This resolution (SJ 38) requests a study of Montana's property tax system to examine its complexity. It directs a committee to analyze the state's 18 property tax classes, varying tax rates, valuation methods, exemptions, and settlement processes, with the goal of identifying potential simplification options like consolidating classes or balancing tax liabilities. The study, required to be completed by September 2026, will inform the 70th Legislature but does not change tax laws. It affects all entities relying on property taxes, including state, local governments, schools, and taxpayers.
This resolution (SJ 47) requests a study of Montana’s current processes for creating new cities, towns, or counties, which directly affects communities seeking incorporation and local government entities. It directs a committee to review existing laws (Montana Code Annotated Title 7, Chapter 2), analyze requirements like population density rules, and identify redundant or outdated procedures. The study will examine historical incorporations, engage stakeholders (e.g., city/town associations, county commissioners), and propose modernization recommendations. It does not change current law but aims to streamline future incorporation processes. The findings must be reported to the 70th Legislature by September 2026.
Montana's SJ 46 is a joint resolution requesting an interim study on food security and agricultural prosperity. It directs a legislative committee to examine food availability, production methods, access challenges, value-added opportunities for local crops, and existing programs like the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. The committee must collaborate with stakeholders and report findings to the 70th Legislature by September 2026. This resolution does not enact new policy but aims to inform future decisions on food systems and agriculture.
SB 563 would create a temporary "provisional resident license" for recent medical school graduates in Montana who have passed initial licensing exams but haven't yet secured a residency position. This license allows them to provide supervised patient care under a licensed physician's direct oversight through a formal collaborative agreement, with a maximum duration of two years total. The bill directly affects new physicians seeking their first clinical roles while awaiting residency placements. It amends Montana's medical licensing laws to establish specific qualifications, fees, and supervision requirements for this temporary license.
SB 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.
SB 540 revises Montana's property tax rules for "class 17 property," specifically targeting dedicated telecommunications infrastructure like fiber optic and coaxial cable. It provides a 5-year tax exemption for new fiber/coaxial cable installations placed in service after July 1, 2021, with the exemption phasing out over 10 years (20% annually). To maintain the exemption, owners must reinvest the tax savings into new Montana cable installations within 2 years without passing costs to consumers. Federal-funded projects (e.g., under the American Rescue Plan) are excluded from the exemption, and owners must keep records for state review. The bill directly affects telecom infrastructure owners and operators in Montana.
SB 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.
SB 479 proposes to revise Montana laws around chemical abortion by requiring health care providers to physically examine patients, be present during administration, schedule a follow-up within 7 days, and provide disposal kits (catch kits and medical waste bags) for patients to return used materials. It holds manufacturers of abortion drugs responsible for environmental cleanup if drug byproducts contaminate wastewater systems, with fines up to $20,000 per violation. The bill exempts life-threatening medical emergencies and prohibits prosecuting patients for violations. This legislation directly affects health care providers prescribing abortion drugs and pharmaceutical manufacturers, with penalties including felony charges for providers violating the requirements. The bill died in process in May 2025 and was never enacted.
SB 489 prohibits Montana credit unions from purchasing banks, bank assets, or bank liabilities. It directly affects Montana credit unions by amending Section 32-3-401 of the Montana Code to explicitly ban such acquisitions within the credit union's authorized powers. The key mechanism adds a clear prohibition to the existing statute, stating credit unions "may not acquire a bank, a bank's assets, a bank's liabilities, or any other aspect of a bank or a bank's business." This bill would have restricted credit unions from expanding into banking operations through acquisitions.
SB 561 revises Montana's Public Service Commission membership structure, changing it from five elected members to two elected commissioners (from five districts) plus three governor-appointed commissioners. The bill requires commission districts to align with federal congressional districts after each census, mandates that appointed commissioners have no recent ties to regulated industries, and limits service to 12 years in a 24-year period for all members. It also adds new rules for filling vacancies, requiring gubernatorial appointments to match the former commissioner's party (if applicable) and prohibiting financial conflicts of interest for appointees. The bill aims to modernize the commission's composition and reduce potential industry influence.
SB 379 would require Montana state agencies to create written consultation plans with tribal governments, designate a staff member as a tribal liaison, and submit annual reports on tribal engagement. It affects all state departments listed in the bill (including Natural Resources, Health, and Transportation) and all federally recognized tribes in Montana. Key provisions include deadlines for agencies to develop consultation policies by July 1, 2026, designate liaisons who must undergo cultural competency training, and report annually on how tribal input influenced agency decisions. The bill also mandates annual training for agency staff on tribal relations and requires the governor to share a summary report with tribes each year. The bill died in the legislature on May 23, 2025, and is not currently law.
SB 352 would have extended Montana's legislative immunity protections to legislative staff, ensuring they receive the same legal safeguards as legislators themselves. Specifically, it would have protected staff from being compelled to testify or disclose privileged information they handle - such as communications related to bill drafting or committee work - just as legislators are shielded under Montana's speech and debate clause. The bill defined "legislative staff" broadly to include personal staff of legislative leadership and certain contractors hired using state funds. This change aimed to align Montana law with the U.S. Supreme Court's *Gravel* precedent, which treats staff communications as confidential to prevent intimidation of lawmakers. The bill never became law, as it died in process in May 2025.
