Transportation

signed · Montana · House May 8, 2025

HB 345: Revise MDT and transportation commission roles in transit

HB 345 clarifies the roles of the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and the transportation commission concerning transit funding. The bill specifies that the MDT will be responsible for allocating federal transit administration funds, freight assistance funds, and other legislative appropriations. These funds are designated for the study, design, construction, repair, or improvement of rail or transit intermodal transportation systems. This change shifts the authority for allocating these specific funds from the commission to the department.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill allocates federal transit funds for infrastructure improvements (study, design, construction, repair) of rail/transit systems, clarifying MDT's role in funding allocation.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Montana · House May 8, 2025

HB 672: Generally revise Montana department of transportation’s utility relocation process

HB 672 revises the process for relocating utility and nonutility facilities during highway construction projects in Montana, directly affecting the Department of Transportation (DOT) and facility owners. The bill grants the DOT new rulemaking authority to establish timelines and standards for these relocations. It allows the department to reduce its reimbursement for relocation costs if facilities are not moved promptly after notice, and permits the DOT to remove facilities that are not relocated in a reasonable time or not installed according to permit. The bill also provides limited liability protection for the department during these removals and adjusts reimbursement percentages for publicly owned water and sewer facilities.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill streamlines utility relocation during highway projects, granting DOT authority to set timelines and enforce prompt action, supporting efficient transportation infrastructure development.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports 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 264: Eliminate a defense to the vehicle noise statute

SB 264 amends Montana law concerning motor vehicle exhaust noise. This bill eliminates a specific legal defense for motor vehicle operators cited for exceeding the 95-decibel noise limit. Previously, a driver could not be convicted if they had reasonable grounds to believe their vehicle complied with the noise standard. With this change, that defense is no longer available to those charged with a violation.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEliminates defense for vehicle noise violations, strengthening enforcement of traffic safety regulations under Transportation subject.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Montana · Senate May 8, 2025

SB 428: Generally revise county speed limits

SB 428 revises how local authorities and county commissions can set speed limits on roads. It allows local authorities to adjust speed limits in various areas, such as urban districts, outside urban districts, and school zones, typically requiring an engineering and traffic investigation. A key change is that boards of county commissioners can now set certain decreased speed limits on county roads, including in school zones, without first conducting an engineering and traffic investigation. The bill also specifies signage requirements for altered limits and mandates consultation with relevant bodies for school zones.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enables quicker implementation of lower speed limits in school zones without engineering studies, enhancing transportation safety per traffic regulation standards.85% 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

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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 No ✗ Opposes Transportation

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