Sen. Ken Bogner

Maddy summarySB 535 revises laws related to experimental treatments, primarily by requiring experimental treatment centers to obtain a license from the state department. These centers must adhere to operational standards and pay licensing fees. The bill also mandates that licensed centers allocate 2% of their net annual profits to support access to experimental treatments for qualifying Montana residents. This allocation can be fulfilled by providing free treatment or contributing to a new Insurance Premium Support Account. This account is established to help fund health insurance premiums for eligible Montana residents who purchase insurance on the federal marketplace and meet specific income criteria.

Maddy summarySB 364 establishes "kill switch" laws, primarily affecting individuals who own electronic consumer products and motor vehicles, and the entities that manufacture or service them. The bill prohibits an entity from remotely activating a kill switch on a person's personally owned property without a court order or warrant. Exceptions include situations involving unpaid subscriptions or leased items (with prior disclosure), and certain safety features in motor vehicles. Additionally, a kill switch can be activated on stolen property with the owner's consent. Violations allow individuals to seek $10,000 in statutory damages per instance.

Maddy summarySB 235 revises the qualifications for landowner-preference elk licenses and special elk permits in Montana. The bill now requires landowners to have finalized ownership of 640 acres or more of contiguous land to qualify for special elk permits, eliminating the previous allowance for those under contract to purchase such land. It also defines "employee" for antlerless elk B tag licenses as someone paid by the landowner with taxes withheld. For special elk permits, an employee must work full-time and year-round as part of an active farm or ranch operation to be designated by the landowner. These changes directly affect landowners seeking these specific elk hunting privileges.

Maddy summarySB 458 expands the types of projects eligible for financing through Commercial Property-Assessed Capital Enhancements (CPACE) programs. It allows commercial, industrial, multifamily housing, and agricultural property owners to finance "public safety and resiliency improvement projects." These projects include enhancements for seismic structural integrity, indoor air quality, resistance to wind, fire, and flooding, power outage resilience, and stormwater control measures. Local governments can establish these programs, enabling property owners to secure third-party financing repaid through a property assessment.

Maddy summarySB 27 revises Montana's marijuana business licensing laws, impacting individuals and businesses seeking to enter or expand within the state's cannabis industry. The bill removes a previous moratorium that restricted new licenses primarily to those with medical marijuana licenses prior to 2021, allowing new applicants to participate. However, it establishes a new moratorium until 2027, preventing the Department of Revenue from issuing licenses for new dispensary locations. Additionally, existing licensees are prohibited from adding new licensed premises.

Maddy summarySJ 26 is a joint resolution from the Montana Legislature urging the United States Congress to pass a federal law. This proposed federal law would prohibit members of the U.S. Congress and their immediate families from trading individual stocks. The resolution directs the Montana Secretary of State to send copies to federal leaders and the Montana Congressional Delegation.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits county treasurers from selling tax deeds for residential property to foreign entities. It defines what constitutes a "foreign entity" and a "domestic entity." When a tax deed for residential property is auctioned, the bill requires potential buyers to provide proof of their domestic entity status. This measure aims to restrict foreign entities from acquiring residential property through the tax deed process.

Maddy summarySB 124 revises electronic license privacy law in Montana. It clarifies that displaying an electronic driver's license on a device or handing the device to a peace officer does not grant consent for the officer to search or seize that electronic device. This bill directly affects individuals who use electronic driver's licenses and law enforcement officers, establishing a clear boundary for device privacy during traffic stops or similar interactions.

Maddy summarySB 26 updates Montana's mileage reimbursement policy for legislators and certain public officials. It changes the law to allow these groups - such as legislators, jurors, witnesses, and county agents - to receive mileage reimbursement at the full U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rate for all miles traveled, rather than the previous tiered system. Previously, some officials received reduced rates (e.g., 48.15% of IRS rates) or lower rates after 1,000 miles; this bill eliminates those distinctions. The change applies immediately upon enactment and affects anyone using personal vehicles for official duties covered under the statute.