Rep. Randyn Gregg

Maddy summaryHB 453 would require the Department of Revenue to establish a program allowing taxpayers to pay state income taxes using cryptocurrency. The department would contract with third-party payment processors to convert cryptocurrency payments into U.S. dollars before the state receives them. A key provision is that using cryptocurrency for state tax payments would not be considered a taxable event for state capital gains tax purposes. This bill would affect taxpayers choosing to pay their state income taxes with cryptocurrency, applying to income tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 778 revises Montana's laws concerning homeschooling and nonpublic schools, affecting students, parents, and school oversight. The bill separates the requirements for home schools from those for nonpublic schools, establishing distinct criteria for each to qualify students for exemption from compulsory enrollment. Under the revised law, home schools must annually notify their county superintendent, maintain attendance records, provide minimum instruction hours, and offer an organized course of study. Nonpublic schools must meet similar requirements, including additional provisions for immunization records and building health and safety compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 343 requires school districts to establish a program allowing students to be released from regular school attendance for religious instruction, upon written request from a parent or guardian. This program must provide at least one hour of released time per week for religious instruction. The bill also mandates that school districts adopt a policy to award academic credit for completed religious instruction courses. Credit evaluation must be based on secular criteria, such as class hours and course materials, without regard to the religious content. Public school property or funds cannot be used for the religious instruction itself.

Maddy summaryHB 759 revises campaign finance laws by establishing new rules for contributions from certain business entities. The bill allows only limited liability companies (LLCs) and partnerships taxed as partnerships for federal tax purposes to contribute to political candidates. Contributions from these entities must be reported under the name of the individual member or partner making the contribution. Furthermore, that specific member or partner is then prohibited from making a separate individual contribution to the same candidate.

Maddy summaryHJ 34 is a Joint Resolution from the Montana Legislature expressing strong support for Montana's beef producers, recognizing their vital role in the state's economy and culture. It calls on state and federal governments to prioritize policies that ensure fair market conditions, reduce regulatory burdens, and facilitate better trade relationships for Montana beef. The resolution encourages sustainable beef production practices and opposes federal or state proposals, such as those associated with the Green New Deal, that would impose excessive regulations or taxes on the industry. Additionally, it strongly opposes the promotion, production, and sale of lab-grown "meat" as a substitute for natural beef.

Maddy summaryHB 638 revises human rights laws by prohibiting state and local government agencies in Montana from requiring, requesting, or soliciting "diversity statements." It also prevents these agencies from granting any preferential treatment based on the submission of such statements. A "diversity statement" is defined as one promoting differential treatment based on characteristics like race, sex, or gender identity. The bill includes an exception, allowing agencies to accept or require diversity statements only to the extent mandated by federal law, with consideration limited to federal requirements. This legislation applies to various state and local government entities, including universities and school districts, but does not limit policies necessary to comply with existing anti-discrimination and harassment laws.

Maddy summaryHB 476 establishes a grant program to fund the installation and maintenance of newborn safety devices. The Department of Public Health and Human Services will award competitive grants, up to $20,000 per applicant, to eligible fire departments, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies. The department is also responsible for creating rules for the application process and evaluation criteria. The bill appropriates $160,000 from the general fund for this program, which is effective July 1, 2025, and terminates on June 30, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 276 standardizes how official notices are delivered to individuals holding or applying for professional licenses in Montana. The bill allows for electronic delivery of notices or orders if the licensee or applicant provides consent and a current email address. It also establishes a general requirement for licensees and applicants to update their mailing address with the relevant state department or board within 30 days of any change. Additionally, the bill adjusts the timeframe for requesting a hearing to contest charges from 20 to 21 days, and clarifies accepted methods for serving notices. These changes aim to streamline communication processes for professional licensing boards and their licensees.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution from the Montana Legislature expresses its support for the State of Israel. It condemns all forms of antisemitism and terrorist attacks against the people and State of Israel, specifically naming groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. The resolution also reaffirms Israel's right to exist and rejects any calls for its destruction.

Maddy summaryHB 80 modifies Montana's agricultural land leasing rules to require competitive bidding for state-owned farmland to be conducted exclusively in cash payments (dollars per acre), rather than crop-share arrangements. It directly affects farmers and ranchers bidding for state agricultural leases by mandating that all competitive bids must specify a cash rental rate, with minimum annual payments set at $15 per acre for renewal leases. The bill changes the process so that successful bidders pay a fixed cash rent instead of sharing crop yields, while allowing leases to renew after 10 years on a crop-share basis. This policy shift simplifies lease terms for the state but requires bidders to submit cash-based offers rather than percentage-based crop share bids.