This resolution from the Montana House of Representatives urges specific actions regarding Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer. It calls on President Donald J. Trump to grant a full pardon for Chauvin's federal convictions and Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota to grant a full pardon for his state convictions. Additionally, the resolution urges the City of Minneapolis to demand the return of the $27 million settlement paid to George Floyd's family. Finally, it requests that Congress and the Minnesota Legislature initiate investigations into the handling of Derek Chauvin's prosecutions.
HB 921 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow Montana to prohibit and punish the distribution or receipt of child pornography violating federal laws, while creating a private right for individuals to sue violators. It directly affects Montana state and local governments (who could enforce these prohibitions) and any person harmed by such violations (who could file lawsuits). Key provisions include overriding conflicting state laws to enable state enforcement of federal child pornography statutes and granting courts authority to award injunctive relief and attorney fees in successful lawsuits. The amendment requires voter approval at the 2026 general election and would not change existing federal laws, merely enabling Montana to align its enforcement with federal standards.
HB 488 would allow Montana voters with disabilities to return their voted ballots electronically for federal elections using a secure, encrypted system approved by the Secretary of State. To use this option, voters must request an electronic ballot in writing, by email, or in person, and return the completed ballot with a signed affirmation by 8 p.m. on election day. The Secretary of State would establish security and encryption standards for the system, and the bill appropriates $10,000 to develop the technology. This change would apply only to federal primary and general elections beginning in 2026.
HB 944 requires 12 state agencies to submit detailed monthly reports to Montana's General Government Budget Committee on specific program statuses, such as the Department of Military Affairs' spending on infrastructure and the Department of Revenue's cannabis moratorium updates. It mandates reports on budgeted positions, leasing activities, grant disbursements, and program implementation (e.g., prison education under HB 718). The bill does not create new policies but establishes reporting mechanisms to track existing programs and spending, as directed by another bill (HB 2 Section A). It affects all agencies required to report to the committee, including departments of military affairs, revenue, labor, and housing. This procedural bill focuses solely on transparency and accountability, with no substantive policy changes.
HB 558 establishes the Montana Nurse Corps Act, enabling licensed nurses to provide home health care visits to specific patient groups at a fixed $10 fee per visit. It directly affects eligible patients (those enrolled in Medicare/Medicaid or with family income under 400% of the federal poverty level) and participating nurses who join the program. Key provisions include limiting nurse charges to $10 per visit for eligible patients, shielding nurses from liability for ordinary negligence (except gross negligence), and requiring patient notice of this liability protection. The bill also outlines nurse eligibility requirements and program oversight by the state nursing board.
HJ 38 is a joint resolution requesting an interim study to improve public access to Montana's legislative process. It directs a legislative committee to examine website accessibility (including the new bill-tracking system), public comment procedures, consistency in committee testimony rules, and barriers for Montanans with disabilities. The study must report findings to the 70th Legislature by September 2026, incorporating feedback from the public, legislators, staff, and disability advocates. The resolution was tabled and died in committee on May 22, 2025.
HB 790 would allow the Department of Revenue (DOR) to request criminal history information from the Department of Justice (DOJ) for its employees. It would require DOR employees who handle federal taxpayer information to submit fingerprints for background checks by both the Montana DOJ and the FBI. The DOJ would then share any criminal history records with the DOR. This measure aims to ensure compliance with federal requirements for accessing federal taxpayer information.
HB 594 sought to amend state law by clarifying restrictions on the powers of local governments. The bill proposed to prohibit local government units from requiring additional licensing, permitting, or authorization for activities when the state is already the original issuer of such a credential. This measure would have prevented local governments with self-government powers from imposing their own separate requirements on entities or individuals already licensed by the state. The bill died in process.
HB 35 proposes to allocate the Judicial Standards Commission to the Department of Justice for administrative purposes. This means the Department of Justice would provide administrative support, such as budgeting and human resources, for the Commission. However, the bill specifies that the Judicial Standards Commission would maintain its independence, allowing it to hire its own personnel and exercise its functions without control or approval from the Department of Justice. This change would primarily affect the administrative structure of the Judicial Standards Commission, which is responsible for investigating complaints against judges.
HB 560 would have established a Montana Hunters' and Anglers' Community Fund, allowing donors to contribute $1 or more above the cost of wildlife conservation licenses. Funds collected would support grants for small rural communities (under 7,500 people) through the Department of Commerce, including projects like school improvements, food banks, or student programs. Grants would be limited to $2,000 (small) or $20,000 (large), with eligibility restrictions barring political activities and entities involved in lawsuits. The bill created a review board appointed by legislative leaders and the governor, and it died in committee in May 2025 without becoming law.
HJ 51 is a joint resolution requesting a temporary study on Montana's special education system. It directs the Legislative Council to form a committee to examine special education law, funding, teacher shortages, student needs, and federal policy changes. The committee must collaborate with schools, parents, advocacy groups, and state education agencies. The study aims to inform future policy decisions supporting Montana's constitutional goal of educating all students, including those with disabilities, and must report findings to the 70th Legislature by September 2026. This resolution does not change existing laws but seeks to improve legislative understanding of a complex policy area.
HB 262 sought to establish a state policy requiring early literacy instruction in public schools to be evidence-based and scientifically researched. The bill would have prohibited certain teaching methods, such as those relying on meaning drawn from context, visual cues, or memory, specifically disallowing the three-cueing system. Instead, it mandated that instruction include specific components like phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. This policy was intended to apply to public schools across the state, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.
