Rep. Brad Barker

Maddy summaryHB 823 revises the State Plan Committee, which oversees career and technical education in Montana. It expands the committee by adding three new members appointed by the Commissioner of Labor and Industry, representing the state workforce innovation board, business, and labor communities. The bill also coordinates the committee's meetings with the Montana State Workforce Innovation Board and requires its state plan to align with the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act combined state plan.

Maddy summaryHB 606 revises education laws related to school district reorganization in Montana. It creates a new pathway for various types of school districts to combine and form unified K-12 school districts. The bill requires county superintendents of schools to modify district boundaries as necessary to accommodate these reorganizations. Additionally, it updates existing education statutes by replacing the term "consolidation" with "reorganization." This legislation aims to provide a clearer framework for districts seeking to unify their K-12 educational offerings.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 53 requests an interim study to improve school safety across Montana K-12 schools. The Legislative Council is asked to designate a committee to conduct this study, collaborating with various state agencies and educational organizations. The study will examine Montana's current school safety practices, review existing laws and funding mechanisms, and assess the state's implementation of the "Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety" recommended by the U.S. Attorney General. The committee's final report, including findings and recommendations, is due to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 393 requires governing boards of towns, third-class cities, and counties with populations under 4,500 to record their public meetings in audio format. These audio recordings must then be made available online to the public. This bill differentiates these smaller entities from other state, county, and city boards, as well as school and health districts, which remain obligated to record meetings in both audio and video. It also outlines timelines for online availability and specifies conditions under which recordings may be destroyed after one year.

Maddy summaryHB 307 revises the laws concerning the donation of hunting licenses to disabled veterans and members of the armed forces. It allows current hunting license holders to surrender their licenses for reissuance to eligible disabled veterans or service members, specifically for use on expeditions arranged by qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on rehabilitation. The bill establishes new eligibility requirements for recipients, who must now be Purple Heart recipients with a combat-related injury leading to medical retirement or a 70% or greater disability rating. Additionally, recipients may not have received a donated license under this section in the previous calendar year, but are not required to be residents or pay fees.

Maddy summaryHB 72 removes a 15-day limit on higher pay for Montana's enlisted militia members serving on State Active Duty (SAD). Currently, these members receive double federal pay rates for only the first 15 days of service; this bill extends that higher pay rate for the entire duration of their active duty. The change directly affects enlisted personnel in the Montana National Guard and militia who serve under state orders for emergencies or disasters. The law takes effect immediately upon the governor’s approval, as shown by its recent signing on March 27, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 507 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow Montana to implement a 4% statewide sales tax (and use tax) specifically to reduce property taxes funding K-12 public schools. If approved by voters, this tax revenue would replace some local property tax funding for schools, directly affecting Montana taxpayers and public school districts. The bill requires a two-thirds legislative vote for passage and voter approval in the November 2026 election, with an effective date of July 1, 2027 if adopted. The bill was withdrawn by the House on February 27, 2025, per procedural rules, and did not advance further.