Rep. Eric Tilleman

Maddy summaryHB 269 eliminates the Organic Commodity Advisory Council and revises the state organic certification program, affecting organic producers, processors, and handlers in Montana. Previously, the program's implementation and the council's establishment were contingent on petitions from the organic industry. The revised bill directly establishes a state organic certification program under the Department of Agriculture's administration. The Department is now authorized to adopt rules, must regularly seek input from the organic industry, and is not obligated to continue the program if it fails to meet budget requirements or if private certifiers provide sufficient coverage.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 504 expands the types of livestock covered under Montana's Livestock Loss Mitigation Program. This bill allows Montana livestock producers to receive reimbursement for domestic bison lost due to predation by wolves, mountain lions, and grizzly bears. It also specifies that the fair market value for domestic bison, used for reimbursement, will be twice the average value of commercial cattle of the same age and sex.

Maddy summaryHB 357 provides state funding specifically for career and technical education (CTE) programs in middle schools, junior high schools, and 7th and 8th-grade programs. It directs the Superintendent of Public Instruction to annually distribute these funds to eligible elementary and K-12 school districts. The bill appropriates $100,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2027 to support these programs. The Superintendent will adopt rules to ensure equitable distribution and proper use of the funds, enhancing existing federal support without school size restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 144 increases Montana's Building Codes Council membership from 12 to 13 members by adding a representative from the Montana State Fire Chiefs' Association. The bill amends the council's membership structure to include this new position, alongside existing roles like architects, engineers, contractors, and building inspectors. This change directly affects the council's composition and requires the governor to appoint a fire chiefs' association representative to serve alongside other industry and public members. The law focuses on expanding stakeholder representation in building code governance without altering the council's duties or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 108 eliminates a requirement for Montana's Department of Revenue to create a supplemental valuation manual when agricultural implements and machinery (like farm equipment) aren't listed in national appraisal guides. This change directly affects farmers and ranchers who own such equipment, as their property tax valuations will now rely solely on existing national guides instead of needing a separate state manual. The bill amends property tax law to remove the specific provision requiring the supplemental manual, streamlining the valuation process for the Department of Revenue. The change takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.