Rep. Jonathan Karlen

Primary HB 398

Signed into law · Montana House · Lead sponsor

Generally revise insurance laws related to prior authorization of chronic conditions

Maddy summaryHB 398 revises health insurance laws regarding utilization review, impacting patients and health insurance companies. The bill requires health plans to honor previously approved health care services for at least three months when a patient changes plans, ensuring continuity of care. It mandates that only licensed physicians, specializing in the relevant condition, can make or review decisions to deny or reduce health care services (adverse determinations). Additionally, it clarifies the definition of "adverse determination" and other related terms within insurance law.

HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires continuity of care for chronic conditions and mandates specialist review for denials, protecting patient access to approved treatments and reducing arbitrary insurance denials.85% confidence

Signed into law May 5, 2025 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 399

Signed into law · Montana House · Lead sponsor

Revise prior authorization laws

Maddy summaryHB 399 revises prior authorization laws for health insurance issuers, aiming to simplify access to certain prescription drugs for covered individuals. The bill prohibits prior authorization for oral and inhaled generic prescription drugs, inhaled medications for asthma or chronic lung diseases, and insulin for diabetes patients. It also restricts prior authorization for generic drugs used consistently for six months and for dosage adjustments within approved limits. If an insurer makes an adverse determination for a prescription drug, the decision must be made by a specialist physician, and the insurer must provide a list of covered therapeutic alternatives.

HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill prohibits prior authorization for essential medications (insulin, asthma drugs, generics), directly improving patient access to prescribed treatments without unnecessary barriers.95% confidence

Signed into law Apr 17, 2025 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 335

Signed into law · Montana House · Lead sponsor

Revise laws related to professional licensing board appointments and reporting requirements

Maddy summaryHB 335 revises Montana's laws governing appointments to professional licensing boards (affecting boards for professions like nursing, engineering, and cosmetology). It requires the governor to appoint qualified applicants within 6 months of application, mandates that board members be actively practicing professionals with licenses in good standing, and prohibits conflicts of interest for public members. The bill also establishes new reporting requirements, mandating a biennial report to the economic affairs committee detailing board vacancies, application processing times, and how long positions remained unfilled. These changes aim to streamline appointments and increase accountability for licensing boards.

Signed into law Apr 7, 2025 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 845

Signed into law · Montana House · Lead sponsor

Provide electronic Montana code annotated to state employees at cost

Signed into law May 19, 2023 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 889

Vetoed · Montana House · Lead sponsor

Revise the Residential Mobile Home Lot Rental Act

Vetoed May 16, 2023 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HJ 18

Passed · Montana House · Lead sponsor

Joint resolution to study remediation of Smurfit-stone mill site

Passed May 11, 2023 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 773

died · Montana House · Lead sponsor

Generally revise fish and wildlife laws

died May 3, 2023 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 421

died · Montana House · Lead sponsor

Revise laws related to reporting financial abuse of elderly and disabled persons

died May 3, 2023 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 252

died · Montana House · Lead sponsor

Youth behavioral health screening

died May 3, 2023 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 258

died · Montana House · Lead sponsor

Providing a one-time refund for occupying a Montana residence

died May 3, 2023 0 co-sponsors Track