Rep. Shane Klakken

Maddy summaryHJ 57 is a study resolution requesting an interim committee to examine Montana's statewide public safety communications system, which supports first responders during extreme weather and disasters. The study will assess the system's effectiveness, funding needs (including a projected 2027 shortfall), interoperability with local/tribal/federal systems, and future upgrades like FBI-required encryption. It will report findings to the 70th Legislature by September 2026, focusing on how the system serves over 12,000 users across 74 towers and 15 dispatch centers. The resolution does not change laws but aims to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 731 requires airports that receive public funding to provide specific services to light aircraft at no cost. These services include allowing light aircraft to land, taxi, and park with tie-downs for up to three days. Publicly funded airports must also provide access for passengers and aircrew through security fencing. The bill defines "light aircraft" as those weighing less than 9,000 pounds operating under a specific federal regulation.

Maddy summaryHB 569 sought to revise laws related to perjury and false swearing. The bill proposed changes to the penalties for these offenses, introducing mandatory minimum jail sentences and adjusting maximum terms and fines. For perjury, the punishment would shift from state prison to county jail, while still requiring a minimum 6-month term. For false swearing, new mandatory minimums for jail time and revised fines were introduced. Additionally, the bill mandated that credible allegations of both perjury and false swearing be investigated by an agency independent of the judiciary.

Maddy summaryThis bill would have established an income tax credit for individuals and corporations in Montana who make cash contributions to qualified community improvement organizations. These organizations are defined as tax-exempt groups with no paid staff that raise or distribute funds to support public facilities owned by the state or local government. The credit amount would be equal to the contribution, capped at the lesser of 10% of taxable income or $3,000, and could be carried forward for three years. An aggregate statewide limit on the total amount of credits claimed annually would have been set, starting at $2 million in 2026 and potentially increasing in subsequent years, requiring preapproval from the Department.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 5 (HJ 5) is a resolution from the Montana Legislature applying to the U.S. Congress to call a convention of the states under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. This convention would be limited to proposing amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit its power and jurisdiction, and establish term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. The resolution directs the Montana Secretary of State to transmit this application to federal and state legislative bodies. This application is considered ongoing until two-thirds of state legislatures have submitted similar applications on the same subjects.

Maddy summaryHB 571 prohibits any government entity or private company within Montana from using Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) information to calculate or collect fees from certain aircraft owners or operators. This restriction applies to aircraft with a gross weight of 9,000 pounds or less that operate under Title 14, part 91, Code of Federal Regulations. The bill defines ADS-B as an advanced aviation surveillance technology providing aircraft positioning and other data.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of April 14, 2025, as "Two Lights for Tomorrow Week" in Montana. It encourages government buildings, community centers, and citizens to display two lights on the night of April 18, 2025, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

Maddy summaryHB 89 amends Montana's property tax law to require taxpayers to file claims for disaster-related property tax relief within 2 years of a natural disaster destroying their property. This directly affects Montana homeowners and property owners who suffer damage from events like fires, floods, or earthquakes (including fires regardless of origin, unless arson is convicted). The key provision establishes a clear deadline for filing claims, replacing the previous lack of time limit, and clarifies how tax adjustments are calculated based on the days property existed before and after the disaster. The bill takes immediate effect upon the Governor's signature, which occurred on April 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 570 requires Montana state-funded airports to provide free landing, taxiing, parking (up to 7 days), and security access for "light aircraft" (defined as aircraft under 12,500 pounds operating under standard FAA rules). It mandates that airports allow access through security fencing with designated parking for at least four vehicles. The bill prohibits additional fees for these services unless clearly posted and agreed to before flights. The bill was introduced in February 2025 but withdrawn before committee review.