SB 527, the "Building Families Act," would require most health insurance plans in Montana to cover infertility diagnosis and treatment, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), up to a $25,000 lifetime limit. It directly affects insured Montanans seeking infertility care by mandating coverage for these services without extra deductibles, copays, or restrictions that differ from standard medical coverage. The bill defines infertility based on medical guidelines and prohibits insurers from imposing unique limitations on fertility treatments compared to other prescription drugs or services. It applies to all small group, large group, and individual health plans sold in Montana that cover medical expenses.
SB 400 would require residential property owners to vote on changes to easements, covenants, conditions, or restrictions affecting multiple properties, with a majority vote needed for approval (unless all owners consent in writing after notice). The bill mandates a 30-day notice period for voting, allows written proxy voting, and protects owners' rights to participate in association decisions like dues increases or board elections. It applies to existing agreements and would take immediate effect upon passage.
SB 102 limits annual revenue growth for specific education levies in Montana. It caps the increase in property tax revenue from state school equalization levies and vocational-technical education levies at no more than 3% above the previous year's total. The bill also prevents school districts from carrying forward unused mill authority (property tax rate authority) for these specific levies. This directly affects school districts that rely on these levies for funding, ensuring their revenue growth cannot exceed 3% annually without voter approval. The policy change applies to the calculation method for these levies as outlined in Montana law.
SB 547 revises Montana's disabled parking permit rules to add eligibility for pregnant women. It allows pregnant individuals certified by a physician, certified midwife, or nurse to receive a temporary disability parking permit valid for up to one year. The bill also establishes a $10 fee for this permit, with the collected funds deposited into the state general fund. These changes specifically affect pregnant residents needing short-term parking accommodations due to medical conditions, while maintaining existing eligibility criteria for other disabilities.
This joint resolution (SJ 32) requests an interim study to examine how to revive Montana's Citizen Review Board Program for child protective services. The study will analyze funding options, administrative needs, coordination between local and tribal governments, and how review boards might reduce court involvement while improving child protection system practices. It specifically aims to assess cost savings, equity in services, and recommendations for statewide standards. The findings must be reported to the 70th Legislature by September 2026. (Note: This is a procedural resolution requesting a study, not a law creating new policy.)
This bill (SJ 45) requests a committee study to address Montana's vacant governor's residence, which costs $100,000 annually in upkeep while renovation is stalled due to budget constraints and delays. The study will examine necessary repairs to meet safety codes, nonessential upgrades, and alternatives like renovation, demolition, or sale. It requires the committee to report findings to the 70th Legislature by 2026, focusing on cost-effective solutions for the 12,259-square-foot Capitol Complex property. The resolution does not enact policy but seeks a plan for a state-owned asset currently unused and deteriorating.
Montana's SB 399 would change the timing of primary elections, moving them from June to May in even-numbered years. The bill directly affects all Montana voters participating in primary elections and election officials managing ballot processing. Key provisions include amending the law to set primary dates as "the first Tuesday after the first Monday in May" instead of June, requiring separate ballots for primary and school elections held on the same day (with primary ballots counted first), and mandating that the secretary of state notify Montana's federally recognized tribal governments about the bill. This is a procedural change focused solely on election scheduling and ballot handling.
SB 195 would allow individuals aged 18 to 20 to possess and consume beer or table wine with parental consent or in the presence of a spouse who is 21 or older. This applies only on private property or at licensed venues permitted by the business, and requires counties or local governments to adopt the change through a local ordinance or resolution. The bill amends Montana’s alcohol laws (specifically sections 16-3-301, 16-3-309, 16-4-1002, 16-4-1006, and 16-6-305) to create this exception to the general prohibition on underage drinking. It does not automatically change state law; local governments must proactively adopt the provision through their own rules.
SB 415 would require milk processors to label all pasteurized milk containers with a clear "best by" date (indicating freshness window) and pasteurization date, displayed in specific formats (Arabic numerals, 1/8-inch minimum size, contrasting color). It prohibits the use of "sell by" dates, repeals outdated labeling rules (ARM 32.8.202-206), and bans the Department of Livestock from creating new rules on this matter. The bill directly affects milk processors, retailers, and consumers by standardizing date labeling for safety and transparency. However, the bill died in committee in May 2025 and was never enacted.
SB 566 (Montana) would regulate private companies that transport children, requiring them to register annually with the Department of Public Health and Human Services and pay a fee. Companies must notify the department 48 hours before transporting a child, providing details like the child’s name, parent contact, and driver information, while prohibiting physical/chemical restraints or visual impairment (e.g., blindfolds). The department would maintain transport records for 10 years, share them with law enforcement for human trafficking investigations, and publish a public list of registered providers. This bill directly affects secure youth transportation companies, aiming to enhance child safety and support trafficking prevention through transparency and record-keeping.
SB 138 requires Montana school districts with at least a half-time principal to formally include in policies or teacher agreements the authority for educators to maintain a positive classroom environment and temporarily exclude disruptive students for up to 24 hours. Teachers must direct excluded students to a principal or designee, and students cannot return until a return plan - developed by the principal and potentially involving behavioral contracts, parent communication, or meetings - is provided to the teacher. The bill explicitly requires all provisions to comply with federal disability laws (IDEA, ADA, Section 504) and the Family Educational Rights Act. This bill, which died in the Senate on May 23, 2025, would have applied to school years starting July 1, 2025.
SB 62 would end Montana's Medicaid expansion program for able-bodied adults by prohibiting new enrollments after August 31, 2025, while requiring the Department of Public Health and Human Services to seek a federal waiver to maintain funding for current participants. The bill directly affects individuals enrolled in Montana's Medicaid expansion program who are able-bodied adults, preventing them from joining after the 2025 deadline. Key mechanisms include a strict enrollment cutoff date, a requirement for the department to apply for federal funding continuity, and authorization to implement program integrity measures like biannual eligibility reviews. The bill does not change coverage for individuals with specific health needs or those already enrolled continuously before September 1, 2025.
