Sen. Greg Hertz

Maddy summarySB 284 would have combined Montana's 10th and 14th judicial districts (covering counties like Fergus, Meagher, and Wheatland) and added a ninth judge to Yellowstone County's 13th Judicial District, which currently has a workload equivalent to 13.9 judges but only eight full-time judges. The bill amended laws defining judicial districts and judge assignments to address imbalances in court workloads. It included transition rules for filling vacancies and scheduled a new judge election for the 13th district in 2030. The bill died in process after being tabled in committee and missing a transmittal deadline in 2025.

Maddy summarySB 416 would require milk processors to label pasteurized milk containers with a mandatory "sell by" date (17 days after pasteurization) and a "best by" date indicating freshness. It prohibits selling milk past its "sell by" date and allows processors to apply for extended dates with scientific testing proving safety. The bill specifies label size, placement, and color requirements, while exempting processors not selling to the public or selling out-of-state. It repeals outdated milk labeling rules and directs the Department of Livestock to update related regulations. The bill died in committee in May 2025 after being tabled in March 2025.

Maddy summarySB 443, which died in process in May 2025, proposed to regulate THC levels in cannabis products sold in Montana. It would have set a maximum 15% total THC concentration for all products (including flower, edibles, and concentrates) and limited package sizes (e.g., 100mg THC per edible serving, 800mg per package). The bill directly affected licensed dispensaries and consumers by restricting product potency and packaging, while allowing higher-potency products for registered medical cardholders. These changes aimed to reduce risks associated with high-potency THC but never became law.

Maddy summarySB 2 clarifies how local governments calculate property tax levies when a tax increment financing (TIF) district ends. It specifies that the value previously held in the TIF district (the "increment") must be treated as "newly taxable property" for tax calculations in the year of termination or the following year. This directly affects Montana local governments, as it ensures they can include this value when determining property tax revenues under existing levy formulas, without treating it as new construction or annexation. The bill amends Montana Code Annotated sections 15-10-420 and 20-9-336 to define these rules clearly.

Maddy summarySB 108 requires Montana local governments (counties, cities, school districts) to get voter approval before raising property taxes or issuing bonds to pay court judgments, settlements, or tax protest refunds that exceed existing tax limits. Specifically, if a government needs to collect more tax revenue than permitted under current law (2-9-108) to cover these costs, voters must approve the levy or bond issuance. The bill amends multiple statutes to enforce this voter approval step for such "excess" tax increases. It does not change how governments pay routine expenses but adds a new voting requirement for specific, larger financial obligations tied to legal disputes. This affects local budgets when resolving court cases or tax disputes that require funding beyond standard tax allowances.

Maddy summarySB 554 (Montana) limits nonprofit hospitals (excluding critical access/rural emergency hospitals) to charging no more than 300% of the Medicare reimbursement rate for Medicare-eligible services. Hospitals exceeding this rate face an escalating excise tax (starting at 25% in 2027 and rising to 50% after 2030) and risk losing nonprofit status. The bill also requires hospitals to maintain written financial assistance and community benefit policies, submit annual reports including IRS Form 990, and comply with new reporting rules. This bill died in process in May 2025 and was never enacted.

Maddy summarySB 538 would allow Montana taxpayers to claim the same qualified business income deduction they use on their federal tax returns under Section 199A of the Internal Revenue Code. This directly affects Montana business owners who operate as sole proprietors, S-corps, or partnerships and qualify for the federal deduction. The bill amends Montana's tax code to automatically include this deduction when calculating state taxable income, aligning Montana's rules with the federal provision. It applies retroactively and takes effect immediately upon enactment. The bill died in committee in May 2025 and was not enacted.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 387 aimed to revise state laws concerning electrically assisted bicycles. The bill proposed providing specific definitions for these types of bicycles and amending existing sections of state law, including 61-1-101 and 61-8-102, MCA. This legislation sought to clarify how electrically assisted bicycles are classified and regulated within the state.

Maddy summaryMontana's SJ 22 is a joint resolution urging Congress to propose a constitutional amendment repealing the 17th Amendment. The resolution would restore the original method of selecting U.S. Senators by state legislatures (instead of direct popular vote), requiring senators to be appointed by state legislatures, serve six-year terms, and prioritize representing their state government. If enacted, this would change how senators are chosen nationwide, shifting authority from voters to state legislatures. The resolution is procedural and non-binding; it does not become law, and its "Recent Actions" show it died in committee in 2025.

Maddy summarySB 255 would have required adults 21+ in Montana to obtain a state-issued marijuana identification card to purchase recreational marijuana or products. The bill specified a $200 fee, mandated proof of Montana residency and a photo on the card, and required cardholders to carry the card and show it to law enforcement upon request. It also established rules for card expiration (1 year), renewal, and temporary 60-day cards. However, the bill was withdrawn by its sponsor in February 2025 and died in process, so it never became law.