House Bill 932 revises laws related to funding for conservation efforts, primarily by reallocating a portion of the state's marijuana tax revenue. The bill establishes a new Habitat Legacy Account, which receives 20% of the net balance from the Marijuana State Special Revenue Account after an initial transfer. Funds from this Habitat Legacy Account are then distributed into three other new accounts. These accounts are dedicated to securing wildlife habitat, funding wildlife improvement projects, and supporting the design and construction of big game and wildlife highway crossings to enhance animal movement and safety. The Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks is responsible for administering these new accounts.
HB 853 revises the fees charged to various licensed establishments. The bill increases fees for retail and wholesale food establishments, public accommodations, trailer courts and campgrounds, and pools and spas. It also introduces new categories, such as "seasonal" and "year-round," which may impact how these fees are applied. Additionally, the bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated and provides updated definitions for different types of establishments.
HB 757 revises the criteria for awarding cultural and aesthetic project grants, affecting applicants and the Cultural and Aesthetic Projects Advisory Committee. The bill establishes new prioritization rules, giving higher preference to applicants who have not previously received awards and those with smaller annual operating budgets. It also directs the committee to adjust operating budget limits for inflation between funding cycles. Furthermore, the bill allows certain grant applicants with program budgets under $100,000, who do not use federal funds, to request a waiver from obtaining a federal System for Award Management (SAMs) number.
HB 12 appropriates $6,229,375 from the historic preservation grant program account to the Montana Department of Commerce. This funding is designated for a two-year period starting July 1, 2025, to finance various historic preservation projects across the state. The bill specifically authorizes grants for over 60 projects, listing each project, its applicant (such as museums, local governments, and non-profits), and the allocated grant amount. These grants aim to support the preservation and restoration of historic sites and buildings in Montana.
HB 794 revises general pharmacy laws, impacting pharmacies, pharmacy technicians, and clinical pharmacist practitioners. The bill updates and clarifies definitions, removes the utilization plan requirement for in-state and mail-order pharmacies, and mandates an endorsement for clinical pharmacist practitioners. It also eliminates outdated notification practices for biosimilar drug selection and generic drug signage requirements. Additionally, the bill clarifies pharmacy wholesale distribution licenses and the powers of the Board of Pharmacy, and adjusts provisions for insurance plans regarding out-of-state mail-order pharmacies.
HB 939 establishes new regulations for wind turbine generators, primarily affecting developers and property owners involved in wind energy agreements. The bill mandates a 1,500-foot setback for new wind turbines 500 feet or taller from occupied residences, unless the property owner approves a closer distance. It also sets a deicing standard, limiting rotor blade speed to 10% of maximum for certain tall turbines near residences, with a similar provision for property owner approval. Furthermore, it updates the required content for wind energy agreements executed after January 1, 2026.
HB 786 revises the responsibilities of the presiding officer of the Montana Arts Council. The bill specifically removes the title of "chief executive officer" from the presiding officer position. This change means the individual serving as the council's presiding officer will no longer hold the additional designation of chief executive.
The Montana Firearms Liability Clarification Act (HB 801) revises state laws to limit the legal liability of firearms manufacturers and sellers. It establishes strict conditions for bringing "negligent marketing" claims against these companies, requiring proof that marketing directly targeted prohibited individuals, encouraged unlawful use, and violated a specific firearm-related law. The bill also mandates a narrow interpretation of the "predicate exception" in federal law, preventing the use of general state consumer protection or public nuisance laws to bring such claims. Individuals filing claims that do not meet these new requirements may face dismissal and be ordered to pay the defendant's legal fees.
HB 513 establishes property rights for individuals in their name, voice, and likeness, making these rights transferable and descendible for a period after their death. The bill prohibits the unauthorized creation, distribution, or use of digital voice replicas or digital depictions of an individual. Those who violate these provisions may face significant financial penalties, including actual damages and profits from the unauthorized use. However, the bill includes exceptions for uses like news reporting, commentary, criticism, scholarship, satire, or parody.
HB 849 establishes a new special motorcycle license plate for Montana residents who own motorcycles or quadricycles. Owners choosing this plate will pay a total fee, which includes a $20 donation. This donation fee is statutorily appropriated to the Department of Justice. The Department will use these funds to provide grants to Montana-based nonprofit organizations that promote motorcycle rider safety and awareness through education and outreach.
HB 624 revises agriculture laws concerning hobbyist beekeepers. It increases the maximum number of beehives a hobbyist may own from five to ten. The bill also expands the number of apiary site registrations allowed for an individual applicant from one to five, and for a family unit from two to ten. This aims to update regulations for individuals managing small-scale beekeeping operations.
HB 690 revises Montana's child abuse and neglect laws, impacting how child protection cases are defined and managed. The bill clarifies that referring to or raising a child in a manner consistent with their biological sex is not considered child abuse or neglect. Additionally, it prohibits members of the U.S. Congress or the Montana Legislature from disclosing attorney-client privileged information to parents or guardians in these cases, though they may challenge such designations. These changes affect parents, guardians, and the Department of Public Health and Human Services in the application of child protection statutes.
