Rep. Brad Barker

Maddy summaryHB 722 requires public agencies in Montana to retain all electronic communications (like emails) from work accounts for at least one year after a public employee leaves their position. This applies to state and local government employees, excluding communications from constitutional officers (e.g., governors, judges). The bill mandates that agencies cannot delete these records before the one-year period ends, and disposal requires approval from oversight committees. It also updates record-keeping rules to formalize this retention period for work-related electronic communications.

Maddy summaryHB 334 sought to revise laws concerning disaster and emergency funding. The bill proposed to increase the statutory appropriation available to the Governor's office for declared emergencies from $16 million to $22 million per two-year period, effective July 1, 2025. It also would have allowed the Department of Military Affairs to use up to $3 million annually from this fund for disaster and emergency services activities, such as planning, training, and response, without a formal governor's declaration. Unspent funds at the end of each biennium would continue to be transferred to the fire suppression account.

Maddy summaryHB 842 proposed a legislative referendum for Montana voters to decide on establishing a statewide sales tax. If approved by voters, this bill would allow the legislature to enact a sales tax not exceeding 4%. The revenue generated from this sales tax would be exclusively used to reduce property taxes that fund public schools and the Montana university system. The proposed sales tax would apply to final goods and services but include exemptions for necessities such as housing, groceries, fuel, health care, and utilities. The bill was to be submitted to qualified electors at the November 2026 general election for approval.

Maddy summaryHB 518 revises laws related to motor carrier certificates, affecting how Class A, Class D, and Class E motor carriers apply for or transfer operating authority. The bill limits the grounds for protest against certain motor carrier applications (pursuant to 69-12-311(1)(a) or Class E) to their ability to meet specific requirements. For other motor carriers (pursuant to 69-12-311(1)(b) or Class D), it allows the Public Service Commission to deny applications without a public hearing if the proposed service area was previously found not to need the service, unless conditions have materially changed. The commission must still provide notice for applications and hold a hearing if a protest is received.

Maddy summaryHB 517 revises the laws governing Class D motor carriers in Montana. The bill amends existing statute to require that a motor carrier must intend to or actually engage in the regular transportation of garbage to hold a Class D operating permit. This change directly affects businesses that operate as Class D motor carriers, ensuring that these specific permits are held by those actively involved in garbage transportation.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 950 sought to establish and maintain a Montana trade office in Israel, staffed by the Department of Commerce. The office's primary goal was to promote trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between Montana and Israel. It aimed to strengthen ties and expand opportunities in areas such as agriculture, technology, security, and educational programs. The bill proposed appropriating $500,000 from the general fund for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, to fund the office. This act was intended to be effective July 1, 2025, and terminate on June 30, 2033.

Maddy summaryHB 841 proposed a constitutional amendment in Montana to change the allocation of state sales or use tax revenue. It would have required that revenue from a statewide sales tax, capped at 4%, be used primarily to reduce property taxes funding public schools and the Montana University System. The bill allowed for this revenue to be appropriated for other purposes if three-fourths of the legislature voted to do so. If approved by voters in November 2026, the amendment would have taken effect on July 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 788 would have required attorneys of record in civil actions to disclose certain election contributions. Specifically, it mandated that attorneys file a statement identifying any campaign contributions or expenditures they made in the past six years to the presiding judge's campaign or to committees supporting the judge's campaign. This disclosure would be due with their initial court appearance, or a statement confirming no such contributions were made. The bill also provided for sanctions by the presiding judge for non-compliance and established a private right of action for parties or opposing attorneys.

Maddy summaryHB 506 proposed a constitutional amendment to change the method of selecting Montana Supreme Court justices. Currently, these justices are elected by qualified voters. If approved, the bill would have revised this to have Supreme Court justices appointed by the Governor from a list of nominees. This list would be provided by a nomination committee consisting of legislative leaders and two attorneys, with appointments subject to Senate confirmation. District court judges would have continued to be elected by voters.

Maddy summaryHB 567 revises education laws to increase flexibility for school districts to enter into "multidistrict agreements" for jointly funding and operating programs and services. These agreements allow two or more districts to share resources, staff, and services, and can now include private entities. Beginning in 2027, the bill offers a 50% increase in the total quality educator payment to school districts that establish comprehensive countywide multidistrict agreements encompassing all districts in a county. The aim is to enhance efficiency and resource sharing among districts across various functions like administration, instruction, and special education, without increasing local taxes.