Technology

introduced · Montana · Legislature Nov 18, 2024

LC 172: Allow for platooning vehicles

This bill allows trucks and other heavy vehicles to operate in platoons on Montana highways, where they travel closely together using electronic coordination to maintain speed and distance. It requires anyone driving the lead vehicle or positioned to take control of a platoon vehicle to hold a commercial driver's license. The Montana Department of Transportation will have authority to create rules that can restrict platooning during dangerous road conditions, though it may exempt vehicles proven safe in those conditions. The law also mandates that the department consult with various stakeholders, including trucking companies, law enforcement, and local governments, before establishing these rules. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill enables platooning technology for heavy vehicles, advancing automated driving systems and electronic coordination on highways.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enables platooning technology to improve highway efficiency and reduce congestion, advancing transportation infrastructure and modernizing vehicle regulations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles Driver Licensing Freight

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 21, 2025

LC 4127: Revise donor privacy laws for certain political contributions

This bill updates Montana's political contribution reporting rules to protect the privacy of donors to 501(c)(4) organizations, commonly known as social welfare groups. It requires that the names and addresses of donors giving less than $1,000 to these organizations remain confidential and not be disclosed in public reports. The legislation directs the state political practices commissioner to create specific rules outlining how to handle these contributions and define small-dollar transactions. While most political contributions of $50 or more must still be publicly reported with donor details, this change creates a privacy exception for smaller gifts to tax-exempt social welfare groups.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens data privacy protections for political donors by keeping small-dollar contribution information confidential, aligning with digital rights and privacy indicators.85% confidence

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 15, 2025

LC 1631: Include digital identifications in alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana laws

This bill updates Montana's laws to officially recognize digital versions of government or tribal-issued identification for age verification when purchasing alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana products. It requires businesses that scan digital IDs to use the data only for age determination, prohibit sharing that information with others, and delete the scan data within 180 days. The legislation also establishes specific licensing types for marijuana operations and sets time limits for the state department to review and approve or deny license applications, with fee reductions if the department delays processing.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes digital ID adoption for age verification while establishing strict data privacy protections, limiting data use and requiring deletion within 180 days.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Online Safety

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 15, 2025

LC 1390: Provide that there is a limited executive privilege to the public records act

This bill establishes a limited executive privilege for the governor in Montana, allowing the withholding of specific public records only when the governor's individual privacy interest clearly outweighs the public's right to know. The law requires any withheld information to be narrowly tailored and redacted only to the minimum extent necessary, with courts reviewing redactions to ensure they meet the privacy standard. The exemption automatically expires after 60 days or once the underlying issue is resolved, and it is waived if the information is voluntarily shared with a third party. Additionally, the bill defines confidential information more precisely and allows prevailing parties in public records lawsuits to recover reasonable attorney fees and costs.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens executive privacy protections under public records act, aligning with data privacy and digital rights concerns by establishing clear standards for withholding sensitive information.75% confidence

Tags Government Transparency

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 18, 2025

LC 2170: Revise central committees notification process laws

This bill updates Montana law to allow county political party central committees to notify precinct representatives of county convention calls via email in addition to traditional mail or newspaper publication. The change directly affects county party officials and precinct committee representatives by modernizing the notification process for scheduling county conventions. The legislation amends Section 13-38-205 of the Montana Code Annotated to explicitly authorize email delivery of convention notices alongside existing mail and newspaper requirements. No other substantive changes to committee organization or convention procedures are included in this measure.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill modernizes notification process by explicitly authorizing email use, advancing digital communication methods in government processes.75% confidence

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 20, 2025

LC 4343: Revise bonding laws to include broadband projects

This bill amends Montana's state bonding laws to allow municipalities and counties to issue bonds for broadband infrastructure projects. It directly affects local governments and internet service providers by expanding the legal definition of eligible "projects" to include facilities that provide broadband service with speeds of at least 100 megabits per second for downloads, 20 megabits per second for uploads, and latency under 100 milliseconds. The key provision adds a new category to the existing list of projects that qualify for state bonding authority, enabling these entities to finance broadband expansion through debt instruments. This change does not allocate specific funding but rather removes a legal barrier that previously prevented local governments from using bond financing for broadband development.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill expands bonding laws to fund broadband infrastructure, increasing public investment in essential digital services and expanding access to high-speed internet.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill expands funding mechanisms for broadband infrastructure, directly advancing internet access and digital connectivity by allowing municipalities to issue bonds for high-speed internet projects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Debt & Bonds Broadband Access

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 5, 2025

LC 61: Limit state government use of personal electronic data

This bill restricts Montana state and local government agencies from purchasing or obtaining personal electronic data, including text messages, emails, location data, and subscriber information, except when authorized by a search warrant based on probable cause or specific exceptions like emergency situations or consent. It requires warrants for accessing stored data on electronic devices and makes any data obtained without proper legal authority inadmissible in court proceedings. The law also mandates that collected electronic communications be deleted after investigations conclude and clarifies rules about who can learn about government data requests. These changes directly affect law enforcement agencies and other government bodies that currently seek electronic evidence from service providers.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects civil rights and enhances police accountability by restricting unauthorized access to personal electronic data, requiring warrants for data access.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects personal data privacy by restricting government access to electronic data without warrants, strengthening digital rights and privacy protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 25, 2025

LC 4236: Revise ownership laws related to farm equipment embedded software- electronic control unit, sensor, switches, and controls

This bill establishes the Agricultural Embedded Software Act to regulate how manufacturers of farm equipment with digital components can restrict repair and maintenance services. It directly affects farmers, independent repair shops, and equipment manufacturers by prohibiting contracts that limit the use or sale of agricultural equipment through embedded software restrictions. The law requires manufacturers to provide independent repair providers with access to necessary documentation, tools, parts, and software updates on fair and reasonable terms, ensuring these resources are available without requiring additional contracts or imposing unreasonable purchase limits. Additionally, the bill defines key terms related to equipment, repair providers, and parts pairing to clarify obligations under the new regulations.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects farmers' rights to repair equipment and prevents manufacturers from using software to restrict maintenance, promoting digital equity and consumer protection in agricultural technology.85% confidence

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 25, 2025

LC 4348: Provide for the agricultural emissions right to repair act

This bill establishes the Agricultural Emissions Right to Repair Act, requiring manufacturers of agricultural equipment to allow independent repair providers and equipment owners to purchase parts and repair emissions systems. The law mandates that manufacturers make parts, documentation, and diagnostic tools available on fair and reasonable terms without requiring special contracts or imposing unnecessary restrictions. It defines key terms such as agricultural equipment, independent repair providers, and emissions systems to clarify the scope of the requirements. The legislation applies to equipment used in farming, horticulture, viticulture, dairy, livestock, poultry, beekeeping, forestry, and property maintenance, while explicitly excluding standard motor vehicles.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes digital rights by ensuring independent repair access to parts and diagnostic tools, protecting consumer choice and preventing manufacturer restrictions on technology maintenance.85% confidence

Tags Agriculture

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 23, 2025

LC 4018: Establish pole attachment rules and enforcement

This bill requires pole owners in Montana who receive broadband grant funding or offer broadband service to allow other companies to attach their equipment to utility poles under federal rules. It mandates that any state broadband grant agreements include compliance with these access requirements and requires updating existing agreements to meet the new standards. The law also establishes a legal process where companies denied access can sue in a specific district court to recover damages and legal fees if a pole owner fails to comply. Key terms like "pole owner," "attacher," and "broadband grant funding" are clearly defined to clarify who must follow the rules and who can request access.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill expands internet access by requiring pole owners to allow broadband equipment attachment, promoting digital equity and infrastructure development.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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