This joint resolution from the Montana Legislature urges the United States Congress to take action regarding "mortgage trigger leads." These are unsolicited offers of mortgage credit sent to individuals who have recently applied for a mortgage, leading to unwanted communications. The resolution asks Congress to either curtail or eliminate these trigger leads to protect consumers nationwide. Alternatively, it requests that Congress allow states like Montana to regulate them by removing federal preemption under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
House Joint Resolution 27 requests an interim study on laws regarding morticians and funeral services in Montana. The study will examine existing statutes related to the final disposition of human remains, which are currently spread across multiple areas of state law. It will also research new final disposition technologies, such as natural organic reduction and alkaline hydrolysis, that are not yet included in state statute. The goal is to propose legislation that clarifies, reorganizes, and modernizes these laws, and establishes a framework for incorporating new disposition methods. The study's findings will be reported to the 70th Legislature.
HJ 20 is a joint resolution from the Montana Legislature requesting the federal government to increase the hours of service at Montana-Canada customs ports of entry. This resolution aims to enhance trade and allow for increased cross-border travel, which the state legislature states has been impeded by recent reductions in service hours. It directly affects the federal government by formally communicating Montana's request and seeks to benefit businesses and individuals who engage in cross-border activities between Montana and Canada.
House Joint Resolution 28 requests an interim study to help the State of Montana, tribal governments, and local government entities better access federal grant opportunities. The study will identify federal grants available since 2020, determine which are currently utilized or underutilized, and evaluate the reasons behind their use. It will also investigate any disparities faced by small, tribal, and rural government entities in securing these grants. The study aims to recommend strategies and resources to enhance federal grant acquisition across all levels of government, with findings reported to the 70th Legislature.
House Joint Resolution 56 requests an interim study of search and rescue services and their funding across Montana. The study aims to review current reimbursement amounts for local operations, streamline the reimbursement process, and address how funding affects tribal search and rescue teams. It will also examine existing funding sources and allocations for the state's search and rescue fund, with the goal of potentially centralizing its administration. The findings and recommendations from this study are to be reported to the 70th Legislature.
This joint resolution requests an interim study on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and their impact on water quality in Montana. The study, to be conducted by a legislative committee or staff, will review existing state and federal water quality laws and analyze research on the health effects of EDCs. It also aims to determine the prevalence of these chemicals in Montana. The study will offer recommendations for future legislative or regulatory changes, with final results reported to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026.
HJ 31 is a joint resolution that recognizes and celebrates the contributions of educational support professionals in Montana's public schools. It designates April 3, 2025, as Educational Support Professionals Day.
Senate Joint Resolution 35 requests an interim study on voter list maintenance and integrity in Montana. A designated legislative committee will examine current practices by county election administrators and the Secretary of State, research methods used in other states, and identify inconsistencies. The study will also evaluate how state and national databases, such as those from the Motor Vehicle Division or USPS, can improve voter list accuracy. Its findings, including potential legislation, will be reported to the 70th Legislature by September 2026.
HJ 30 is a joint resolution requesting an interim study on methods to increase housing density and affordability across Montana. The study will be conducted by an appropriate interim committee or staff designated by the Legislative Council. It will investigate incentives for local governments to increase housing density, review state programs supporting housing, and analyze the economic implications of increased density, including property taxes. The study will also identify programs to fund water and wastewater systems for local governments, with final results reported to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026.
HJ 55 is a joint resolution requesting an interim study on property management practices and licensing in Montana. It directs a legislative committee or staff to review current licensing, education, and fee requirements for property managers, as well as their compliance with state landlord-tenant laws. The study will also examine costs passed to landowners and tenants, compare Montana's practices with other states, and consider how foreign corporations manage rental properties. The committee is tasked with gathering feedback from various stakeholders and reporting its findings to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026.
HJ 62 is a joint resolution requesting an interim study on wildfire prevention and community resilience in Montana. The study will task an interim committee with examining the increasing impacts of wildfires on population centers, the role of land use planning and building materials in fire spread, and the effectiveness of existing state policies. It also seeks to identify potential solutions, including community incentives and statewide regulations, to alleviate wildfire risk. The committee's findings and recommendations will be reported to the 70th Legislature to inform future policy decisions impacting Montanans.
Joint Resolution 19 declares the last full week of September as Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) Awareness Week in the state of Montana. This resolution aims to raise public understanding of FTD, a neurodegenerative disease, and requests the Governor to issue a similar proclamation.
