Rep. Ken Walsh

Maddy summaryHB 355 clarifies that individuals holding easement rights for canals or ditches retain these rights even if the canal or ditch is converted into a pipeline, provided the pipeline is conspicuously marked. This ensures that the right to enter, inspect, repair, and maintain the water conveyance system continues. The bill extends existing protections against encroachment or impairment to these converted pipeline easements, affecting both easement holders and property owners whose land the easements cross. It also specifies that these provisions apply to easements obtained through prescription or conveyance.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 162 revises the definition of "infrastructure" for communities that levy a resort tax. This bill expands the types of projects that can be funded by a resort tax to include "workforce and community housing projects." Previously, resort tax funds for infrastructure were primarily allocated to traditional public services like water, sewer, roads, and public safety. This change allows resort communities and areas to utilize resort tax revenue for housing initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 656 revises the use of the state's Employment Security Account and transfers the Office of Community Service. The bill amends state law to allow funds from the Employment Security Account to be used for administering the Office of Community Service and for enforcing state and federal anti-discrimination laws. Additionally, it moves the Office of Community Service from the Governor's office to the Department of Labor and Industry.

Maddy summaryHB 48 revises the state's Dam Safety Act by adding a new exemption. The bill specifies that certain provisions of the Dam Safety Act will no longer apply to dams used for public sewage systems or public sewage disposal systems. This change directly affects municipalities and other entities operating these wastewater management facilities. These systems remain regulated by the Department of Environmental Quality under separate environmental quality statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 434 clarifies that interactive teller machines (ITMs) do not count as physical bank branches under Montana law. The bill defines an "interactive teller machine" as an unstaffed, automated facility where customers can independently perform core banking transactions or connect remotely with bank staff. This change specifically amends Montana Code sections 32-1-109 and 32-6-103 to exclude ITMs from the definition of "branch," directly affecting banks operating these machines and the Division of Banking that regulates them. The law, signed by the governor on April 7, 2025, provides regulatory certainty for banks using ITMs without requiring additional physical branches.

Maddy summaryHB 165 eliminates the requirement for notarization when transferring ownership of older or low-value vehicles in Montana. It directly affects residents transferring vehicles that are 30 years old or older, worth $1,000 or less, or specific types like campers or boats, when the original title is lost. The bill revises vehicle title procedures to allow applicants to self-certify a vehicle's value using a bill of sale instead of obtaining a notarized document, while keeping other requirements like bonds for higher-value vehicles intact. The Motor Vehicle Division can no longer mandate notarization for these affidavits.

Maddy summaryHB 164 revises Montana's Unclaimed Property Act to clarify rules for businesses holding unclaimed funds or assets. It defines "payroll card" (referencing federal regulations), updates when property is considered abandoned, and allows holders to submit reports via email instead of traditional mail. The bill directly affects banks, employers, and other businesses that manage unclaimed property like unpaid wages or unused gift cards. Key changes streamline reporting for electronic transfers and ensure clearer definitions for property types like mineral proceeds. The law, now effective after Governor's signature, modernizes how unclaimed property is tracked and returned to owners.

Maddy summaryHB 74 revises Montana's laws governing private fish ponds and commercial fish sales. It requires private pond owners who sell fish, eggs, or fry to provide a $2,500 surety bond and maintain detailed records of transactions, including species, quantities, and buyer information. The bill prohibits paddlefish caviar sales, increases application and renewal fees for pond licenses, and mandates annual reporting by commercial sellers. These changes directly affect private pond operators and commercial fish sellers, focusing on preventing invasive species spread, ensuring disease control, and improving regulatory oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 865 allows Montana cities and counties to create a "large taxpayer reserve account" by depositing 10% of revenue from newly taxable property (excluding class four) into the fund. This money can only be used if a major taxpayer (top 20% by value) leaves or experiences a 25%+ drop in property value, to pay for capital projects, reduce mill levies for affected areas, attract new businesses, or fund infrastructure. The bill also adjusts how local governments calculate property tax levies by changing the percentage of new property value that counts toward tax limits. The bill was withdrawn on March 29, 2025, after committee hearings.