Transportation

died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 359: Revise traffic laws related to distracted driving

SB 359 would have prohibited holding or using handheld mobile devices while driving in Montana, including texting, watching videos, or recording content, except for hands-free navigation or voice calls. It would have required drivers to use hands-free devices for calls and navigation, with exceptions for emergency vehicles, law enforcement, and work-related radio use. Violations would have carried civil penalties of $75-$149 for a first offense and $150-$250 for repeat offenses. The bill aimed to reduce distracted driving by clarifying restrictions on device use and defining terms like "portable wireless communication device" in Montana law.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationProhibits distracted driving to enhance road safety, directly strengthening transportation safety standards under Transportation subject.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Transportation

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died · Montana · House May 22, 2025

HJ 12: Resolution regarding electric vehicles

HJ 12 is a Montana joint resolution requesting the U.S. Congress remove federal requirements for electric vehicle (EV) purchases. It cites Montana-specific challenges like limited rural charging infrastructure, reduced EV range in cold weather, and lack of all-terrain EV options, arguing these make EVs impractical for Montanans' needs. The resolution does not create new law but asks Congress to eliminate federal EV mandates, allowing Montanans to choose vehicle types freely. It was referred to a committee but died in 2025 without further action.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill requests removal of federal EV mandates, opposing federal energy policy promoting EV adoption and clean transportation infrastructure.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill seeks to eliminate federal EV mandates, weakening promotion of cleaner transportation - a key environmental protection measure. Removing such requirements opposes climate action goals.90% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationRequests removal of federal EV mandates, opposing federal regulation of vehicle choices in transportation policy, directly limiting transportation program requirements.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Transportation

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died · Montana · House May 22, 2025

HJ 8: Study resolution on EV taxation and fees

HJ 8 is a study resolution requesting an interim committee to examine Montana's electric vehicle (EV) registration fees and charging station taxes. It directly affects EV owners, who currently pay an annual fee $152.46 higher than the average gas vehicle owner's fuel tax. The resolution directs the committee to assess the fairness of these fees compared to gas vehicles, review other states' approaches, and develop a more equitable system to address road funding gaps. The study, required to report to the 70th Legislature by September 2026, died in process on May 22, 2025, and never became law.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill studies EV fee equity to address road funding gaps, aiming for fairer transportation infrastructure funding through tax adjustments.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Transportation

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died · Montana · House May 22, 2025

HJ 49: Interim study of U.S. Route 212

This joint resolution (HJ 49) requests an interim study of U.S. Highway 212 east of Billings, Montana, which has the state's highest rural roadway fatality rate (2013-2022) and faces issues like poor road conditions, limited winter maintenance, and lack of cell service. The study would investigate these safety problems, gather data from Montana DOT and local communities, and examine solutions used on other rural roads. It does not create new laws but aims to develop recommendations for safer conditions. The resolution died in committee in May 2025 and never became law.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationStudies safety issues on high-fatality rural highway to develop recommendations for improved road safety, aligning with transportation safety enhancement indicators.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Transportation

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signed · Montana · Senate Apr 18, 2025

SB 309: Eliminate the Scenic-Historic Byways Advisory Council

SB 309 eliminates the Scenic-Historic Byways Advisory Council, which was previously responsible for assisting in the design and review of the state's scenic-historic byways program. This council, composed of up to 11 members with expertise in areas like tourism, history, and transportation, also helped develop criteria for designating roads. Under this bill, the Montana Department of Transportation and the commission would no longer have this specific advisory body for these functions. The scenic-historic byways program itself and the commission's authority to designate roads remain in effect.

Topics ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationEliminates advisory council responsible for scenic-historic byways program, a transportation infrastructure function, aligning with 'eliminate transportation programs' indicator.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Transportation

passed both · Montana · Senate Apr 8, 2025

SJ 3: Provide for a joint resolution on CDLs

Montana's SJ 3 is a joint resolution urging the U.S. Congress to revise federal commercial driver's license (CDL) requirements. It specifically requests that Congress exempt small haulers (e.g., pickup trucks carrying nonhazardous materials) and school bus drivers from needing CDLs, citing burdens on small businesses and rural school districts. The resolution does not change any laws but formally asks Congress to adjust federal rules to reduce these requirements. Montana's delegation and relevant federal committees will receive copies of the resolution.

Topics ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationExempts small haulers/school bus drivers from CDL requirements, reducing regulatory burden under transportation policy.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Transportation

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