HB 917 generally revises campaign finance laws, affecting individuals and groups involved in political campaigns. The bill updates the definition of "political committee" and other related terms within election statutes. It also revises the timeframes for filing campaign finance reports and clarifies who may sign incidental committee reports. These changes aim to modify the operational and reporting requirements for campaign finance activities.
HB 623 establishes the conditions under which temporary spent nuclear fuel storage facilities can be sited within the state. It specifies that such facilities must be located on the site of an existing nuclear power generating facility and store fuel produced by that facility. Authorization for these facilities also requires a state recommendation from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and a license from the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The bill amends existing law to clarify the DEQ's role in reviewing federal applications for these facilities, requiring applicants to submit their federal applications to the DEQ and pay a fee for the department's review and participation in federal proceedings.
HB 516 transfers the Workers' Compensation Judge and the Workers' Compensation Court from the Department of Labor and Industry to the Judicial Branch. This new court will be presided over by a judge appointed by the governor, with qualifications and salary similar to district court judges. The Montana Supreme Court will supervise the court's activities and personnel. A dedicated Workers' Compensation Court Fund will be established to cover expenses, receiving an annual transfer of $500,000 from the Workers' Compensation Administration Fund. The bill also provides a one-time option for the current workers' compensation judge to remain in their existing retirement system.
HB 480 revises when a party in a legal proceeding is entitled to a jury trial. The bill grants any party the right to demand a trial by jury to determine issues of fact in proceedings that challenge the constitutionality or legality of a legislative act or a proposed or adopted ballot issue. This means that in disputes over the validity of laws or voter-approved measures, a jury can be called upon to decide factual disagreements. The bill amends Section 27-8-302, MCA, to incorporate this provision.
House Bill 681 revises state and local laws governing subdivision development, primarily focusing on how water availability is determined and regulated within new subdivisions. It updates the criteria local governments use to review subdivision applications concerning water, clarifies the definition of "water right," and modifies procedures for obtaining water right certificates for certain groundwater uses. The bill also establishes clearer time limits for local government review of subdivision applications, with potential financial penalties for delays, and outlines requirements for sharing public comments on sanitation with subdividers.
HB 641 repeals the Lewis and Clark bicentennial license plate program in Montana. This bill eliminates the legal authority for the special license plates and removes the associated Department of Commerce Lewis and Clark bicentennial account. It updates state law by removing references to the program's funding from the list of statutory appropriations. These changes, which primarily affect state agencies involved in managing these programs and funds, will take effect on December 31, 2025.
HB 936 implements specific provisions of the state's General Appropriations Act, primarily affecting healthcare funding and operations. It reallocates a portion of the hospital utilization fee to provide incentive payments for hospital quality and efficiency, and to support independent critical access hospitals. The bill also expands the eligible uses of the Behavioral Health System for Future Generations Fund to include student loan repayment for certain healthcare professionals and funding for additional beds at the Montana State Hospital on a one-time basis. Finally, it establishes new reporting requirements for comprehensive school and community treatment services for children and for hiring efforts at the Montana State Hospital.
HB 845 increases the state income tax deduction for individuals contributing to Family Education Savings Accounts (529 plans). Beginning in tax year 2025, the maximum annual deduction for these contributions will rise from $3,000 to $4,500. The bill also establishes an inflation factor to adjust this maximum deduction amount in subsequent tax years based on the consumer price index. These changes apply retroactively to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024, for contributions made to accounts owned by the contributor, their spouse, or a Montana resident child or stepchild.
HB 667 revises labor laws regarding employees who seek or hold public office. It prohibits employers from restricting employees from seeking election or appointment to city, county, or state public office, or from retaliating against them for doing so. During an employee's mandatory leave of absence for public service, employers cannot require the employee to use personal leave or benefits without their consent, nor can they require them to perform work. If an employer generally permits personal use of company devices, they cannot prohibit an employee on public service leave from using those devices for personal reasons.
HB 923 directs the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to amend its administrative rules by January 1, 2026. This amendment will create a new categorical exclusion from nondegradation authorization requirements. This exclusion applies to areas where a county commission demonstrates it has prohibited drinking water wells and ensures absorption trenches are at least 1,000 feet from downstream high-quality surface waters. The bill also appropriates $10,000 to the DEQ to implement these rule changes and provide guidance.
HB 592 revises how state agencies create new rules under the Montana Administrative Procedure Act. It requires agencies to contact the primary sponsor of legislation when developing rules related to that legislation, seeking their input and explaining the bill's intent. The bill also mandates agencies to accept public comments electronically and to include a small business impact analysis in proposed rule notices. Furthermore, it requires departments to internally review rule proposals for compliance with existing laws and legislative intent.
House Bill 620 revises state law concerning contracts that restrict a healthcare provider's ability to practice after leaving an employer or partnership. It expands existing protections, previously applicable to specific behavioral health professionals, to now include licensed physicians of all specialties. The bill amends Section 28-2-724, MCA, ensuring that contracts cannot prevent these medical professionals from practicing, providing services, or establishing patient relationships in any geographic area after their professional relationship ends.
