Technology

introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 7, 2025

LC 1205: Revise legislative oversight of administrative rules and encourage public comment

This bill updates Montana's laws to improve how state agencies handle public input during rulemaking and to strengthen legislative oversight. It requires agencies to accept and retain public comments electronically, mandating that they provide email addresses and documents online without charging fees. The legislation also clarifies how agencies must notify primary legislative sponsors of proposed rules and requires clearer, plain-language explanations of why rules are needed. Additionally, it establishes procedures for agencies to inform interested parties about rulemaking opportunities and maintain records of who has requested updates on specific rulemaking subjects.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates electronic acceptance of public comments and provides online access to documents without fees, promoting digital access and transparency.75% confidence

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 14, 2025

LC 1632: Revise digital ID certification laws

This bill updates Montana's laws regarding digital identification cards used for alcohol service and sales. It requires responsible server and sales training programs to include instruction on verifying government-certified digital ID cards and adds these cards to the list of prohibited fraudulent identification documents. The legislation also amends existing statutes to explicitly include digital identification cards when defining fraudulent age misrepresentation in the context of alcohol sales. These changes directly affect alcohol vendors, training providers, and individuals who may use digital IDs to purchase or consume alcohol.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens digital ID verification requirements and protects consumers from fraudulent digital identification, advancing responsible technology use in alcohol sales.75% confidence

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 15, 2025

LC 2117: Revise online data privacy laws for K-12 pupil records

This bill updates Montana's laws governing how K-12 school districts can share student data with third-party vendors like cloud storage providers and educational software companies. It requires contracts with these vendors to include specific protections, such as ensuring schools retain ownership of student records, prohibiting the use of data for targeted advertising, and mandating clear procedures for parents to review and correct information. The legislation also allows districts to use pre-approved model contracts from privacy-focused groups to simplify compliance and voids contracts that fail to meet these new requirements after a chance to fix them is given.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill strengthens student data privacy protections in K-12 schools, enhancing educational security and parental rights over student information.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens data privacy protections for student records by regulating third-party vendor contracts and prohibiting targeted advertising.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 11, 2025

LC 4226: Allowing a disabled voter to electronically return a ballot

This bill allows disabled voters in Montana to return their completed ballots electronically using a secure, encrypted system approved by the Secretary of State. It amends existing election laws to permit electronic ballot transmission in federal elections, provided the ballot and affirmation are received by 8 p.m. on election day. The Secretary of State must establish encryption and security standards for the electronic transmission system, and a $10,000 appropriation is included to fund the system's implementation. The changes apply starting with the federal general election in November 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill includes $10,000 appropriation to fund electronic ballot return system for disabled voters, directly supporting state budget allocation for election access programs85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes secure, encrypted electronic voting system for disabled voters, enhancing digital access and data protection in elections.90% confidence

Tags Elections

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 18, 2025

LC 2536: Create online portal for community assisters related to Medicaid

This bill requires the Montana Medicaid department to create an online portal by May 1, 2026, that allows community assisters to help individuals apply for Medicaid coverage and submit required documents. The portal will enable community assisters to check application status, view notices, report eligibility changes, see required actions, and update contact information for applicants and enrollees. Community assisters are defined as people or organizations that help individuals apply for health coverage under the Montana Medicaid program. The bill also allows applicants to designate one or more community assisters to access these portal features on their behalf.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates online portal to improve Medicaid application access for community assisters, enhancing healthcare service delivery and patient access.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates creation of online portal for Medicaid applications, advancing digital access and administrative efficiency for community assisters and applicants.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Digital Government

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 20, 2025

LC 329: Provide for Montana genomic security act

This bill establishes the Montana Genomic Security Act, which restricts medical and research facilities in the state from using genetic sequencing equipment or software produced by foreign adversaries. It requires facilities to remove prohibited technology and allows them to seek state reimbursement for replacement costs if they had purchased the equipment at least 90 days before the law takes effect. The legislation also mandates that all genetic sequencing data from Montanans be stored within the United States and prohibits remote access to that data unless individuals provide written consent. Additionally, facilities must use reasonable cybersecurity measures to protect genetic information, with penalties for non-compliance.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill enhances cybersecurity by restricting foreign adversary technology and mandates domestic data storage for genetic information, protecting Montana residents' genomic data privacy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 23, 2025

LC 292: Creating the Right to Compute Act and requiring shutdowns of AI controlled critical infrastructure

This bill establishes Montana's "Right to Compute Act," which protects citizens' rights to own and use computational resources like computers and software under state constitutional property and free expression rights. It requires companies operating critical infrastructure facilities controlled by artificial intelligence systems to maintain the ability to disable AI control and revert to human operation within a reasonable timeframe. The law mandates that organizations regularly test and update risk management plans to ensure they can continue operations without relying on AI systems, while also clarifying that these protections do not override existing intellectual property or federal laws.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects citizens' rights to computational resources and mandates human oversight of AI in critical infrastructure, enhancing digital rights and consumer protection.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 24, 2025

LC 1729: Prohibit access to child pornography in Montana

This bill prohibits content providers from making child sexual abuse material accessible to people in Montana and bars them from profiting from distributing such content to Montanans. It defines "content providers" as those who create, publish, or distribute online content, while excluding basic hosting services and general web browsers. The law allows victims, the Department of Justice, and private individuals to sue for violations, with a 50-year statute of limitations for victim-initiated cases. Remedies available include court orders to stop the behavior, monetary compensation, and punitive damages, with provisions for sharing damages among multiple victims.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by prohibiting child pornography access and enabling legal action against violators, protecting minors and enhancing law enforcement capabilities.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill enhances cybersecurity and protects digital rights by prohibiting child pornography distribution online, strengthening internet safety standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Online Safety Social Media

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Dec 20, 2024

LC 1473: Revise right-of-way laws

This bill updates Montana's right-of-way laws to explicitly include broadband lines and natural gas pipelines alongside existing utilities like telephone, electric, and telegraph lines. It authorizes companies and public bodies to install and maintain these infrastructure systems along public roads, streets, and highways by constructing necessary fixtures such as posts and piers. The legislation requires that all installations must not inconvenience or endanger the public while using these roads, and it clarifies that this law does not limit the authority of city or town councils to regulate such installations.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill expands right-of-way laws to include natural gas pipelines and broadband infrastructure, facilitating energy infrastructure development and utility expansion.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill expands broadband infrastructure access by including broadband lines in right-of-way laws, promoting internet access and digital connectivity.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill expands infrastructure rights-of-way for utilities and pipelines alongside roads, enhancing transportation infrastructure capacity and safety standards.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Broadband Access Telecommunications

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died · Montana · House Apr 5, 2025

HB 909: Create a technology interim committee

This bill creates a new Technology Interim Committee to oversee Montana's state information technology systems and review related legislation. The committee would examine long-term technology spending, evaluate how new laws apply to technology across state agencies, and monitor best practices to protect citizens' digital information. It also requires agencies to prepare detailed summaries of major technology purchases and budget requests before they are approved. The bill amends existing laws to formally establish this committee and update the list of interim committees that operate when the legislature is not in session.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill promotes fiscal responsibility by requiring detailed budget summaries for technology purchases and establishing oversight to manage state IT spending effectively75% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill creates committee to oversee IT systems, review legislation, and protect citizens' digital information through spending oversight and best practices.90% confidence

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