Transportation

signed · Montana · Senate May 8, 2025

SB 67: Provide for the use of autonomous vehicles

Senate Bill 67, titled the "Montana Automated Driving Systems Act," allows vehicles equipped with automated driving systems to be used on the public highways of Montana. The bill defines various levels of these systems, from Level 1 (driver assistance) to Level 5 (full automation). It permits Level 1, 2, and 3 automated driving systems without additional restrictions. However, Level 4 and 5 systems are allowed subject to limitations established by the Department of Transportation through rulemaking, which is also granted by the bill. This legislation creates a framework for the use and regulation of autonomous vehicles in the state.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEnables autonomous vehicle use on highways, defining system levels to advance transportation technology and safety standards per bill's explicit purpose.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Montana · Senate May 8, 2025

SB 433: Revise right-of-way laws for roundabouts

SB 433 revises right-of-way laws for drivers navigating roundabouts in Montana. It establishes that vehicles already in a roundabout have the right-of-way over those approaching it, which must yield. The bill creates specific provisions for towing vehicles, allowing them to deviate lanes for safe passage and requiring other drivers to yield and not pass them within or approaching a roundabout. If two towing vehicles enter a roundabout simultaneously, the vehicle to the left is granted the right-of-way.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationClarifies right-of-way rules in roundabouts to improve traffic safety and reduce collisions, directly advancing road infrastructure safety standards.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Montana · Senate May 8, 2025

SB 380: Generally revise laws related to motor vehicle laws

SB 380 generally revises various motor vehicle laws, impacting drivers, vehicle owners, and the state department. The bill expands the recognition of driver's licenses and identifications to include the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. It also revises disability parking permit application requirements, allowing licensed advanced practice registered nurses to issue interim permits. Further provisions update vehicle title, registration, and license plate laws, enable more electronic transactions with the department, and adjust the minimum age for driver's licenses and commercial driver's license expirations.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRevises motor vehicle laws to modernize registration, improve accessibility (disability permits), and expand license recognition, enhancing transportation safety and regulatory infrastructure.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Montana · Senate May 8, 2025

SB 508: Generally revise driving under the influence laws for THC levels in drivers under 21

SB 508 revises Montana's driving under the influence (DUI) laws concerning tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for younger drivers. This bill establishes that for individuals under 21 years of age, having any detectable amount of THC in their system constitutes a DUI offense. This means there is no specific THC concentration threshold for drivers under 21, unlike the 5 ng/ml limit for adult drivers. The change applies to any amount of THC, excluding inactive metabolites, found in a driver under 21.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill eliminates THC threshold for under-21 DUI, expanding criminalization by making any detectable THC a violation without requiring impairment evidence.92% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes zero-tolerance THC DUI for drivers under 21, directly enhancing traffic safety under Motor Vehicles/Transportation subject category.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

passed both · Montana · House May 7, 2025

HJ 20: Joint resolution regarding funding for Montana Canada customs ports of entry

HJ 20 is a joint resolution from the Montana Legislature requesting the federal government to increase the hours of service at Montana-Canada customs ports of entry. This resolution aims to enhance trade and allow for increased cross-border travel, which the state legislature states has been impeded by recent reductions in service hours. It directly affects the federal government by formally communicating Montana's request and seeks to benefit businesses and individuals who engage in cross-border activities between Montana and Canada.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill requests increased customs port hours to enhance cross-border trade and travel, directly improving transportation infrastructure efficiency at Montana-Canada border points.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

Track

passed both · Montana · House May 6, 2025

HJ 35: Joint resolution urging changes to federal wildfire policy

HJ 35 is a joint resolution from the Montana Legislature urging federal officials to modify current federal land management and wildfire policies. It calls for an aggressive initial attack on wildfires across all federal lands and for federal forest roads to remain open for access and fire suppression. The resolution also recommends that EPA air quality standards include wildfire smoke and that federal "let it burn" policies be reversed, ensuring NEPA processes are followed. Finally, it advocates for increased involvement of state and local governments and stakeholder groups in federal fire management decisions to protect Montana's communities.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAdvocates for EPA air quality standards including wildfire smoke and reversing 'let it burn' policies to protect natural resources and reduce pollution from wildfires.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill advocates including wildfire smoke in EPA air quality standards, a public health program, strengthening air quality measures affecting health.80% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly urges federal forest roads to remain open for fire suppression access, directly supporting transportation infrastructure maintenance and access.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

Track

passed both · Montana · Senate May 5, 2025

SJ 16: Joint resolution on automated vehicles

Senate Joint Resolution 16 is a resolution from the Montana Legislature urging the federal government to establish safety standards for automated vehicles. It specifically calls on the U.S. Congress and the federal Department of Transportation to adopt laws and rules ensuring these vehicles can operate safely in all weather conditions, including snow and ice, and all road conditions, such as mountain passes and open range areas. The resolution highlights Montana's unique challenges, such as a high rate of animal-related car crashes, as a particular concern for automated driving systems.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationUrges federal safety standards for automated vehicles in all weather/road conditions, enhancing transportation safety as per bill's explicit call for operational safety rules.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

Track

signed · Montana · Senate May 5, 2025

SB 111: Revising laws related to green lights on snow removal equipment

SB 111 revises state law to limit the use of green lights on public highways. The bill prohibits vehicles from displaying flashing, rotational, or continuous green lights while on a highway. It specifically authorizes the use of green lights for snow removal equipment operated by the Department of Transportation or other government entities. Additionally, police or authorized emergency vehicles serving as on-scene incident command or control vehicles are also permitted to use green lights. This bill directly affects vehicle operators and government entities by clarifying the legal use of green lights on roadways.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill regulates vehicle lights on highways for safety, aligning with transportation safety standards under Traffic Regulations.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Montana · Senate Apr 18, 2025

SB 228: Revise laws related to public charging stations for electric vehicles

SB 228 revises laws related to public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, affecting EV owners and charging station operators. The bill imposes a 3-cent per kilowatt-hour tax on electricity delivered to public charging stations, with specific effective dates for new and existing stations. It mandates that all public charging stations install a separate electric meter, with the owner responsible for installation costs. Additionally, the bill eliminates a future 30% reduction in state registration fees for electric vehicles. Public charging station operators are also required to register with the state and disclose their charging rates.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes 3-cent/kWh tax on EV charging stations, directly increasing tax revenue under taxation policy for transportation infrastructure.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates EV charging infrastructure improvements with tax for regulation, supporting renewable energy adoption and clean transportation infrastructure expansion.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes regulations and funding mechanisms for EV charging infrastructure, directly promoting sustainable transportation adoption through public charging station requirements and tax structure.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Montana · Senate Apr 18, 2025

SB 23: Increase thresholds for railroad accident reporting requirements

SB 23 revises railroad accident reporting requirements for companies operating in Montana. The bill amends current law to empower the Public Service Commission to adopt rules that set specific thresholds for when a railroad accident must be reported. This grants the Commission the authority to define the criteria for reportable incidents, rather than requiring companies to report every accident. The changes directly affect railroad companies operating in the state and the Public Service Commission.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill revises railroad accident reporting thresholds to empower safety-focused rule-making, enhancing transportation safety standards per subject 'Safety'.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation