This bill revises Montana's income tax rules to better align state taxation with federal tax treatment for military pensions, retirement benefits, and survivor benefits. It expands the exemption for certain individuals who became Montana residents or remained residents after a specific date, removes a previous five-year limit on claiming this exemption, and eliminates a statutory sunset provision that would have ended the exemption. The legislation also amends existing tax code sections to clarify how various military-related income items are calculated for state tax purposes, ensuring consistency with federal tax definitions. These changes directly affect Montana residents receiving military retirement income and their dependents, providing more permanent tax relief without changing the fundamental structure of the state income tax system.
HB 448 establishes the Jim Loud Thunder Gopher memorial highway on the existing northwest bypass and Vaughn road in Great Falls, Cascade County. It directs the Department of Transportation to install signs and include the memorial highway on future state maps.
SB 392 establishes the Laverne Parrish Memorial Highway on a section of existing State Highway 93 (mile marker 48 to 51). It directs the Department of Transportation to install signs marking this section and to include the memorial highway on future state maps.
HB 851 proposes to create a new state agency called the Department of Health Services. This new department would take over specific human services functions currently managed by the Department of Public Health and Human Services. These transferred responsibilities include the administration of developmental disabilities services, mental health services (like the Montana State Hospital), chemical dependency services, and veterans' long-term care facilities. The bill also provides an appropriation for the new department, grants it rulemaking authority, and requires its contracts to include dispute resolution clauses.
HB 341 revises how funds are collected and used to support individuals and families, including military service personnel, living with traumatic brain injuries. It changes the existing voluntary donation for traumatic brain injury awareness during motor vehicle registration to an automatic $1 donation, from which individuals can opt out. The collected funds will be used by the Department of Public Health and Human Services for TBI prevention, education, and recovery support, and county treasurers must post notices explaining this automatic donation.
HB 447 enacts the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, allowing licensed respiratory therapists to practice in multiple member states without needing a full license in each. This aims to increase public access to respiratory therapy services and improve workforce mobility, including for military members and their spouses. The compact establishes a "compact privilege" for therapists to practice in other member states while preserving each state's regulatory authority. It also includes provisions for criminal background checks for license applicants.
SB 515 would create a multistate cosmetology licensure compact, allowing licensed cosmetologists to practice in participating states using a single license instead of obtaining separate licenses in each state. It requires criminal background checks for all applicants and establishes uniform standards for licensure, including shared disciplinary records between states to maintain safety. The bill specifically aims to reduce licensing barriers for cosmetologists relocating due to military service or family moves. This program would replace individual state licenses with a single multistate license valid across all compact member states.
SB 326 revises Montana's MEDIA Act film tax credits, extending them through 2045 and increasing the aggregate credit limit. The bill provides additional tax credits for production companies that hire veterans and enrolled tribal members. It establishes a fee for unused allocated credits, with these funds directed to a new film industry workforce training account to support workforce development. These changes aim to expand job opportunities and encourage investment in Montana's media manufacturing sector.
This bill establishes a segment of Highway 37 in Lincoln County as the "Danny L. Radish Highway" to honor Master Gunnery Sergeant Danny L. Radish, a Marine Corps veteran who received the Silver Star and Navy and Marine Corps Medal. The Department of Transportation must install signs marking the highway and update state highway maps to include the new name. The bill is purely ceremonial, with no new funding, regulations, or policy changes beyond the highway designation. It does not affect any specific group or program beyond the naming of this road segment.
This joint resolution urges the restoration of specific historical spaces within Montana's Veterans and Pioneers' Memorial Building when it reopens in 2025. It specifically requests the return of the Chet Shore-Governor Donald G. Nutter Memorial Trophy Hall, Sons and Daughters of the Pioneers' Room, and the 163rd Infantry Regiment Room to their original fourth-floor locations. The resolution recognizes these spaces as historically dedicated to Montana veterans and pioneer organizations, citing their long-standing use since the building opened in 1951. It does not create new law but formally asks relevant state officials to preserve these memorial areas as part of Montana's military heritage.
