Technology

vetoed · Montana · Senate Jul 19, 2025

SB 410: Provide for Montana genomic security act

SB 410, the Montana Genomic Security Act, prohibits medical and research facilities in Montana from using genetic sequencers or sequencing software produced by companies based in nations designated as "foreign adversaries" under federal regulations (e.g., China, Russia). Facilities must replace such technology, store all genetic data within the U.S., and obtain written consent for remote data access outside Montana. The bill requires annual compliance certifications to the Attorney General and imposes $10,000 fines per violation for noncompliance with data storage or technology bans. It directly affects hospitals, research labs, and health facilities receiving state funding or conducting genetic research.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRestricts foreign genomic tech use to protect genetic data privacy and cybersecurity, aligning with data protection indicators90% confidence

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signed · Montana · Senate May 13, 2025

SB 297: Generally revise privacy laws

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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires data controllers to notify consumers and provide opt-out, strengthening privacy protections under tech policy95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 540: Revise taxation of class 17 property

SB 540 revises Montana's property tax rules for "class 17 property," specifically targeting dedicated telecommunications infrastructure like fiber optic and coaxial cable. It provides a 5-year tax exemption for new fiber/coaxial cable installations placed in service after July 1, 2021, with the exemption phasing out over 10 years (20% annually). To maintain the exemption, owners must reinvest the tax savings into new Montana cable installations within 2 years without passing costs to consumers. Federal-funded projects (e.g., under the American Rescue Plan) are excluded from the exemption, and owners must keep records for state review. The bill directly affects telecom infrastructure owners and operators in Montana.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesCreates property tax exemption for telecom infrastructure, reducing state tax revenue. Targets specific industry with tax break, weakening fiscal management of state revenue.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyTax exemption for fiber/coaxial infrastructure incentivizes broadband deployment, directly expanding internet access - a key support indicator for technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Property Tax Tax Incentives Broadband Access Telecommunications

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died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 118: Generally revise student data laws to enhance privacy

SB 118 gives Montana students and parents the right to request deletion of their education data from the statewide K-12 data system. It requires the state education office to delete data within 45 days of a verified request, unless retention is needed for federal/state funding, contracts, or legal orders. The bill mandates accessible request methods (online, mail, email) without requiring account creation and requires annual reporting on deletions. It also updates data system rules to align with privacy standards, including prohibiting social security numbers as student identifiers.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEnhances student data privacy rights in K-12 systems, protecting student information as part of educational data management.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologySB 118 explicitly enhances student data privacy by mandating deletion of education data upon request, aligning with data privacy protections in technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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signed · Montana · Senate May 8, 2025

SB 330: Create a Montana blockchain and digital innovation task force

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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly creates a task force to promote blockchain/digital innovation adoption and develop policies supporting their growth, directly advancing technology advancement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

signed · Montana · Senate May 16, 2025

SB 534: Provide property tax exemption for wireless infrastructure

SB 534 provides a property tax exemption for specific wireless infrastructure in Montana. This bill exempts qualifying wireless infrastructure, placed into service on or after the act's effective date, from property taxes for an initial period of five years. Following this, the exemption gradually phases out over the next five years, after which the property becomes fully taxable. To maintain the exemption, owners must reinvest the tax savings into new communication infrastructure within Montana, without charging those costs to consumers.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax exemption for wireless infrastructure, a direct tax relief measure under taxation policy, aligning with tax relief indicators.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyTax exemption incentivizes wireless infrastructure investment, directly advancing internet access and communication technology deployment per bill's purpose.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Tax Incentives Telecommunications

signed · Montana · Senate May 16, 2025

SB 413: Criminalize disclosure of certain explicit AI-generated media

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new criminal offense for non-consensual deepfake disclosure, expanding criminalization under Crimes/Criminal Procedure subjects95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyCriminalizes non-consensual deepfake sharing, restricting AI media use to prevent harm without advancing tech innovation or privacy protections.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence