HB 364 proposes to update laws concerning student immunizations and exemptions in K-12 schools. It would require school governing authorities to submit written reports on student immunization and exemption data to state and local health departments. These reports must only contain deidentified or aggregate information, ensuring student privacy. The Department of Public Health and Human Services would determine the specific form and schedule for these reports.
HB 885 aims to improve customer service for Medicaid applicants and recipients in Montana. It requires the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) to implement mobile-first technology for online applications and renewals, utilize text and email for communications, and ensure written notices are in plain language and translated. The bill also mandates the DPHHS to provide expected wait times and callback options for hotline callers and to reopen 10 local public assistance offices by June 30, 2026. Additionally, it establishes quarterly reporting requirements to the legislature on various Medicaid client service metrics.
HB 697 clarifies that public employees in Montana do not have an expectation of privacy in electronic communications sent or received through systems provided and managed by their public agency. This means that any communications, including personal ones, made using public agency equipment are subject to public records laws and agency policies. As a result, public agencies would not be required to review these communications for privacy implications when responding to public information requests.
HB 599 revises parental rights concerning data collection and health screenings for children within schools. It establishes that parents can opt-out of school evaluations, surveys, or data collection that does not require personally identifiable information, and must opt-in for those that do. The bill requires schools to notify parents about any physical or mental health screenings or surveys, allowing parents to opt their child out, and to inform parents of any resulting issues. Furthermore, it mandates parental consent for biometric scans, certain audio/video recordings, and specific school trip accommodations. It also prohibits government entity employees from withholding relevant health information from parents.
Senate Bill 413 creates the crime of "disclosing explicit synthetic media," also known as deepfakes, directly affecting individuals who create or share AI-generated content and protecting those falsely depicted. The bill makes it an offense to knowingly share synthetic media portraying an identifiable person engaged in sexual conduct or depicting intimate body parts without their consent, if it would cause substantial emotional distress. It also criminalizes disclosing such media with intent to harass or threaten, or possessing and threatening to disclose it for extortion. Penalties include fines and jail time, with increased penalties for repeat offenses or if the depicted person is under 18, though exceptions exist for reporting crimes, research, or legal proceedings.
HB 271 revises laws concerning executive exemptions to public records requests, aiming to replace a common law privilege with a statutory framework. It allows the Governor to assert a limited executive exemption for specific information only when their individual privacy interest clearly outweighs the merits of public disclosure, requiring the exemption to be narrowly tailored. The bill defines "confidential information" restrictively and sets a maximum duration of 60 days for an exemption to last. Additionally, it requires the award of costs and reasonable attorney fees to a prevailing party in public records litigation.
This bill, known as the "Financial Freedom and Innovation Act," revises state cryptocurrency laws. It prohibits state governing authorities from using or testing central bank digital currency, while explicitly permitting individuals and businesses to accept digital assets for payments and engage with blockchain protocols, such as operating nodes or staking. The bill also establishes certification requirements and sales limits for network token issuers to qualify for exemptions from state securities laws.
Senate Bill 330 creates the Montana Blockchain and Digital Innovation Task Force, administered by the Department of Administration. This task force will consist of state officials, legislators, and individuals with expertise in blockchain, cryptocurrency, financial technology, or digital innovation. Its primary duties include developing knowledge in these areas and recommending policies to promote their adoption, foster partnerships, and regulate them within Montana. The task force is required to report its findings by July 1, 2026, and will terminate on December 31, 2026.
HB 631 revises student data privacy laws by amending the definition of "K-12 school purposes" in Section 20-7-1324, MCA. This change means that the existing data privacy protections for K-12 online applications will no longer apply to courses taken for postsecondary (college) credit. It also excludes work-based learning courses from these specific K-12 data privacy regulations. This bill aims to remove barriers to postsecondary opportunities by clarifying which educational activities fall under K-12 online application privacy rules.
This resolution from the Montana House of Representatives urges the Montana Congressional Delegation to immediately secure federal databases containing Montanans' personally identifiable information. It expresses concern that a new federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has gained access to sensitive data, including names, addresses, and social security numbers, without clear oversight or usage guidelines.
