Rep. Amy Regier

Maddy summaryHB 408 requires all smartphones and tablets activated in Montana after January 1, 2026, to include automatic filters blocking obscene content for minors (under 18). Manufacturers face civil liability if filters fail to activate for minors, while parents/guardians can sue manufacturers for damages if filters are disabled by others (excluding parents). The bill mandates age verification during device setup, automatic filter activation for minors, and penalties up to $50,000 per violation for noncompliance. The bill died in the legislative process on May 22, 2025, and never became law.

Maddy summaryHB 925, the "Social Media Youth Protection Act," requires social media companies operating in Montana to implement systems that accurately identify minors (with 95% accuracy) and provide parental consent for data privacy settings. It mandates supervisory tools for minor account holders and restricts algorithmically curated services that use engagement-driven features like autoplay or endless scrolling. The bill directly affects social media companies and minors under 18, aiming to reduce excessive use linked to mental health risks by giving parents control over data and content exposure. Key provisions include age-assurance systems, parental consent for data privacy, and penalties for non-compliance, with definitions clarifying terms like "excessive use" and "algorithmically curated services."

Maddy summaryHB 526 proposes that the state join the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) compact. This initiative allows Advanced Practice Registered Nurses licensed in one member state to practice in other compact states without needing to obtain a separate license for each. The bill establishes a framework for uniform licensure requirements and facilitates the exchange of information between states for regulatory and enforcement purposes. Its aim is to streamline the licensing process for APRNs and enhance their ability to provide care across state lines, potentially increasing access to healthcare services.

Maddy summaryHB 525 aimed to revise laws concerning nicotine vapor products, directly affecting manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers by regulating their sale and distribution. The bill would have established a directory, maintained by the Attorney General, listing nicotine vapor products approved for sale in the state. Manufacturers of these products would have been required to annually certify that their products meet federal FDA marketing authorization standards, such as having a granted marketing order or a pending application. This certification would involve submitting product details and paying fees, with products not listed in the directory prohibited from sale.

Maddy summaryHB 920 establishes a temporary property tax exemption for new senior care facilities and housing development projects. Tax-exempt non-profit organizations sponsoring these projects must first petition a local government, which determines if there is a "compelling need" for the project through a public hearing. If approved by the local government, the sponsor can then apply to the department of revenue for the exemption. This bill aims to encourage the development of various affordable housing and care options for seniors aged 55 or 62 and older.

Maddy summaryHB 117 establishes project priorities for the state's criminal justice data warehouse, affecting the Board of Crime Control, the Criminal Justice Oversight Council, and various state and local criminal justice agencies. It directs the Board of Crime Control to focus on tasks like creating unique identifiers to link data across agencies, acquiring specialized software for data management, and integrating more local criminal justice data. The bill also mandates regular reporting on progress to legislative committees and appropriates over $1.4 million in general funds for software, staff positions, and judicial data contributions.

Maddy summaryHB 490 revises civil liability laws for electric facilities providers in Montana related to wildfires. It allows electric facilities providers, such as regulated utilities and electric cooperatives, to develop and submit wildfire mitigation plans outlining strategies to reduce wildfire risks. These plans must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate governing body after public input. With an approved plan, electric facilities providers are not civilly liable for injuries or damages caused by wildfires, revising their standard of care.

Maddy summaryHB 194 generally revises laws related to juries and jury service. The bill updates the process for notifying and summoning potential jurors, outlining steps for court clerks and sheriffs to follow up with non-responding individuals. It introduces the option for courts to implement a "one-day or one-trial" system for juror service and clarifies how long jurors serve, especially for ongoing trials. Additionally, the bill modifies the requirements and timing for motions to discharge a jury panel, expanding the grounds to include objections to how jurors were notified or summoned.

Maddy summaryHJ 55 is a joint resolution requesting an interim study on property management practices and licensing in Montana. It directs a legislative committee or staff to review current licensing, education, and fee requirements for property managers, as well as their compliance with state landlord-tenant laws. The study will also examine costs passed to landowners and tenants, compare Montana's practices with other states, and consider how foreign corporations manage rental properties. The committee is tasked with gathering feedback from various stakeholders and reporting its findings to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 651 allows public buildings to use temporary door locking devices during shelter-in-place or emergency lockdown situations. These devices can secure doors, including fire exits, as a limited exception to the fire code. The bill defines these devices with specific safety requirements, such as being removable from the egress side without a key, not permanently mounted, and integrated into building safety plans and training. Their use must also be approved by the local fire department, law enforcement, or code official.