Rep. Julie Darling

Maddy summaryHJ 30 is a joint resolution requesting an interim study on methods to increase housing density and affordability across Montana. The study will be conducted by an appropriate interim committee or staff designated by the Legislative Council. It will investigate incentives for local governments to increase housing density, review state programs supporting housing, and analyze the economic implications of increased density, including property taxes. The study will also identify programs to fund water and wastewater systems for local governments, with final results reported to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 166 removes the termination dates for two specific financial accounts: the Montana Historical Society Membership Special Revenue Account and the Montana Original Governor's Mansion Special Revenue Account. This action allows these accounts, which support the Montana Historical Society and the Governor's Mansion, to continue operating indefinitely without a previously scheduled end date. The bill achieves this by repealing Section 6, Chapter 423, Laws of 2015, which originally established these termination dates.

Maddy summaryHJ 48 is a joint resolution requesting an interim study on moving the date of Montana's primary election. The study will examine how changing the primary date would impact existing election deadlines, procedures, other local elections, and election administrators. An appropriate legislative committee will conduct the study, consult with stakeholders, and develop potential legislation for the 70th Legislature to implement a new primary election date and necessary legal changes.

Maddy summaryHB 193, titled "Require signature for voter registration cancellation," amends Section 13-2-402 of the Montana Code Annotated. This bill mandates that a voter's registration can only be canceled if the elector provides a signed written request. The change directly affects voters and election administrators by ensuring that any voter-initiated cancellation requires explicit written consent.

Maddy summaryHB 455 revises election laws in Montana by updating the deadlines for the Commissioner of Political Practices (COPP) to notify election officials about municipal candidates. This notification occurs when a candidate's name should not appear on the ballot due to their failure to file required campaign finance reports. For municipal primary and general elections, the COPP must now provide this notification no later than 5 days after the candidate filing deadline. An additional deadline is set for municipal general elections, requiring notification no later than September 30th. This bill primarily affects municipal candidates and the COPP's process for ensuring compliance with financial reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 632 revises the daily compensation for members of two state boards. The bill increases the per diem payment for members of the Burial Preservation Board and the Montana Facility Finance Authority from $50 to $100 for each day they are actively engaged in board duties. This change is in addition to existing reimbursements for travel, meals, and lodging. The new compensation rates for these members will become effective on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 487 revises laws related to the Department of Transportation (DOT). This bill eliminates the current legal requirement for the DOT to maintain specific divisions, including highways, aeronautics, and administration. Instead, it allows the department to establish "as many divisions as are necessary." This change provides the DOT with greater flexibility in structuring its internal organization.

Maddy summaryHB 120 expands Montana's Commercial Property-Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program to include multifamily housing facilities with at least five residential units. This change directly affects property owners and developers of qualifying multifamily buildings (e.g., apartment complexes), allowing them to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades through property assessments. The bill amends definitions to explicitly include these residential properties under the program, covering improvements like insulation, solar panels, and energy-efficient appliances. It maintains the existing financing mechanism where costs are repaid through property taxes over time, without requiring new debt or upfront payments from property owners. The law took effect immediately upon the governor's signature on April 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the requirement for election judges to post absentee voter lists at polling locations. It amends Montana Code Annotated § 13-13-233 by deleting subsection (4), which previously mandated posting voter names from absentee ballot certificates at polling places. The change directly affects election administrators and polling staff who no longer need to publicly display these lists. The bill became law immediately upon the Governor's signature on April 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 63 extends Montana's Bond Validating Act to cover bonds issued before March 16, 2023. This change directly affects bondholders and entities that issued bonds prior to that date, ensuring those bonds remain valid under state law. The bill amends Montana Code Annotated 17-5-205 to explicitly include bonds issued before March 16, 2023, within the Act's scope. It takes effect immediately upon the Governor's signature, as noted in the recent legislative actions.