Rep. Steve Fitzpatrick

Maddy summaryHB 804 revises laws concerning lobbying by increasing the payment threshold for lobbyists from $2,150 to $3,000, effective for calendar year 2025. This threshold affects individuals or organizations engaged in lobbying activities. The bill also modifies the process for how the commissioner adjusts this payment threshold to account for inflation. Going forward, these adjustments will occur following a general election each even-numbered year, based on the consumer price index.

Maddy summaryHB 563 protects individuals who file or participate in investigations related to professional licensing complaints. The bill voids any contract provisions that prohibit or discourage someone from filing a complaint or cooperating with an investigation against a licensee. It also defines being party to such a prohibitive contract or retaliating against a complainant as "unprofessional conduct" for a licensee. This measure ensures that general waivers of claims cannot be interpreted to restrict these specific types of complaints.

Maddy summaryHB 735 generally revises Montana's alcohol license laws. The bill updates and adds various definitions related to alcohol production, sales, and the types of business entities involved in the alcohol industry. A key provision introduces a requirement for applicants of certain alcohol licenses to submit fingerprints. These changes directly affect licensed entities, individuals applying for alcohol licenses, and various business structures operating within the state's alcohol industry. The bill also includes an immediate effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 365 revises the laws concerning the award of attorney fees and costs against government entities in civil lawsuits. The bill specifies that the legislative branch's conduct when passing legislation cannot be considered when determining if a government entity's defense was pursued in bad faith. This means that legislative conduct is inadmissible as evidence for awarding costs or attorney fees against a government entity defending an enacted law. These changes affect individuals or groups suing the state, political subdivisions, or agencies, and apply retroactively to legislation passed since the commencement of the 69th legislative session.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 323 allows county governing bodies to provide a salary to reserve deputy sheriff's officers. It amends Section 7-4-2503 of state law, granting county commissioners the authority to set the pay for these officers. This change directly impacts reserve deputy sheriff's officers by making them eligible for compensation, and gives county commissions the discretion to establish salaries for these roles.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 17 is a resolution from the Montana Legislature urging the U.S. Congress and President to take actions to promote American energy production. It calls for reforming and streamlining federal permitting obligations and revising environmental regulations that are deemed not to align with national security interests. The resolution specifically recommends that the Environmental Protection Agency immediately review and potentially suspend, revise, or rescind certain power plant regulations issued in May 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 324 revises state law regarding voluntary payments made in legal claims, affecting individuals and entities involved in disputes over injuries or property damage. The bill clarifies that making a voluntary payment is not considered an admission of fault or liability for any claim. However, this protection does not apply to certain bad faith insurance actions or proceedings to determine attorney fees. It also maintains that voluntary payments are credited against any future judgment, but the payer cannot recover excess payments if the judgment is less than the amount already paid. The changes apply to liability claims with a cause of action accrued on or after October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 325 revises laws concerning real property covenants, conditions, and restrictions. It clarifies that property owners, parties to agreements, and homeowners' associations can initiate legal action to enforce these covenants. The bill allows a property owner to assert that a covenant has been abandoned if no enforcement action has been taken for a prescribed period, and once confirmed, this abandonment can be recorded to prevent future enforcement against similarly situated owners. Additionally, it prohibits homeowners' associations that have not met for 15 years from enforcing covenants, except for critical reasons such as legal compliance, infrastructure maintenance, or nuisance abatement.

Maddy summaryHB 114 revises consumer protection laws by establishing new requirements for insurance producers who also offer financial planning services. It mandates that these producers disclose their roles and any commissions from insurance sales, and requires written agreements for financial planning fees. The bill also defines "health insurance lead generators" and "lead-generating devices" to clarify their scope. Additionally, it expands the list of prohibited unfair claim settlement practices for insurance companies, aiming to enhance transparency and fairness for consumers in financial and insurance transactions.

Maddy summaryHB 531 establishes that the state legislature holds the sole authority to create, enforce, interpret, and manage the rules governing its own proceedings. It prohibits judicial officers from reviewing or interpreting these legislative rules. An exception is made, allowing for judicial review if a legislative rule potentially conflicts with the Montana Constitution or the United States Constitution. The bill defines "judicial officer" and became effective immediately upon passage and approval.