HB 10 appropriates over $39 million for various information technology (IT) capital projects across multiple state agencies for the biennium ending June 30, 2027. It transfers funds from the general fund to the Long-Range Information Technology Program (LRITP) account to support these initiatives. The bill funds projects such as cybersecurity enhancements, system modernizations, and new business applications for departments like Administration, Corrections, and Public Health and Human Services. All funded projects require approval from the chief information officer and budget director for their design, implementation, and data security plans, emphasizing safeguards against unauthorized access and promoting data sharing among agencies.
HB 513 establishes property rights for individuals in their name, voice, and likeness, making these rights transferable and descendible for a period after their death. The bill prohibits the unauthorized creation, distribution, or use of digital voice replicas or digital depictions of an individual. Those who violate these provisions may face significant financial penalties, including actual damages and profits from the unauthorized use. However, the bill includes exceptions for uses like news reporting, commentary, criticism, scholarship, satire, or parody.
HB 392, known as the "Child Digital Protection Act," revises laws concerning profitable family video content featuring minor children. It requires content creators who meet specific profit and content thresholds to contribute a percentage of their gross earnings into a trust for the minor child, accessible once the child reaches 18 years of age. Additionally, the bill grants individuals who were featured as minors in such content the right to request the permanent deletion of those video segments from online platforms upon reaching the age of majority.
SB 364 establishes "kill switch" laws, primarily affecting individuals who own electronic consumer products and motor vehicles, and the entities that manufacture or service them. The bill prohibits an entity from remotely activating a kill switch on a person's personally owned property without a court order or warrant. Exceptions include situations involving unpaid subscriptions or leased items (with prior disclosure), and certain safety features in motor vehicles. Additionally, a kill switch can be activated on stolen property with the owner's consent. Violations allow individuals to seek $10,000 in statutory damages per instance.
SB 297 generally revises privacy laws, affecting consumers and entities that collect personal data. The bill requires these "controllers" to notify consumers when their information has been collected and to provide an opt-out option for consumers. It also mandates that controllers issue privacy notices and outlines their specific duties regarding data handling. Additionally, the Attorney General is required to post information about consumer privacy rights and responsibilities online.
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.
HB 178 limits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems by state and local government entities and officers. The bill prohibits AI use for cognitive behavioral manipulation, unlawful discrimination, deceptive purposes, and most public space surveillance, with specific exceptions. It requires government entities to disclose when AI-produced material is published without human review or when an AI system is used in public interfaces. Additionally, any AI recommendation or decision that could impact a person's rights, duties, or privileges must be reviewed and can be modified or rejected by a trained human in a responsible position.
HB 538 revises state laws governing the 9-1-1 emergency telephone system. It expands the 9-1-1 advisory council by one member and clarifies its role in advising the department on fee allocation, grants, and statewide planning. The bill updates the department's duties, including administering 9-1-1 funds, maintaining a statewide plan for current and next-generation technologies, and monitoring expenditures by local and tribal governments operating public safety answering points. It also directs the department to adopt rules for fund distribution, grant awards, and technology standards to ensure effective 9-1-1 services across the state.
SB 282 revises state and local government's ability to obtain and use electronic communications and data from electronic devices. The bill prohibits governmental entities from purchasing various types of electronic data, such as geolocation or sensitive data, without a search warrant or investigative subpoena. It generally requires a search warrant to obtain stored data from an electronic device or to compel disclosure of electronic communications from service providers, though exceptions exist for situations like owner consent or emergencies. Evidence obtained in violation of these provisions would be inadmissible, and collected communications must be deleted after the conclusion of criminal proceedings.
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.
