SB 537 revises Montana's marijuana tax revenue distribution, directing funds from the marijuana state special revenue account to new and existing state accounts. It requires transferring excess funds annually to specific accounts, including 12% to the HEART account for addiction treatment and mental health programs, 20% to wildlife habitat projects, and 14% to behavioral health initiatives. The bill also allocates funds for law enforcement canine training, sexual assault evidence kits, and homeless shelter support, while modifying existing transfer rules for agencies like the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. These changes apply to all state agencies receiving marijuana tax revenue under Montana law.
HB 283 would allow Montana's wildlife commission to issue one male mountain sheep and one male Shiras moose hunting license annually through a lottery or auction, instead of traditional methods. Hunters seeking these licenses would enter the lottery, and any proceeds from sales would fund conservation efforts for these species, with wildlife groups allowed to retain up to 10% of proceeds to cover lottery costs. The bill specifies that all remaining funds must directly benefit mountain sheep and moose management, supplementing existing department budgets. Note: This bill was vetoed by the governor and the legislature failed to override the veto, so it is not currently law.
HB 368 requires operators of coal-fired power plants (over 200 megawatts) in Montana to provide ongoing water access for residential and commercial use to the city or town where the plant is located if the plant closes. It mandates operators maintain water delivery systems until cleanup meets environmental standards, with financial assurance for water supply 30 years after closure. The bill directly affects plant operators and local governments, ensuring continued municipal water access even after plant retirement. Key provisions include revised definitions for "retired" plants, cleanup criteria, and requirements for operators to cover long-term water needs.
HB 658 would have limited local health boards' authority to create sanitation rules stricter than state standards, affecting communities that previously could enforce tougher local requirements. It specifically protected existing subsurface wastewater systems (like septic systems) from being subject to new local rule changes. The bill amended Montana law (sections 50-2-116 and 50-2-130) to remove local boards' ability to adopt more stringent sanitation regulations and to ensure current systems remain exempt from future rule updates. This change would have shifted regulatory authority toward state standards for wastewater and sanitation compliance.
HB 57 would amend Montana law to officially include California quail and Gambel's quail in the state's definition of "upland game birds" under Section 87-2-101, MCA. This change would directly affect hunters and wildlife managers by adding these quail species to the list of birds subject to regulated hunting seasons, bag limits, and conservation practices already applied to birds like pheasants and grouse. The bill specifically updates the legal definition without altering hunting seasons or regulations, ensuring these quail would be managed under existing upland game bird frameworks. The bill was introduced by request of the Environmental Quality Council but died in process on May 22, 2025.
HB 935 allows the department to temporarily suspend or close new permit applications for large groundwater appropriations (3,000 gallons per minute or more) from specific areas within the Fox Hills-Hell Creek aquifer. This action aims to balance water development with the protection of existing water rights. The bill also mandates the Bureau of Mines and Geology to conduct a feasibility study on groundwater availability in these areas. It appropriates $5,000 for this study, and the act's provisions are set to terminate on June 30, 2027.
HB 6 implements the Renewable Resource Grant and Loan Program by appropriating funds to the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). The bill allocates specific amounts for various grant types, including emergency projects, planning, irrigation development, private projects, and nonpoint source pollution reduction. Additionally, it appropriates $5.25 million for prioritized infrastructure grant projects to specific cities, towns, and water districts for improvements to wastewater systems, drinking water infrastructure, and stormwater control. Funds for these prioritized projects are awarded in a specified order until available money is expended.
HB 31 clarifies and revises the bonding requirements for wind and solar generation facility owners in Montana to ensure proper decommissioning. It mandates that facility owners submit a decommissioning plan and provide a bond to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) within specific timeframes after commencing commercial operation. The DEQ determines the bond amount based on factors like site characteristics and salvage value. The bill also outlines various exemptions for facilities already bonded elsewhere or meeting certain size and operation criteria, and establishes penalties for non-compliance.
HB 55 revises the laws governing how public utilities plan for their customers' future energy needs. It requires public utilities to submit detailed resource plans every three years, including evaluations of renewable energy and demand-side management scenarios, and to hold more public meetings before submitting these plans. The bill establishes a special revenue account within the Department of Environmental Quality to fund an independent evaluator, paid for by fees charged to public utilities, who will assist in reviewing these plans. Additionally, the state commission can now engage independent consultants to evaluate utility plans, with these costs being recoverable in rates charged to customers.
HB 7 implements and funds the reclamation and development grants program, appropriating over $13.9 million from the natural resources projects state special revenue account. The bill allocates funds to the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) for grants beginning July 1, 2025. These grants support planning for reclamation and development projects, pilot water storage initiatives, and specific prioritized projects for political subdivisions and local governments. Grant recipients, which include various counties, cities, and state agencies, must meet conditions such as having an approved project scope, securing matching funds, and complying with auditing requirements.
