Technology (Emerging Technology)

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 10, 2025

LC 3160: Require DOR to accept income tax payments in cryptocurrency

This bill requires Montana's Department of Revenue to accept state income tax payments in cryptocurrency through third-party payment processors. It mandates that all cryptocurrency payments be converted to U.S. dollars before the state receives the funds, ensuring the government collects value in traditional currency. The legislation clarifies that using cryptocurrency to pay taxes does not trigger state capital gains taxes for the taxpayer. The program would begin applying to income tax years starting after December 31, 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill modernizes tax payment options and clarifies cryptocurrency tax treatment, potentially increasing tax compliance and revenue collection efficiency.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes cryptocurrency acceptance for tax payments, advancing digital payment options and modernizing state revenue collection through technology integration.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Emerging Technology

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 4, 2025

LC 324: Revise cryptocurrency laws to create Financial Freedom and Innovation Act

This bill, known as the Financial Freedom and Innovation Act, updates Montana's cryptocurrency laws to allow businesses and individuals to accept digital assets as payment and use self-hosted wallets without restriction. It prohibits government authorities from accepting central bank digital currency or participating in related testing, while permitting businesses to operate blockchain nodes, develop software, and engage in staking activities. The legislation requires network token issuers to provide detailed information to the state securities commissioner and limits annual sales of these tokens to $250 million, with provisions for foreign entities to register as Montana corporations to qualify for exemptions.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill modernizes cryptocurrency regulations to allow digital asset payments and blockchain operations, promoting innovation in technology sector.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Mar 30, 2025

LC 3618: Establishing a Montana trade office in Israel

Montana's LC 3618 would create a state-run trade office in Israel to promote economic partnerships between Montana businesses and Israeli companies. The office, staffed by at least one person, aims to boost trade in key Montana-aligned sectors like agriculture (pulse crops, meats), technology (photonics, quantum computing), and cultural exchanges. It allocates $500,000 from the general fund for the 2025-2027 biennium, with the office terminating on June 30, 2033. The bill explicitly states the office is for promotional purposes only, not to regulate commerce, and seeks to strengthen economic ties with Israel as a global leader in relevant industries.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $500k from general fund for trade office, directly advancing state budget appropriations for economic development.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly lists technology (photonics, quantum computing) as a key sector for trade promotion, indicating support for technology industry development.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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signed · Montana · Senate May 8, 2025

SB 265: Revise cryptocurrency laws to create Financial Freedom and Innovation Act

This bill, known as the "Financial Freedom and Innovation Act," revises state cryptocurrency laws. It prohibits state governing authorities from using or testing central bank digital currency, while explicitly permitting individuals and businesses to accept digital assets for payments and engage with blockchain protocols, such as operating nodes or staking. The bill also establishes certification requirements and sales limits for network token issuers to qualify for exemptions from state securities laws.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits state CBDC use, permits private blockchain adoption, and exempts token issuers - directly advancing cryptocurrency technology innovation and digital asset rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

signed · Montana · Senate Apr 19, 2025

SB 426: Generally revise the Uniform Commercial Code

SB 426 generally revises the state's Uniform Commercial Code to update it for the digital age. The bill modernizes terminology and establishes rules for commercial transactions involving certain digital assets, including cryptocurrency. It also explicitly prohibits the support, endorsement, creation, or implementation of a central bank digital currency within the state. This legislation affects businesses, financial institutions, and individuals engaged in commercial activities, particularly those involving digital records and assets.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyModernizes digital asset transactions and prohibits state CBDC implementation, advancing commercial tech use while avoiding government overreach in digital currency.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

died · Montana · Legislature May 26, 2025

LC 1568: Prohibit facial recognition attendance systems

This bill (LC 1568) proposed prohibiting the use of facial recognition technology for tracking attendance in public schools or government buildings. It would have directly affected school districts, state agencies, and public venues currently using such systems for attendance monitoring. The bill died in committee in May 2025 without becoming law, so no policy changes were implemented. It did not advance beyond the drafting stage, meaning no specific mechanisms or provisions were enacted.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill explicitly prohibits facial recognition technology use in schools/government, restricting a specific tech application for privacy protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 453: Require DOR to accept income tax payments in cryptocurrency

HB 453 would require the Department of Revenue to establish a program allowing taxpayers to pay state income taxes using cryptocurrency. The department would contract with third-party payment processors to convert cryptocurrency payments into U.S. dollars before the state receives them. A key provision is that using cryptocurrency for state tax payments would not be considered a taxable event for state capital gains tax purposes. This bill would affect taxpayers choosing to pay their state income taxes with cryptocurrency, applying to income tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly enables cryptocurrency tax payments, promoting digital transaction adoption in government services per Information Technology subject.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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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