Transportation

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 · Legislature May 22, 2025

LC 3985: Provide grants to cover fees for teen driver education programs

Bill LC 3985 proposed creating a grant program to cover fees for teen driver education programs. The bill aimed to provide financial assistance, making these programs more accessible for teenagers. By covering the costs of enrollment, it would directly benefit young individuals seeking to obtain a driver's license and their families.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates state-funded grants for driver education, directly allocating appropriations under State Finance and addressing education access via budget allocation.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates grants to cover teen driver education fees, directly expanding access to an educational program categorized under 'Schools and Education' with explicit funding intent.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds teen driver education programs under Traffic Regulations/Motor Vehicles, directly enhancing transportation safety by improving driver competence and reducing accident risks.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Traffic Safety Vehicle Registration

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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 23, 2025

LC 3762: Generally revise electric transportation laws

Bill LC 3762, titled "Generally revise electric transportation laws," aimed to update state regulations governing electric vehicle infrastructure and incentives. The bill was drafted in December 2024 but was placed on hold and ultimately died in the legislative process on May 23, 2025. As a result, no specific policy changes were enacted, and the proposed revisions to electric transportation rules were never implemented. The available context does not include the bill's full text or detailed provisions.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill aimed to update electric vehicle infrastructure regulations, directly promoting renewable transportation infrastructure and clean energy adoption per its title and summary.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill aimed to update electric vehicle infrastructure and incentives, promoting clean transportation to reduce emissions, directly advancing environmental goals.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill aimed to update EV infrastructure regulations and incentives, promoting sustainable transportation policies per its title and summary.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Driver Licensing Electric Vehicles Vehicle Registration

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died · Montana · Legislature May 23, 2025

LC 3806: Funding local government pedestrian infrastructure

Bill LC 3806, titled "Funding local government pedestrian infrastructure," proposed state funding for local governments to improve pedestrian safety features like sidewalks, crosswalks, and accessible pathways. It would have directly affected municipalities and counties by providing resources for infrastructure projects prioritizing pedestrian accessibility. However, the bill died in the legislative process on May 23, 2025, without advancing to a vote or establishing specific funding mechanisms. As a result, no policy changes were enacted through this bill.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly proposes state funding for pedestrian infrastructure, directly addressing appropriations and fiscal impact on local governments.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationProposes state funding for pedestrian infrastructure, directly enhancing transportation safety and accessibility through sidewalks/crosswalks.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bicycle Infrastructure Pedestrian Safety Tags Local Government

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died · Montana · Legislature May 26, 2025

LC 1394: Create a Montana infrastructure bank

This bill (LC 1394) proposed creating a Montana Infrastructure Bank to fund transportation and public works projects. It did not advance beyond the drafting stage, as its draft was marked "Died in Process" on May 26, 2025. No specific funding mechanisms, eligibility rules, or affected entities were defined in the draft. Since it never became law, the bill had no effect on Montana's infrastructure or any stakeholders.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly proposes creating an infrastructure bank to fund transportation projects, indicating clear support despite not advancing.90% confidence

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died · Montana · Legislature May 26, 2025

LC 1555: Establish a fund for local infrastructure

This bill (LC 1555) proposed creating a dedicated state fund to support local infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and water systems. It would have directly affected municipalities and local governments by providing new funding sources for these projects. However, the bill was drafted but never advanced beyond the initial stage, with its draft officially "died in process" on May 26, 2025. No active provisions or mechanisms were established, as the bill never became law.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProposes dedicated state fund for infrastructure under State Finance/Appropriations, aligning with funding public services per bill subjects.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill proposes dedicated fund for roads, bridges, and local infrastructure projects, directly aligning with transportation funding and infrastructure support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Transportation Funding Tags Local Government

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died · Montana · Legislature May 26, 2025

LC 1557: Establish a fund for local infrastructure

Bill LC 1557 proposed establishing a dedicated fund to support local infrastructure projects, such as roads and public utilities, primarily affecting municipalities and local governments. The bill outlined mechanisms for allocating state funds to communities for infrastructure upgrades but did not specify exact funding amounts or eligibility criteria. However, the bill never advanced beyond the drafting stage, as it was placed on hold twice in November 2024 and ultimately died in process in May 2025. No concrete policy changes were enacted, as the proposal was not introduced for committee review or voting.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill proposes dedicated state fund for infrastructure projects, directly advancing budget allocation under State Finance/Appropriations subjects.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes dedicated fund for local infrastructure projects including roads, directly aligning with transportation funding/support indicators. Explicitly targets road/public utility upgrades per summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Transportation Funding Tags Local Government

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died · Montana · Legislature May 27, 2025

LC 3495: Allow autonomous trucks and automobiles to operate with restrictions in Montana

Bill LC 3495, titled "Allow autonomous trucks and automobiles to operate with restrictions in Montana," proposed to permit self-driving vehicles on Montana roads under specific safety conditions. It would have directly affected drivers, trucking companies, and state transportation regulators by establishing a legal framework for autonomous vehicle operation. However, the bill died in the legislative process in May 2025 after being assigned a drafter in December 2024, meaning it never became law. Montana's existing regulations on autonomous vehicles remained unchanged as a result.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly permits autonomous vehicle operation under safety conditions, directly enabling tech adoption in transportation and listed under Information Technology subjects.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill permits autonomous vehicles on Montana roads under safety conditions, enabling new transportation technology and enhancing safety standards within transportation infrastructure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles Driver Licensing Freight

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died · Montana · Legislature May 27, 2025

LC 3496: Revise laws to require counties not ignore structural and safety recommendations from the department of transportation

Bill LC 3496 aimed to revise state laws requiring counties to follow structural and safety recommendations from the Department of Transportation (DOT) for infrastructure projects like roads and bridges. This would have prevented counties from disregarding DOT safety concerns, directly affecting local governments responsible for transportation planning and construction. The bill’s key provision would have mandated that counties address all DOT recommendations in their project reviews, ensuring safety standards are met. However, the bill did not become law, as it died in committee during the 2025 legislative session.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates counties to follow DOT safety recommendations for transportation infrastructure, directly enhancing safety standards in road/bridge projects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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