Transportation

died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 784: Revise distribution of revenue for local government roads

House Bill 784 proposed to revise the method for distributing state revenue to Montana's local governments for road construction and maintenance. The bill introduced "daily vehicle miles traveled" as a new factor in the funding allocation formula for counties, cities, and towns. Consequently, it would have reduced the percentage weight of existing factors such as rural road mileage, population, land area, and street mileage in determining each local government's share. These changes aimed to adjust how counties, cities, and towns receive funds to maintain their local roads and streets, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill revises road funding formula to prioritize vehicle miles traveled, aiming to improve infrastructure allocation for transportation needs.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 405: Increase on-schedule reimbursement rates for school transportation

HB 405 proposed to increase the maximum reimbursement rates that school districts receive from state and county sources for student transportation. The bill specifically raised the per-mile rates for school buses of different passenger capacities, as well as for non-bus mileage. The intent was to lower school district property taxes designated for transportation expenses. These changes would have applied to school district transportation budgets starting July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly increases state reimbursement to lower school district property taxes, providing direct tax relief for local communities.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases state reimbursement rates for school transportation, reducing district costs and supporting school finance under education funding.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationIncreases reimbursement rates for school bus transportation infrastructure, directly funding school district transportation operations per bill summary.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 933: Establish the Montana railroad crossing clarity act

HB 933, the "Montana Railroad Crossing Clarity Act," would establish a framework for utilities to place infrastructure within railroad rights-of-way and adjacent railroad land. It outlines an application process requiring utilities to provide notice, project drawings, and a certificate of insurance to railroads. The bill sets limits on the one-time crossing fees and potential annual fees that utilities would pay for these crossings. Utilities could commence construction 30 days after a complete application, unless a railroad objects due to safety concerns, with provisions for dispute resolution.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes framework for utility infrastructure in railroad rights-of-way, clarifying processes to support transportation infrastructure development and safety at crossings.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 103: Creating a railroad track inspection program

HB 103 aimed to establish a Montana Rail Inspection Program to supervise and inspect railroads operating within the state. The bill proposed creating a dedicated Montana rail inspection account in the state special revenue fund. This account would be funded by diverting 8% of taxes collected from railroad car company property. The program was mandated to employ specific inspectors for motive power, equipment, track, and operating practices, along with administrative staff.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationCreates rail safety inspection program funded by transportation-related taxes, directly advancing transportation infrastructure safety and oversight.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 677: Require suspension of a driver's license if driving without insurance

House Bill 677 aimed to revise laws related to driver's licenses by establishing a new consequence for driving without insurance. The bill proposed that the state's department of motor vehicles would be required to suspend the driver's license or driving privilege of any person determined to have driven a vehicle without the legally required insurance coverage. This measure would have added a specific enforcement mechanism for non-compliance with mandatory vehicle insurance laws.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEnforces mandatory insurance to improve traffic safety, directly strengthening transportation safety regulations under Motor Vehicles subject.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Transportation

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 951: Transferring funds to local road and bridge account

HB 951 proposed a one-time transfer of $30 million from the state's general fund to the local road and bridge account. This action would have directed the state treasurer to complete the transfer by July 15, 2025. The funds were intended to support local road and bridge projects throughout the state, benefiting communities and their infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesTransfers $30M from general fund to road infrastructure, directly allocating state budget funds to support essential public infrastructure projects.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationTransfers $30M to local road/bridge projects, directly funding infrastructure improvements per bill summary and subjects.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 914: Generally revise allocation of lodging facility use taxes

HB 914 proposes to revise the allocation of state lodging facility use taxes. It establishes two new state special revenue accounts: one for county roads and infrastructure and another for municipal roads and infrastructure. A portion of the lodging tax proceeds would be transferred to these accounts and statutorily appropriated for annual distribution to local governments. Funds would be distributed to counties based on the amount of tax collected, with minimum and maximum caps, and to cities and towns primarily based on population, also with a maximum cap. These funds are designated for the construction, maintenance, and repair of local roads and other infrastructure, as well as marketing projects.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects lodging tax revenue to dedicated infrastructure accounts, ensuring statutory funding for county/municipal roads per tax collection, aligning with fiscal responsibility and public service funding.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAllocates lodging tax proceeds to county/municipal road infrastructure accounts, directly funding transportation infrastructure per bill's allocation structure.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 615: Revise allocations of coal trust revenue

HB 615 revises how interest earned from the coal severance tax permanent fund is distributed to state programs. The bill specifically allocates $2 million to the Department of Justice to partially fund highway patrol officers' salaries. It also extends the termination date for several existing appropriations from this fund, pushing them from June 2027 to June 2029. These extended appropriations continue to support programs related to agriculture, commerce, and highway services, affecting various state agencies and the public services they provide.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $2M from coal trust fund to highway patrol salaries and extends existing appropriations for agriculture/commerce/highway programs, directly funding state budget priorities.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAllocates $2M to highway patrol salaries and extends highway service funding, directly supporting transportation infrastructure and safety through dedicated appropriations.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

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signed · Montana · House May 19, 2025

HB 588: Defining and regulating motorized scooters

HB 588 revises existing transportation laws by establishing a legal definition for "motorized scooter." The bill also provides specific regulations for the operation and use of these devices. It achieves this by amending various sections of the Montana Code Annotated to integrate motorized scooters into the state's vehicle and traffic laws.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes regulatory framework for motorized scooters under transportation laws, enhancing traffic regulation clarity and safety within vehicle operations.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Montana · House May 19, 2025

HB 849: Provide for special motorcycle plates promoting motorcycle safety

HB 849 establishes a new special motorcycle license plate for Montana residents who own motorcycles or quadricycles. Owners choosing this plate will pay a total fee, which includes a $20 donation. This donation fee is statutorily appropriated to the Department of Justice. The Department will use these funds to provide grants to Montana-based nonprofit organizations that promote motorcycle rider safety and awareness through education and outreach.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds motorcycle safety education via plate donation, directly advancing transportation safety through statutory appropriation for rider awareness programs.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation