Sen. Ellie Boldman

Maddy summarySB 557 would have required Montana's Commissioner of Political Practices to create and maintain a public website allowing voters to opt out of receiving political campaign mailings. Political committees and party organizations would have been required to pay a fee to cover the website's costs, and the list of opt-outs would have been shared with these groups. The bill aimed to streamline the opt-out process while funding the system through fees paid by political entities. This bill died in committee on May 23, 2025, and was never enacted.

Maddy summarySB 421 would require landlords to refund residential lease application fees within 20 days if a tenant does not sign a rental agreement. It directly affects tenants who pay application fees and landlords/managers who collect them. Key provisions include allowing landlords to deduct only verified out-of-pocket costs (like credit checks, capped at $25) for services actually performed, mandating written fee breakdowns at collection, and permitting tenants to sue for wrongful withholding with attorney fees. The bill aims to prevent landlords from keeping fees for unperformed services or vague charges. (Note: This bill died in process on May 23, 2025, per recent actions.)

Maddy summarySB 243 amends state zoning laws to allow for increased housing density and building height in certain municipalities. In urban areas with populations over 5,000, it requires cities to permit multiple-unit dwellings and mixed-use developments in commercial zones, provided they have municipal water and sewer. For these developments, the bill limits parking requirements to no more than one space per unit and prohibits height restrictions below 60 feet in specific commercial and industrial zones. Furthermore, it mandates that cities with at least 5,000 residents allow duplex housing in areas zoned for single-family residences, with similar zoning regulations.

Maddy summarySB 482 revises contract laws for college athletes in Montana by requiring written agreements for their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights. The bill ensures student-athletes can earn compensation for their NIL and retain professional representation, while generally prohibiting postsecondary institutions from restricting or penalizing them for exercising these rights. Athletes must disclose NIL contracts to their institutions, and contracts cannot conflict with team rules or institutional agreements during official team activities. Additionally, institutions are allowed to include NIL provisions in scholarship agreements, prohibit NIL use on school property, or serve as an agent for an athlete's NIL contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill, SB 271, revises laws concerning student-athlete rights and protections at 2-year or 4-year public or private colleges and universities in Montana. It maintains the existing prohibition preventing postsecondary institutions or athletic associations from directly compensating student-athletes for the use of their name, image, or likeness (NIL). The bill defines student-athlete rights to earn NIL compensation

Maddy summarySB 418 prohibits Montana local governments from banning home-based businesses entirely. It amends Section 7-1-111 of the Montana Code to explicitly state that municipalities cannot prohibit such businesses, though they may impose "reasonable" regulations (like zoning or noise limits). The bill directly affects homeowners operating small businesses from their residences, such as crafts, consulting, or childcare services. It does not override state licensing requirements or allow businesses to bypass local building codes, focusing solely on removing outright prohibitions. The bill is currently tabled in the House Local Government Committee.