Transportation (Rail)

introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 28, 2025

LC 1515: Revise MDT and transportation commission roles in transit

This bill clarifies the division of responsibilities between Montana's Department of Transportation and the Transportation Commission regarding transit funding. It authorizes the Department to allocate federal transit and freight assistance funds for rail and transit projects, while allowing the Commission to transfer federal funds between highway and transit programs. Additionally, the bill permits the Commission to delegate its funding responsibilities to the Department. These changes aim to streamline how transportation funds are managed and distributed across different transit-related initiatives.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill clarifies and expands MDT's ability to allocate transit and freight funds, strengthening transportation infrastructure and funding mechanisms.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Freight Rail Transportation Funding

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Nov 18, 2024

LC 236: Creating a railroad track inspection program

This bill creates a Montana Rail Inspection Program by directing eight percent of state railroad taxes into a dedicated special revenue account to fund track safety inspections. The legislation establishes permanent funding through statutory appropriation, meaning the money is automatically allocated without requiring annual legislative approval. It also grants the state agency responsible for rail safety rulemaking authority and requires regular reporting on inspection activities. The changes directly affect state agencies managing railroad infrastructure and the railroad industry operating within Montana.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill directs 8% of railroad taxes to fund track safety inspections, establishing permanent funding for essential public safety infrastructure through statutory appropriation.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill improves workplace safety for railroad workers through dedicated funding for track inspections, directly addressing workplace safety standards.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill creates dedicated funding for railroad track safety inspections, enhancing transportation infrastructure safety through permanent state funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Rail Transportation Funding

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Mar 18, 2025

LC 3060: Provide funding for regional rail authorities

This bill creates a dedicated funding account for regional rail authorities in Montana by allocating a portion of rental car sales and use tax revenue. The money will be distributed annually by the Department of Transportation to rail authorities established before January 1, 2025, and can be used for administrative costs, matching federal grants, and developing cooperative transportation relationships. Funds may also support planning, designing, and operating rail projects that improve safety and connectivity between train stations, airports, roads, and other transit systems, including exploring north-south rail service corridors. The legislation amends existing state statutes to establish these distribution requirements and funding purposes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates dedicated funding account for rail authorities using sales tax revenue, advancing transportation infrastructure and public services through increased appropriations.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill creates dedicated funding for regional rail authorities to support rail projects, safety improvements, and administrative costs95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Sales Tax Rail Transportation Funding

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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

Sub-Topics Rail

introduced · Montana · Legislature Mar 30, 2025

LC 2693: Establish the Montana railroad crossing clarity act

This bill establishes clear rules for utilities (like power, gas, and cable companies) to place infrastructure - such as pipes, cables, or conduits - across railroad rights-of-way in Montana. It requires utilities to submit a 30-day notice with a detailed application and pay a one-time crossing fee (capped at $3,000 or $10 per linear foot of railroad property used) plus an annual fee (capped at 10% of the original fee or $300). Railroads cannot impose arbitrary fee increases, and the bill prohibits mechanic’s liens on utility infrastructure. These provisions directly affect utilities seeking to cross railroad land and railroads managing those crossings.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationClarifies utility infrastructure rules on rail rights-of-way, preventing arbitrary fees and supporting transportation infrastructure management.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail Transportation Funding

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died · Montana · House May 22, 2025

HB 848: Provide funding for regional rail authorities

HB 848 aimed to provide dedicated funding for regional rail authorities in the state. The bill proposed creating a "Big Sky Rail Account" within the state special revenue fund, which would receive a portion of rental car sales and use tax proceeds. The Department of Transportation would then annually distribute these funds to eligible regional rail authorities. These authorities could use the money for administrative costs, matching federal grants, fostering partnerships, and planning, developing, and operating rail projects and services, such as enhancing safety, improving stations, and exploring new train routes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates dedicated tax-funded account (rental car sales tax) for rail authorities, directly allocating existing revenue to a new program under appropriations.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill creates dedicated funding for regional rail authorities via rental car tax revenue, directly advancing public transit infrastructure and transportation planning as specified in subjects and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Rail Transportation Funding

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died · Montana · Legislature May 27, 2025

LC 3147: Provide funding for passenger rail

This bill (LC 3147) aimed to provide state funding for passenger rail services but never advanced beyond the drafting stage. It was assigned to a drafter in December 2024 and died in committee in May 2025 without any further action or specific funding details being established. No concrete provisions, recipient agencies, or affected parties were defined in the available context. Since the bill did not progress to a vote or detailed proposal, no specific policy changes or mechanisms can be described. The legislative process for this bill was concluded without any enacted funding.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly aims to fund passenger rail, a public transit service, directly supporting transportation infrastructure and services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail Transportation Funding

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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

Sub-Topics Freight Rail Transportation Funding

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

Sub-Topics Rail

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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

Sub-Topics Rail

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