Technology

introduced · Montana · Legislature Nov 18, 2024

LC 204: Allow for digital copies of required documentation for transport of livestock

This bill allows people transporting livestock in Montana to show digital copies of required inspection and transportation documents instead of physical paper certificates. It amends existing state law to recognize digital versions of inspection certificates, market consignment permits, and release certificates when requested by law enforcement or stock inspectors. The change applies to anyone moving livestock across county lines, selling at markets, or transporting animals for shows and rodeos. This update modernizes record-keeping requirements while maintaining the same inspection and documentation standards currently in place.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes digital adoption by allowing digital copies of livestock documents, advancing technology use in agricultural operations.85% confidence

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 19, 2025

LC 3519: Resolution to protect online personally identifiable information

This Montana legislative resolution urges the state's congressional delegation to take action to protect the personally identifiable information of Montanans held in federal databases. The bill responds to concerns that the newly created Department of Government Efficiency has accessed sensitive federal data without clear oversight or security guarantees. It calls for immediate federal-level protections for Montana residents' names, addresses, and social security numbers to match existing state privacy standards. The resolution does not create new laws but instead requests that federal representatives secure the databases containing this information.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly aims to protect personally identifiable information and enhance data privacy through federal-level protections, aligning with cybersecurity and digital rights goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 3, 2025

LC 2219: Provide for Montana right to repair agricultural equipment act

This bill establishes the Montana Agricultural Equipment Repair Bill of Rights Act to ensure owners and independent repair providers can access necessary information and tools to fix agricultural machinery. It requires equipment manufacturers to provide parts, documentation, and diagnostic tools on fair and reasonable terms without imposing unnecessary restrictions or minimum purchase requirements. The law specifically protects independent repair shops from being blocked from accessing repair information that is needed to maintain farm equipment, while excluding standard motor vehicles and industrial machinery from its coverage. Manufacturers must make digital documentation available without requiring contracts or account creation, and physical copies or tools may only incur reasonable shipping costs. The legislation includes a delayed effective date and a potential termination clause if certain conditions are not met over time.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes consumer protection and digital rights by ensuring access to repair information and tools, preventing manufacturers from restricting independent repair services.75% confidence

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 13, 2025

LC 2665: Create a Montana blockchain and digital innovation task force

This bill creates the Montana Blockchain and Digital Innovation Task Force, a temporary committee that will operate from the time of appointment until December 31, 2026. The task force will be made up of 15 members appointed by the attorney general, state auditor, Senate president, House speaker, and governor, with specific requirements for expertise in blockchain, cryptocurrency, financial technology, and digital innovation. The group will study issues related to these technologies and develop policy recommendations to promote their adoption in the state, encourage partnerships with financial institutions, and improve regulation. The task force must submit its findings and recommendations to the economic affairs interim committee and legislative council by July 1, 2026, and members will serve without salary or expense reimbursement.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill creates task force to study blockchain, cryptocurrency, and digital innovation, indicating intent to advance and strengthen technology policy in Montana.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 6, 2025

LC 676: Revise laws to protect children from obscene content through electronic devices

This Montana bill requires all smartphones and tablets activated in the state on or after January 1, 2026, to include built-in filters that block obscene content for users under 18. The law mandates that devices automatically enable these filters when a user indicates they are a minor during setup, while allowing adults to disable the filters with a password. Manufacturers face civil liability if their devices fail to include compliant filters and minors access obscene content, though parents and guardians are exempt from individual liability. The Attorney General can pursue penalties of up to $5,000 per violation and recover legal costs for enforcing these requirements.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill restricts technology use by mandating content filters on devices, limiting minors' access to internet content and imposing compliance requirements on manufacturers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Online Safety Social Media

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 30, 2025

LC 1346: Revise lottery proceeds laws to dedicate to education funding

This bill directs Montana lottery revenue to be distributed quarterly to school districts based on the number of quality educators each district employs, ensuring funds go directly to schools rather than being held in a general state account. It expands how school flexibility funds can be used, allowing districts to spend money on teacher recruitment and retention incentives, facility improvements, technology upgrades, and curriculum development. The legislation also updates the state lottery commission's duties to prioritize maximizing net revenue for school distribution while maintaining oversight of lottery operations and reporting requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill directs lottery revenue to education funding, increasing school resources and expanding flexibility for teacher recruitment, facilities, and curriculum development.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill directs lottery revenue to school districts, expands flexibility funds for teachers and facilities, and supports educator recruitment and retention.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly funds technology upgrades for schools, indicating support for educational technology infrastructure and digital resources.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Teachers

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 13, 2025

LC 3983: Revise laws related to use of name, voice, and likeness of individuals and penalties for unauthorized use

This bill establishes property rights for individuals over their name, voice, and likeness, allowing these rights to be transferred and inherited for up to 10 years after death. It prohibits the unauthorized creation and distribution of digital voice replicas or digital depictions of individuals without consent, with penalties ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 per violation plus any profits made from the unauthorized use. The law includes exceptions for news reporting, commentary, satire, and other First Amendment-protected uses, while also defining key terms like digital voice replica and digital depiction to clarify what the restrictions cover.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens digital privacy rights by protecting individuals' name, voice, and likeness from unauthorized digital use, enhancing consumer protection in the technology sector.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 24, 2025

LC 2938: Generally revise laws related to the judiciary

This bill revises Montana judiciary laws to allow Supreme Court justices or district court judges to issue subpoenas for internet crimes against children task force officers investigating the sexual exploitation of minors, enabling them to request specific digital records like account information and payment details. It reorganizes the Judicial Standards Commission by allocating it to the Department of Justice for administrative purposes while maintaining its independent decision-making authority, and prohibits judges from serving as the commission's presiding officer. Additionally, the bill establishes a higher burden of proof for constitutional challenges to legislative acts, requiring challengers to prove unconstitutionality beyond a reasonable doubt, and sets effective dates for these changes.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens judicial authority to investigate child exploitation crimes by enabling subpoenas for digital records, enhancing law enforcement capabilities in criminal justice.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill enables law enforcement to obtain digital records for child exploitation investigations, strengthening cybersecurity and protecting minors from online harm.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 13, 2025

LC 5: Generally revise privacy laws related to biometric, genetic, and neural data

This bill revises Montana's Genetic Information Privacy Act to include neural data, which covers information generated by measuring brain and nervous system activity through devices. It directly affects individuals whose genetic or neural data is collected, as well as companies and organizations that offer genetic testing services or analyze such data. Key changes include adding a formal definition of neural data, updating privacy notice requirements to ensure consumers receive clear information about data collection, and expanding protections to cover both invasive and noninvasive neurotechnologies used outside medical settings. The legislation also strengthens the legal framework by adding legislative findings that recognize the sensitivity of neural data and its potential to reveal intimate information about health, mental states, and cognitive functioning.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill strengthens patient privacy rights regarding genetic and neural health data, protecting individuals from misuse of sensitive medical information.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens privacy protections for neural and genetic data, enhancing consumer rights and regulating data collection practices.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 25, 2025

LC 3787: Generally revise consumer rights laws to repair powered wheelchairs

This bill, known as the Powered Wheelchair Right to Repair Act, amends Montana consumer rights laws to require manufacturers to provide independent repair providers and wheelchair owners with the necessary tools, parts, and documentation to repair powered wheelchairs. The legislation mandates that manufacturers make electronic documentation available for free and charge only for physical copies, while also ensuring parts are offered at terms equivalent to those given to authorized repair providers. Violations of these requirements would be treated as unlawful practices under existing consumer protection laws, though the bill includes protections for trade secrets and limits manufacturer liability for damage caused during repairs.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes right to repair for technology (powered wheelchairs), enhancing consumer access to repair tools and documentation, aligning with digital rights and consumer protection principles.85% confidence

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