Rep. Fiona Nave

Maddy summaryHB 35 proposes to allocate the Judicial Standards Commission to the Department of Justice for administrative purposes. This means the Department of Justice would provide administrative support, such as budgeting and human resources, for the Commission. However, the bill specifies that the Judicial Standards Commission would maintain its independence, allowing it to hire its own personnel and exercise its functions without control or approval from the Department of Justice. This change would primarily affect the administrative structure of the Judicial Standards Commission, which is responsible for investigating complaints against judges.

Maddy summaryHB 36 prohibits district court judges from serving as chair (presiding officer) of Montana's Judicial Standards Commission. The bill amends Section 3-1-1101, MCA, to explicitly state that a district court judge may not hold this leadership role on the commission. The commission, composed of two judges, one attorney, and two citizen members, is responsible for overseeing judicial conduct. This change directly affects judges who might otherwise serve as commission chair, ensuring the role is held by a non-judge member.

Maddy summaryHB 816, titled "Generally revise DUI penalties," aims to update laws related to Driving Under the Influence. The bill proposes to increase penalties for DUI offenses, directly affecting individuals convicted of these crimes. It also includes amendments to the definition of "misdemeanor" and other general definitions within the Montana Code Annotated.

Maddy summaryHB 947 requires most individual health insurance policies in Montana to cover continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and their supplies for people diagnosed with type I or type II diabetes when medically necessary, as prescribed by a healthcare provider. The bill prohibits insurers from denying coverage based on diabetes severity or insulin dependence, and bans special deductibles or limits specifically for CGMs - though standard deductibles may still apply. This affects diabetes patients covered by individual disability, health, or membership insurance plans (excluding Medicare supplements, hospital indemnity, or long-term care policies). The law aims to ensure consistent access to these critical blood sugar monitoring tools without discriminatory coverage barriers.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow businesses in Montana to receive a state income tax credit for payment processing fees they direct to charitable organizations, provided the payment processor reimburses the state for the credit amount in the first year it is claimed. The credit applies to both individual and corporate income taxes and can be carried forward for up to two years if it exceeds the taxpayer's tax liability for that year. The legislation defines payment processing fees as charges for electronic transactions like credit card or digital wallet payments and specifies that charitable organizations must meet federal charitable contribution standards. The bill also requires the credit to be attributed to shareholders or partners if claimed by certain business structures.

Maddy summaryHB 815 sought to create a process for transferring the administration of all Montana school elections from school clerks to county election administrators. The bill established a target date of July 1, 2029, for this transition to be completed statewide. It required the Office of Public Instruction, county superintendents, and county election administrators to submit a report by March 1, 2026, detailing a statewide plan, including existing election structures, financial concerns, and a transition timeline. This report would then be used by a legislative committee to recommend necessary statutory changes.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 814 aimed to reorganize elementary and high school districts into K-12 school districts across the state. It intended for these K-12 districts to be formed within existing high school district boundaries by July 1, 2029. The bill mandated county superintendents to collaborate with school district officials to develop a reorganization plan for their county. These plans, which included existing district details, enrollment data, and financial concerns, were to be reported to the education interim committee by March 1, 2026, for review and potential legislative recommendations.

Maddy summaryHB 913 increases the number of district court judges in the 13th judicial district from eight to ten, directly affecting the judicial system and residents of that area. It also revises legal representation in child abuse and neglect cases, clarifying the appointment of counsel for parents, children, and other parties, including conditions for putative fathers. The bill mandates an interim study on state offender re-entry services and another on consolidating legal services across state agencies. Additionally, it requires the Department of Corrections to report on efforts to reduce inappropriate communications to and from inmates at the Montana State Prison.

Maddy summaryHB 406 revises several election deadlines specifically for school district elections. It requires school trustees to call regular school elections earlier, at least 145 days beforehand. Candidates for school trustee positions must now file their declaration of intent between 145 and 85 days before the election, and the deadline for withdrawing from an election is also moved earlier. Additionally, the bill adjusts the timeline for write-in candidates and requires district clerks to certify ballots at least 37 days before an election. These changes aim to align school election processes more closely with other local government elections.

Maddy summaryHB 595 establishes a Montana correctional education program within the Department of Corrections, directly affecting inmates in state prisons by providing opportunities for high school equivalency and adult basic education. The bill outlines specific qualifications for instructors in these programs, requiring them to be at least 18 years old, of good moral character, and possess an associate degree, bachelor's degree, a teaching certificate from another state, or prior teaching experience. It explicitly states that the Department of Corrections cannot require these instructors to hold a Montana teacher certificate. The Department of Corrections is authorized to adopt policies determining which inmates are eligible to participate.