Sen. Barry Usher

Maddy summarySenate Bill 333 repeals the termination date for the existing coal severance tax coal washing credit. This credit, previously set to expire on July 1, 2027, will now continue indefinitely. The bill directly affects coal mining companies and processors that utilize coal washing and are subject to the coal severance tax, allowing them to continue claiming this tax credit.

Maddy summarySB 552 revises criminal justice laws by allowing a county attorney to file a petition to transfer the revocation of a suspended or deferred felony sentence. This applies when an offender, previously sentenced in one county, is charged with a new felony in a different county. The bill's mechanism allows both the new felony case and the revocation proceeding for the prior sentence to be handled in the county where the new felony is alleged to have occurred. It directly affects offenders with prior suspended or deferred felony sentences and the county attorneys involved in such cases.

Maddy summarySB 19 revises sentencing laws for several offenses, including theft, failure to return rented or leased personal property, issuing bad checks, deceptive practices, forgery, and identity theft. The bill directly affects individuals charged with these crimes by modifying the legal framework for their penalties. A key provision of the bill is raising the monetary thresholds that determine the severity of penalties for these offenses. It also revises the definition of "common scheme" within the state's legal code.

Maddy summarySB 373 revises Montana's lien enforcement process under Section 71-3-1203, MCA, primarily affecting contractors, suppliers, and property owners. It eliminates the need for a traditional summons when enforcing liens, replacing it with an "order to show cause" that requires 21 days' written notice to the property owner before a hearing. The bill also adds specific affidavit requirements for lienors to detail services performed, property location, and unpaid charges, and clarifies procedures for sheriff's sales of property to satisfy liens. These changes aim to standardize and streamline lien enforcement while specifying court and service requirements.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution formally recognizes and commends the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) on its 50th anniversary. It highlights NCSL's work in supporting state legislators, legislative staff, and institutions, and acknowledges the significant contributions of Montana legislators and staff to the organization over the years.

Maddy summarySB 487 revises the laws governing the Montana End of Watch Trust, which provides support to eligible law enforcement officers and their immediate families in cases of death or catastrophic injury in the line of duty. The bill requires applications for catastrophic injury payments to include a workers' compensation determination of permanent and total disability. It also allows legal children of an officer to receive payments from the trust after turning 18 under certain circumstances. Additionally, the Department of Justice is granted rulemaking authority to administer the trust, including processes for payment distribution, application approval, and appeals.

Maddy summarySR 21 is a resolution confirming the Governor's appointments to the Board of Pardons and Parole. The Montana Senate voted to approve Melanie Etchemendy and Joseph McElroy to serve on the board, with terms ending January 1, 2031.

Maddy summarySR 109 is a Montana Senate Resolution that confirms an appointment made by the Speaker of the House. It specifically approves Judge Ashley Harada as a member of the Judicial Standards Commission, where she will serve a term ending June 30, 2029.

Maddy summarySR 110 is a resolution by the Montana Senate to officially approve an appointment made by the Speaker of the House. It specifically confirms Judge Dan Wilson of the 11th Judicial District as a member of the Judicial Standards Commission, to serve a term ending June 30, 2029.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 93 is a procedural bill that confirms the Governor's appointments to the Board of Crime Control. This resolution officially approves the eleven individuals named to serve on the board for specific terms.