Rep. Josh Seckinger

Maddy summaryHB 762 requires Montana's Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks to publish a biennial report on river usage throughout the state. The bill amends the department's statutory duties to mandate this report, which would provide data on how rivers are used for activities like recreation and conservation. The requirement would take effect immediately and terminate on a specified date, with the report published every two years.

Maddy summaryHB 776 aimed to generally revise laws governing residential landlord and tenant relationships. The bill would have required property management companies to provide 90 days' notice to tenants for any changes to or termination of a rental agreement, specifically for tenancies exceeding one year. It also proposed updates to various definitions relevant to landlord-tenant interactions, including "property management company" and "case of emergency." Additionally, it would have adjusted the notice requirements for extending written rental agreements.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 39 is a legislative statement from the Montana Legislature concerning public lands. The resolution supports keeping national public lands under the stewardship of the United States government and federal land management agencies. It expresses opposition to any efforts to sell, transfer, or dispose of national or state public lands. The resolution also encourages Montana's Governor, Attorney General, and Congressional Delegation to oppose future attempts to sell, transfer, or dispose of national public lands.

Maddy summaryHB 849 establishes a new special motorcycle license plate for Montana residents who own motorcycles or quadricycles. Owners choosing this plate will pay a total fee, which includes a $20 donation. This donation fee is statutorily appropriated to the Department of Justice. The Department will use these funds to provide grants to Montana-based nonprofit organizations that promote motorcycle rider safety and awareness through education and outreach.

Maddy summaryHB 763 revises Montana's block management program, which helps landowners provide public access for hunting on private and public lands. The bill allows the Fish and Wildlife Commission to adopt simplified rules for agreements where landowners only provide access to adjacent public lands. For these specific agreements, the commission can use flat fee payments not based on hunting days and consider the public land access opportunity as a benefit. The bill also establishes a $25,000 annual payment cap for landowners participating in these public lands access-only agreements.

Maddy summaryHB 580 clarifies Montana's water right abandonment laws, directly affecting individuals and entities holding water rights. The bill specifies that reducing or ceasing the use of a water right during a drought does not automatically signify an intent to abandon that right. This protection applies if the area is experiencing a moderate (D1) or worse drought, or if the nonuse aligns with an official drought plan. The legislation aims to prevent water rights from being lost solely due to conservation efforts during dry periods.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 61 (HJ 61) requests an interim study on Montana's property insurance market. This study aims to evaluate the reasons behind rising property insurance costs and their impact on rates, which directly affects homeowners, landlords, tenants, and businesses across the state. An interim committee will analyze policy strategies to stabilize the market and develop approaches for more accessible and affordable property insurance, with final results reported to the 70th Legislature.