Rep. Ed Buttrey

Maddy summaryHB 218 revises the practice of optometry by expanding the scope of services licensed optometrists can provide. It permits optometrists to perform certain in-office surgical procedures and laser surgical procedures, specifically limited to the anterior segment of the eye and adnexa. However, the bill explicitly excludes penetrating intraocular surgery, intravitreal injection, and refractive surgery. To perform laser surgical procedures, optometrists must be certified by the board after completing required didactic and clinical training. This act takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 92 revises Montana's alcohol regulations by updating key provisions affecting liquor stores, retailers, and license applicants. It clarifies that wholesalers cannot sell directly to the public (amending §16-3-233), restricts where retailers can purchase alcohol (amending §16-3-301), and requires fingerprints/background checks for license applicants and location managers (amending §16-4-414). The bill also updates the Department of Revenue's authority to manage liquor stores and enforce regulations (amending §16-1-302). These changes directly affect licensed alcohol businesses, retailers, and individuals applying for alcohol licenses in Montana.

Maddy summaryHB 118 revises Montana's participation in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (Section 20-1-230, MCA). It clarifies the Compact Commission's authority to set annual assessments based on the number of military-connected students in Montana and updates references to U.S. Code. The bill directly affects military children (K-12) and their families moving between states, as well as Montana schools and education agencies. Key mechanisms include standardizing enrollment processes, ensuring seamless transfer of education records, and supporting placement without disadvantage due to frequent moves or deployments. The changes aim to remove barriers to educational continuity for military-connected students across state lines.

Maddy summaryHB 246 standardizes how Montana determines if a license from another state meets Montana's professional licensing standards, affecting out-of-state applicants seeking to practice without retaking exams and the licensing boards or Department of Labor and Industry that make these determinations. The bill defines "substantial equivalency" as requiring that another state's education, exam, and experience requirements are comparable to or exceed Montana's, and specifies that boards or the department must assess whether an applicant's actual qualifications can address any gaps when standards are not fully equivalent. It amends multiple licensing statutes to clarify this process and removes redundant language about reciprocity and equivalency. This creates a consistent, transparent standard for recognizing out-of-state licenses across Montana's regulated professions.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises Montana's HELP Act workforce development program by removing the requirement for the state to contract with private companies to provide training and education services. It extends the program's termination date to June 30, 2025, and repeals several outdated sections of prior laws related to the program. The changes directly affect individuals receiving healthcare assistance under Title 53 who may access workforce development services, and shift how workforce development providers are engaged. The bill simplifies service delivery while maintaining reporting requirements for program outcomes and costs.

Maddy summaryHB 60 is a broad revision bill primarily updating Montana's securities and insurance regulations, not state auditor functions as the title suggests. It revises definitions, streamlines securities registration, shortens the timeframe for filing securities actions (to 1 year after discovery), adjusts eligibility for restitution funds, and updates insurance-related provisions covering telehealth, privacy, producer training, and health trust requirements. The bill also includes an unrelated section of personnel definitions (Section 2-18-101), likely a document error, but its core impact affects securities issuers, insurance companies, and healthcare providers. It passed unanimously and was signed into law on February 27, 2025.