SB 157 would have allowed Montana taxpayers who itemize deductions on their federal tax returns to deduct up to 150% of their charitable contributions from their Montana state income tax. This provision, added to Montana's tax code, would have directly affected individual filers who itemize federal deductions and make charitable gifts. The bill proposed a specific mechanism where the state deduction amount would be calculated as 150% of the federal charitable deduction amount claimed. However, the bill was tabled in committee and later died in the legislative process in May 2025, so it did not become law.
SB 505 would amend Montana's zoning laws to allow local governments to prohibit the construction of wind energy facilities by preventing utility companies from connecting power from these projects. Specifically, it targets subsection (28) of Section 7-1-111, which would permit local governments to block utility connections for wind generation facilities defined under state law. This bill directly affects wind energy developers and local planning authorities, as it removes a key barrier to project development. The policy change focuses on utility interconnection as the mechanism for restricting wind facility construction, rather than general zoning rules. The bill did not become law, as it died in committee in 2025.
SB 467 revises Montana's child care laws to streamline regulations and protect privacy. It requires child care providers to keep children's information confidential and removes mandatory inspections and training requirements previously handled by local health authorities. The bill updates definitions for terms like "family day-care home" and "school-age care" to clarify standards. These changes aim to improve access to quality child care for working families, particularly mothers, while affirming parental rights over child care decisions.
SB 539 proposes changes to Montana's property taxation system by clarifying the difference between taxes and special assessments. It requires that special assessments (like those for specific property improvements) must directly compensate owners for services received and match the benefit, while general assessments are treated as taxes. The bill also excludes certain rural properties (without homes, not adjacent to districts, and with public road access) from rural special district assessments and creates a direct appeal path to the Montana Tax Appeal Board for property tax exemption decisions. These changes would affect property owners, local governments, and the Tax Appeal Board, though the bill died in committee in May 2025 and is not law.
SB 419 (introduced by Sen. E. Boldman) proposed changes to Montana's pension rules for legislative members regarding service credit. It would have required that legislative members receive service credit starting from when they assume office, based on their regular contributions, and mandated that retirement benefits be calculated using the pension plan rules applicable to their earliest period of paid contributions (no earlier than their start date in office), rather than potentially older rules. This bill directly affected current and future Montana legislators by altering how their legislative service time counts toward pension benefits. The bill was introduced in 2025 but died in committee on May 23, 2025, and did not become law.
SB 407 would have prohibited public schools in Montana from displaying flags, banners, or symbols promoting social or political causes on school property, while requiring the display of the national motto "In God We Trust" in every classroom. The bill specified that the motto must appear on a minimum 8x10 inch poster or plaque with clear, readable text, and allowed schools to use district funds or donations for this purpose. It also amended existing law to clarify that displaying the motto does not violate rules against distributing sectarian materials. The bill died in committee on May 23, 2025, and is not active legislation.
Montana's SJ 15 is a non-binding resolution calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse its 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. The resolution argues that Obergefell conflicts with the Constitution, traditional marriage definitions (as a union of one man and one woman), and states' rights to regulate marriage. It specifically requests the Court reverse its ruling, return marriage authority to states, and cites Montana's position that marriage policy should reflect "the will of voters" rather than federal court interpretation. This procedural resolution was tabled by the Judiciary Committee and later died in process, having no legal effect on marriage laws.
This resolution (SJ 2) sought to disapprove specific rules adopted by the Montana Supreme Court. It did not become law, as it died in the legislative process on May 23, 2025, after being tabled in committee. The resolution was procedural and did not enact any new policy or affect any specific group.
SB 515 would create a multistate cosmetology licensure compact, allowing licensed cosmetologists to practice in participating states using a single license instead of obtaining separate licenses in each state. It requires criminal background checks for all applicants and establishes uniform standards for licensure, including shared disciplinary records between states to maintain safety. The bill specifically aims to reduce licensing barriers for cosmetologists relocating due to military service or family moves. This program would replace individual state licenses with a single multistate license valid across all compact member states.
SB 496 would have established rules for when Montana's governor does not occupy the state-owned executive residence (located at 2 Carson Street in Helena). It required the Department of Administration to make the residence available for rent to temporary legislative employees during sessions and breaks, with priority given to employees with disabilities. The bill directed the Department of Administration and Legislative Services Division to create specific rules on rental fees, occupancy limits, and other details. This procedural bill, which died in committee in May 2025, aimed to provide a clear policy for using the property but did not become law.
Montana's SJ 50 is a joint resolution requesting an interim study on the effects of medical treatments used during the COVID-19 pandemic. It directs a committee or staff to examine the short- and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 vaccine, remdesivir, dexamethasone, and other treatments, including the benefits of ivermectin and outcomes related to Montana's Right to Try Act for "long COVID" and vaccine-related health issues. The study must conclude by September 15, 2026, and report findings to the 70th Legislature. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it does not change existing policies but seeks to review past medical responses. The resolution was referred to committee but died there in May 2025.
SB 304 revises Montana's Lakeshore Protection Act to strengthen oversight of development near lakes. It directly affects landowners, developers, and contractors working within 20 feet of a lake's mean high-water elevation. Key provisions include requiring stop-work orders for unauthorized construction, mandating financial guarantees (surety bonds) for permits, updating penalties for violations (up to $10,000 fines or 180-day work pauses for repeat offenses), and allowing local governments to place liens on property to cover cleanup costs and fines. The bill also clarifies definitions, such as requiring lakes to be at least 160 acres and navigable by small boats, to determine which water bodies are protected.
