Accommodations Account." Funds in this account, which also accepts gifts and grants, are statutorily appropriated to the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. These funds will be used for the design, construction, maintenance, and study of wildlife crossings and related accommodations on state roadways, improving safety for both drivers and wildlife.
HB 849 establishes a new special motorcycle license plate for Montana residents who own motorcycles or quadricycles. Owners choosing this plate will pay a total fee, which includes a $20 donation. This donation fee is statutorily appropriated to the Department of Justice. The Department will use these funds to provide grants to Montana-based nonprofit organizations that promote motorcycle rider safety and awareness through education and outreach.
House Bill 677 aimed to revise laws related to driver's licenses by establishing a new consequence for driving without insurance. The bill proposed that the state's department of motor vehicles would be required to suspend the driver's license or driving privilege of any person determined to have driven a vehicle without the legally required insurance coverage. This measure would have added a specific enforcement mechanism for non-compliance with mandatory vehicle insurance laws.
SB 455 would prohibit towing companies and tow truck operators from soliciting services at accident scenes or near disabled vehicles. It requires written proof of service requests (including vehicle details, timestamps, and requester information) and imposes fines and suspension penalties for violations, with escalating penalties for repeat offenses. The bill directly affects towing businesses, vehicle owners, and law enforcement (who must maintain records for 3 years and can request documentation within 48 hours). It amends existing towing regulations to prioritize safety and transparency, though it died in committee on May 23, 2025, and is not law.
SB 380 generally revises various motor vehicle laws, impacting drivers, vehicle owners, and the state department. The bill expands the recognition of driver's licenses and identifications to include the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. It also revises disability parking permit application requirements, allowing licensed advanced practice registered nurses to issue interim permits. Further provisions update vehicle title, registration, and license plate laws, enable more electronic transactions with the department, and adjust the minimum age for driver's licenses and commercial driver's license expirations.
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.
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.
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.
This bill (LC 2978) proposed revisions to existing electric vehicle (EV) laws but never became law. It was drafted in December 2024, placed on hold, and ultimately died in the legislative process on May 27, 2025. The bill did not advance to a vote or receive committee action. As a result, no changes to EV regulations were enacted through this proposal. The bill remains inactive with no current effect on EV laws or stakeholders.
