Rep. Denise Baum

Maddy summaryHB 848 aimed to provide dedicated funding for regional rail authorities in the state. The bill proposed creating a "Big Sky Rail Account" within the state special revenue fund, which would receive a portion of rental car sales and use tax proceeds. The Department of Transportation would then annually distribute these funds to eligible regional rail authorities. These authorities could use the money for administrative costs, matching federal grants, fostering partnerships, and planning, developing, and operating rail projects and services, such as enhancing safety, improving stations, and exploring new train routes.

Maddy summaryHJ 70 is a joint resolution requesting a study of how federal funding changes might affect Montana's Department of Transportation (MDT). It directs the Legislative Finance Committee to analyze potential impacts on MDT operations, staffing (including 2,041+ positions reliant on federal funds), and key programs like highways, infrastructure maintenance, and transit. The study would examine budget shifts, program sustainability, and workforce effects if federal funding decreases. This resolution does not change laws or funding but seeks to inform future legislative decisions. (Note: The resolution passed the House but died in the Senate process.)

Maddy summaryHB 581 revises Montana law to allow city police chiefs to appoint full-time, paid "special services officers" as court officers, rather than restricting appointments to part-time or volunteer roles. The bill updates definitions in Montana law to clarify that special services officers (who perform non-patrol duties requiring specialized skills) may now be appointed as court officers under supervision. This directly affects municipal courts and police departments, enabling them to use officers with specialized training for court duties like serving process or attending sessions. The change requires officers to be authorized to carry firearms and work under the police chief’s direction, as specified in amended sections 3-6-303 and 7-32-201 of Montana Code.

Maddy summaryHB 287 proposes to revise laws concerning dangerous drugs, primarily by introducing enhanced penalties. It establishes additional prison sentences for individuals who knowingly possess or use a firearm while committing offenses related to the criminal distribution or possession with intent to distribute dangerous drugs. The bill also sets specific, stricter penalties for the distribution or possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and similar substances, including mandatory minimum prison terms for certain quantities. Additionally, it clarifies that fines can be imposed alongside imprisonment for criminal distribution of dangerous drugs.

Maddy summaryHB 306 would have created an income tax credit for property owners, including individuals and corporations, who rent out dwellings in Montana for less than 110% of the fair market rent for their county. The credit amount would be $200 for each $100 difference between 110% of fair market rent and the actual monthly rent charged. To qualify, a dwelling would need a lease of at least one year and meet specific housing quality standards. This credit could be carried forward for up to three years if not fully utilized.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 27 requests an interim study on laws regarding morticians and funeral services in Montana. The study will examine existing statutes related to the final disposition of human remains, which are currently spread across multiple areas of state law. It will also research new final disposition technologies, such as natural organic reduction and alkaline hydrolysis, that are not yet included in state statute. The goal is to propose legislation that clarifies, reorganizes, and modernizes these laws, and establishes a framework for incorporating new disposition methods. The study's findings will be reported to the 70th Legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 387 revises the documents the Department of Transportation must file when establishing new or reconstructed highways. It amends current law to require the filing of a "right-of-way plan" instead of a "description and right-of-way plan." This clarifies that private property owners will not receive compensation for new buildings or improvements placed on land after the department files this right-of-way plan for a proposed highway. The bill also states that if no action to acquire the property begins within one year of filing, the highway location establishment becomes ineffective. This act takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 503 revises existing traffic laws concerning fleeing from or eluding a peace officer. It categorizes this offense into a misdemeanor, an aggravated felony, and a felony if serious bodily injury or death occurs. The bill defines aggravated fleeing to include factors such as previous convictions, reckless driving behavior, causing over $5,000 in property damage, or leaving the state. It establishes specific penalties, including varying terms of imprisonment and fines, for individuals convicted of each level of the offense.

Maddy summaryHB 99 is a technical revision bill that reorganizes and clarifies Montana's motor vehicle laws without creating new policies. It consolidates duplicate definitions (like for "motorboat" and "personal watercraft"), removes redundant penalty provisions, updates citations for consistency with drafting rules, and streamlines definitions for improved readability in the Montana Code Annotated. This bill directly affects drivers, vehicle dealers, law enforcement, and the Department of Motor Vehicles by making existing vehicle law references clearer and more accessible. The changes primarily involve structural edits to the law’s language, not new requirements or penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 43 revises Montana's motor vehicle traffic laws to improve clarity and consistency. It specifically defines "paved shoulder" to allow bicyclists to operate on shoulders (not just paved roads), updates rules for yielding to emergency vehicles, and clarifies when passing school buses is permitted. The bill also reorganizes traffic definitions and amends parking permit rules to better protect accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities. These changes directly affect drivers, cyclists, and emergency responders by standardizing road usage and accessibility requirements. The bill was signed into law by Montana's Governor on March 27, 2025.