Maddy summaryThis resolution (SJ 2) sought to disapprove specific rules adopted by the Montana Supreme Court. It did not become law, as it died in the legislative process on May 23, 2025, after being tabled in committee. The resolution was procedural and did not enact any new policy or affect any specific group.
Maddy summaryMontana's SJ 50 is a joint resolution requesting an interim study on the effects of medical treatments used during the COVID-19 pandemic. It directs a committee or staff to examine the short- and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 vaccine, remdesivir, dexamethasone, and other treatments, including the benefits of ivermectin and outcomes related to Montana's Right to Try Act for "long COVID" and vaccine-related health issues. The study must conclude by September 15, 2026, and report findings to the 70th Legislature. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it does not change existing policies but seeks to review past medical responses. The resolution was referred to committee but died there in May 2025.
Maddy summarySB 186 transitions water rights jurisdiction from Montana's Water Court back to local district courts once final decrees are issued for specific basins. It amends Montana Code sections to formally end the Water Court's operations, water divisions, and water judges after adjudication completes, directing district courts to handle enforcement and future cases. The bill reflects the original 1979 intent of Senate Bill 76, which created the Water Court as a temporary system for pre-1973 water rights. It does not change water rights law but shifts administrative responsibility to existing district courts as the Water Court's work concludes. The legislation aims to eliminate the Water Court entirely by transferring its remaining duties to local courts.
Maddy summarySB 31 would change Montana's IOLTA (Interest on Lawyer Trust Account) program from mandatory to voluntary. Currently, lawyers must deposit client funds into IOLTA accounts where the interest goes to the Montana Justice Foundation, not the client. This bill would require lawyers to get a client’s written consent before using IOLTA, giving clients three options: a non-interest account, an interest-bearing account where they receive the interest, or the IOLTA program. The bill directly affects Montana lawyers and their clients by altering how client funds are handled and who receives the interest earned.
Maddy summarySB 356 would prohibit Montana insurance companies from forcing car owners (claimants) to use specific auto body repair shops or ignoring manufacturer repair instructions. It requires insurers to provide a neutral list of nearby, approved repair shops if requested, while allowing claimants to choose any shop they prefer. The bill also prevents insurers from charging more than market price for repairs and bans shops from overcharging claimants. It directly affects insurers, auto body repair businesses, and car owners filing insurance claims for vehicle damage. The law would have taken effect immediately upon passage but died in committee in May 2025.
Maddy summaryMontana's SJ 43 is a joint resolution requesting an interim study on the state's criminal justice data warehouse, established by 2023 legislation (SB 11). It directs the Criminal Justice Oversight Council to examine the warehouse's implementation progress, funding use, stakeholder input, and future goals, including reviewing $1.5 million in allocated funds. The study requires gathering perspectives from courts, law enforcement, tribal governments, and correctional facilities, with final findings due to the 70th Legislature by September 2026. This procedural resolution does not change laws but aims to ensure state funding aligns with legislative intent and project outcomes.
Maddy summarySB 14 requires a one-time audit of Montana's Office of Disciplinary Counsel (which handles judicial misconduct cases) by the Legislative Audit Division. The audit must examine the office's funding sources, spending over the past decade, and operational costs, following standard auditing practices. The judicial branch must cover all audit costs, and results must be submitted to specific legislative committees by December 2026 and posted online. This bill directly affects the Office of Disciplinary Counsel and the judicial branch, mandating transparency in how public funds are used for judicial oversight. The bill died in committee on May 23, 2025, and did not become law.
Maddy summarySB 455 would prohibit towing companies and tow truck operators from soliciting services at accident scenes or near disabled vehicles. It requires written proof of service requests (including vehicle details, timestamps, and requester information) and imposes fines and suspension penalties for violations, with escalating penalties for repeat offenses. The bill directly affects towing businesses, vehicle owners, and law enforcement (who must maintain records for 3 years and can request documentation within 48 hours). It amends existing towing regulations to prioritize safety and transparency, though it died in committee on May 23, 2025, and is not law.
Maddy summarySB 49 would have protected Montana attorneys serving as constitutional officers (Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Superintendent of Public Instruction) or state legislators from professional disciplinary actions for conduct related to their official duties during their term. It prohibits judicial officers from starting or continuing disciplinary proceedings against these attorneys for actions taken while in office that could deter, retaliate against, or prevent the exercise of constitutional rights like free speech or due process. The bill included exceptions for courtroom behavior disrupting proceedings and would have applied retroactively to disciplinary cases since January 2024. However, the bill died in the Senate committee on May 23, 2025, and did not become law.
Maddy summarySB 21 would allow Montana's legislative leaders (Senate President or House Speaker) and executive leaders (Governor or Attorney General) to jointly file a request to vacate a court-issued writ of mandamus targeting specific elected officials. The bill applies only to officials listed in Montana's Constitution (e.g., legislators, the legislature, or other constitutional officers) and requires this joint filing within 10 business days of the court order. If filed, the writ would be voided and the official could not face contempt charges for noncompliance. This bill died in committee on May 23, 2025, and never became law.
