This resolution confirms three gubernatorial appointments to Montana's Board of Personnel Appeals. The Senate concurs in the appointments of Kerry Davant, Julie Smith, and Jenny Stringer, who will serve terms ending in 2027-2029. The resolution formally approves these appointments under Montana law (section 5-5-302, MCA), allowing the board members to assume their roles. It does not create new policy but completes a routine confirmation process required for the appointments to take effect.
This resolution confirms Governor's appointment of Julie Strong (of Butte) to the Montana Board of Dentistry for a term ending July 1, 2028. It directly affects the Board of Dentistry by formally approving the governor's selection of a new member. The Senate's action is a routine procedural step required by Montana law (section 5-5-302, MCA) to finalize the appointment. No new policies or regulations are created by this resolution.
This joint resolution requests an interim study on how criminal record expungement affects Montanans' access to housing, employment, and other opportunities. The study will examine practical barriers like online background checks that still show expunged records, legal ambiguities around expunged histories, and discrimination in hiring/housing. It will analyze Montana's current expungement laws, compare them with other states, and evaluate how landlords and employers interpret expunged records. The committee must complete the study by September 2026 and report findings to the 70th Legislature as proposed legislation. This resolution does not change existing law but seeks to identify gaps for future policy action.
This is a symbolic Senate resolution (not a bill with policy changes) commemorating the 85th anniversary of smokejumpers' service. It formally recognizes smokejumpers' "excellence and dedicated service" in Montana and nationally, noting their history since 1940 and contributions to communities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the National Smokejumper Association. It has no legal effect or concrete policy changes, serving solely as a ceremonial tribute.
This joint resolution requests an interim study on cooperation and potential consolidation among Montana's local government entities, including counties, cities, fire districts, water districts, and other special districts. The study will examine current cooperation methods, analyze cost impacts of consolidation, review strategies from other states, and gather input from local officials and organizations like the Montana Association of Counties. It does not create new laws but aims to identify efficiency improvements for local governments serving Montanans. The study must be completed by September 15, 2026, with findings reported to the 70th Legislature.
This bill (LC 4368) requests an interim study of Montana state agency procurement practices, specifically examining no-bid contracts and transparency around purchases. It directs the study to review all procurement items over $25,000 from the past four years, identify deviations from standard rules, assess potential waste or fraud, and track money paid outside standard processes. The study must conclude by September 2026 and report findings and recommendations to the next legislature. This affects all state agencies that purchase goods or services using public funds.
This joint resolution (LC 4346) requests an interim study on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in Montana's water quality. The study will examine how current state and federal water laws (like the Clean Water Act) address EDCs, analyze health research on their effects, and assess EDC prevalence in Montana. It requires a final report to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026, to inform potential future policy. The resolution does not create new laws but seeks factual data to guide future decisions about water safety.
This joint resolution (LC 2489) requests an interim study on coordinated homeless services in Montana, directed to the Legislative Council by the 70th Legislature. It asks a committee to examine wraparound services, permanent supportive housing, and data on homelessness - especially impacts on people with disabilities - while assessing healthcare cost savings and rural service access. The study must conclude by September 15, 2026, and report findings to the next legislative session. It does not enact new policy but aims to inform future decisions on homeless service coordination.
This bill establishes a formal appeal process for individuals or entities affected by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality's (DEQ) permit decisions related to air quality, water quality, or mining operations (including strip, underground coal, uranium, and metal mines). It requires a $100 fee and a written appeal request within 30 days of a DEQ decision to challenge it in district court located in the county where the permitted activity occurs. Appeals for projects costing over $1 million must be prioritized in court proceedings. The bill amends Montana Code Annotated sections 75-2-211, 75-2-213, and 75-5-107 to implement these procedures.
Montana's LC 1608 establishes a Habitat Legacy Account funded by marijuana revenue to support wildlife conservation. It allocates 75% of annual funds to the Land and Wildlife Stewardship Account for habitat acquisition, 20% to the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Account for projects, and 5% to the Big Game Highway Crossings Account for wildlife crossing infrastructure. If the Stewardship Account exceeds $50 million in unused funds, allocations shift to 80% for improvement projects and 20% for crossings. The Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks administers all accounts, with funds restricted to specific conservation purposes like habitat protection, wildlife projects, and highway crossing design.
This bill proposes replacing school property taxes with a statewide sales tax. It would create a general sales tax across Montana, with all revenue directed to the School Equalization and Property Tax Reduction Account to fund public schools. The bill repeals existing property tax mill levies for schools and allows certain sales tax exemptions while requiring out-of-state retailers to collect the tax. Homeowners would no longer pay school property taxes, and schools would receive funding through this new sales tax system instead of local property levies.
This bill requires Montana's Department of Administration to create and manage a public website displaying detailed state procurement transaction data, including contractor names, payment purposes, and amounts for all payments made by state agencies. Vendors submitting bids or proposals must pay a $1 application fee to cover website costs, as specified in amended sections 18-4-126 and 18-4-302 of Montana law. The website will provide transparency for public access to procurement records, replacing current requirements under existing statutes. This directly affects state purchasing agencies (which must post data), vendors (which must pay the fee), and the public (which gains new access to procurement information).
