Maddy summaryThis resolution requests an interim study on Montana resident hunters' satisfaction with nonresident hunting pressure, directly affecting resident hunters who report feeling crowded by increasing nonresident license sales (up from 58,254 in 2019 to 85,228 in 2023). The study would examine factors like acceptable nonresident license levels, resident willingness to pay higher fees, and potential restrictions on resident licenses, while analyzing data on license sales, hunting access declines (17% block management acreage loss since 2010), and alternatives used in other states. The resolution mandates the study be completed by September 2026 and report findings to the 70th Legislature as proposed bills, but it does not create new law. As a procedural resolution, it aims to inform future legislative action on hunting pressure concerns.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 533 would establish a $5 non-transferable "Nonambulatory Motorized Recreation Pass" for people with permanent mobility disabilities to use motorized equipment (like wheelchairs) on state-managed recreational trails and roads. It requires medical certification from a physician, classifies all public trails into three accessibility categories (Class I: fully accessible, Class II: partially accessible, Class III: inaccessible), and mandates the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks to post trail classifications. Violations like using equipment without the pass would incur fines up to $250. The bill died in committee in May 2025 and did not become law.
Maddy summarySB 461, titled the "Kratom Consumer Protection Act," regulates kratom products by banning sales to individuals under 21 and setting safety standards for businesses. It prohibits kratom products containing more than 2% of a specific alkaloid (7-hydroxymitragynine), synthetic materials, dangerous additives, or that are combustible, vaporizable, or injectable. The bill exempts businesses selling fresh, non-synthesized kratom products (such as fresh leaves) from state and local bans on such products. These provisions create a clear regulatory framework for kratom while allowing certain fresh products to be sold without local restrictions.
Maddy summarySB 462 proposes changes to Montana's driver licensing laws. It would lower the minimum age for restricted licenses from 16 to 15 (with specific conditions), allow counties to request monthly driver examinations instead of requiring them monthly statewide, and add a requirement for the DMV to verify non-citizens' lawful U.S. presence using federal systems. The bill directly affects Montana residents seeking licenses, particularly teens, non-citizens, and local counties managing exam scheduling. These changes were proposed but did not become law, as the bill died in committee in May 2025.
Maddy summarySB 359 would have prohibited holding or using handheld mobile devices while driving in Montana, including texting, watching videos, or recording content, except for hands-free navigation or voice calls. It would have required drivers to use hands-free devices for calls and navigation, with exceptions for emergency vehicles, law enforcement, and work-related radio use. Violations would have carried civil penalties of $75-$149 for a first offense and $150-$250 for repeat offenses. The bill aimed to reduce distracted driving by clarifying restrictions on device use and defining terms like "portable wireless communication device" in Montana law.
Maddy summarySB 278 revises education laws to enhance "advanced opportunities" for qualifying students in grades 6-12. The bill establishes and defines "Advanced Opportunity Facilitators" to coordinate learning opportunities between school districts, students, families, and external organizations. School districts employing these facilitators can use a portion of their existing Advanced Opportunity Aid to pay them and receive additional Quality Educator Payments for these positions. This aims to support individualized pathways for career and postsecondary educational success for students.