Technology

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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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 17, 2025

LC 736: Establish kill switch laws

This bill prohibits companies from remotely activating kill switches on electronic consumer products like smartphones, computers, and vehicles without a court order or warrant. It defines kill switches as remote mechanisms that can shut down devices, drain batteries, or shorten software lifespans, while allowing exceptions for subscription services and leased products where non-payment justifies deactivation. Individuals whose devices are illegally shut down can sue for at least $10,000 per violation without proving financial loss, and the Montana Department of Justice can seek legal action to stop unlawful enforcement. The law takes effect on October 1, 2025, and applies to both manufacturers and service providers of electronic devices.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects consumer rights by restricting remote device shutdowns without legal process, enhancing digital privacy and consumer protection against arbitrary tech company actions.90% confidence

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 18, 2025

LC 3016: Revise student data collection laws

This bill revises Montana's laws to strengthen parental rights over how their children's data is collected and used by schools and government entities. It requires schools to notify parents about physical and mental health screenings and allows parents to opt their children out of non-essential data collection while opting in for surveys that require personally identifiable information. The legislation also restricts government entities from interfering with parental decisions regarding education, health care, biometric scans, and other personal information without meeting strict legal standards. Additionally, it establishes legal protections allowing parents to seek remedies if their rights under the new provisions are violated.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens parental rights over student data collection and enhances privacy protections for minors in educational settings.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Nov 18, 2024

LC 443: Establish adjustment to blindness program

This bill establishes a state program within the Department of Public Health and Human Services to assist Montanans under age 55 with severe visual impairments in achieving independent living goals. The program provides services such as mobility training, Braille instruction, assistive technology, peer counseling, and guide or reader services based on individual needs assessments. Eligibility and specific service criteria will be determined through administrative rules, and applicants who disagree with department decisions have the right to request a fair hearing. The program will become effective on July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes a state program to assist visually impaired individuals with health-related services like mobility training and assistive technology, expanding access to specialized healthcare support.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill provides assistive technology services to visually impaired individuals, promoting digital equity and accessibility for disabled citizens.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 5, 2025

LC 3582: Require towns to record meetings in audio format

This bill requires certain Montana government boards, including town governing boards, to record their public meetings in both audio and video formats and make those recordings available online. The law specifies different timelines for posting recordings, with larger boards required to share them within one business day and smaller boards within five days, while smaller counties and towns may provide audio-only recordings. Boards must also post notices if technical failures prevent recording or posting, and the recordings are not required to serve as the official meeting record unless designated as such. The bill also clarifies that costs associated with implementing these recording requirements can be classified as school facility projects for school districts.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes transparency and digital access by requiring government meetings to be recorded and made available online, enhancing public access to information through technology.75% confidence

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Nov 19, 2024

LC 179: Provide for the use of autonomous vehicles

This bill, known as the Montana Autonomous Vehicle Act, permits the operation of both partially and fully autonomous vehicles on state public highways. It establishes clear definitions for different levels of vehicle automation, from Level 1 systems that assist with braking or steering to Level 4 and 5 systems that can operate without human intervention. The legislation allows partially autonomous vehicles to be used immediately while requiring fully autonomous vehicles to comply with rules set by the Department of Transportation. Additionally, the bill mandates that anyone operating a partially autonomous vehicle from the driver's seat must hold a valid driver's license for that vehicle class.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly permits autonomous vehicle operation, advancing technology adoption and establishing regulatory frameworks for emerging transportation technology.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill permits autonomous vehicle operation on state highways, enhancing transportation infrastructure and modernizing vehicle regulations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles Driver Licensing

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 23, 2025

LC 68: Require disclosures of AI use by online media manufacturers

This bill requires manufacturers of online media in Montana to disclose when they use artificial intelligence to direct or control the information users see, and it must offer users the option to opt out of such AI use. The legislation also mandates that any AI-generated content include clear markers like watermarks or labels to alert viewers, with embedded markers that persist even if visible labels are removed. Government entities are exempt from these requirements, and the law defines artificial intelligence as systems that imitate human behavior to control information flow. These rules apply to publicly distributed online media and aim to increase transparency about AI involvement in content creation and delivery.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill enhances consumer protection by requiring AI disclosures and opt-out options, promoting transparency and digital rights in technology use85% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Consumer Data Protection

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Nov 18, 2024

LC 99: Allow taxpayers to elect to receive electronic correspondence from the department of revenue

This bill allows Montana taxpayers to choose to receive official communications from the Department of Revenue electronically instead of by mail. It requires taxpayers to opt in by completing a form provided by the department, and gives the department authority to create rules for managing this system. The law takes effect immediately upon passage and approval, enabling faster delivery of tax notices and correspondence to those who select the electronic option.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes digital adoption by allowing electronic correspondence, advancing technology use in government services and reducing paper reliance.75% confidence

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