Transportation (Freight)

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.

This bill allows trucks and other heavy vehicles to operate in platoons on Montana highways, where they travel closely together using electronic coordination to maintain speed and distance. It requires anyone driving the lead vehicle or positioned to take control of a platoon vehicle to hold a commercial driver's license. The Montana Department of Transportation will have authority to create rules that can restrict platooning during dangerous road conditions, though it may exempt vehicles proven safe in those conditions. The law also mandates that the department consult with various stakeholders, including trucking companies, law enforcement, and local governments, before establishing these rules. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Bill LC 3495, titled "Allow autonomous trucks and automobiles to operate with restrictions in Montana," proposed to permit self-driving vehicles on Montana roads under specific safety conditions. It would have directly affected drivers, trucking companies, and state transportation regulators by establishing a legal framework for autonomous vehicle operation. However, the bill died in the legislative process in May 2025 after being assigned a drafter in December 2024, meaning it never became law. Montana's existing regulations on autonomous vehicles remained unchanged as a result.

HB 345 clarifies the roles of the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and the transportation commission concerning transit funding. The bill specifies that the MDT will be responsible for allocating federal transit administration funds, freight assistance funds, and other legislative appropriations. These funds are designated for the study, design, construction, repair, or improvement of rail or transit intermodal transportation systems. This change shifts the authority for allocating these specific funds from the commission to the department.

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.