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

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

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 24: Increase penalties for blocked railroad crossings

SB 24 increases fines for railroad companies that obstruct highway crossings outside incorporated cities. It raises penalties from $25-$100 to $750-$1,500 for blocking crossings (e.g., stopping trains over 15 minutes or leaving objects on tracks) under existing Montana law. The bill directly affects rail operators and entities managing railroad infrastructure. It amends Section 69-14-626, MCA, with immediate effect, and was requested by the Public Service Commission. The change aims to strengthen enforcement of crossing safety rules without altering the core prohibition.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationIncreases penalties for railroad companies blocking highway crossings, enhancing transportation safety and infrastructure protection per Montana law.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail Roads & Highways

Track

passed both · Montana · Senate Apr 8, 2025

SJ 3: Provide for a joint resolution on CDLs

Montana's SJ 3 is a joint resolution urging the U.S. Congress to revise federal commercial driver's license (CDL) requirements. It specifically requests that Congress exempt small haulers (e.g., pickup trucks carrying nonhazardous materials) and school bus drivers from needing CDLs, citing burdens on small businesses and rural school districts. The resolution does not change any laws but formally asks Congress to adjust federal rules to reduce these requirements. Montana's delegation and relevant federal committees will receive copies of the resolution.

Topics ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationExempts small haulers/school bus drivers from CDL requirements, reducing regulatory burden under transportation policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Public Transit

Track

passed both · Montana · Senate May 5, 2025

SJ 19: Joint resolution to study public transportation

Senate Joint Resolution 19 (SJ 19) requests an interim study on ways to improve passenger transportation and public transit services throughout Montana. The study aims to benefit various residents, including senior citizens, people with disabilities, students, and tourists, particularly in areas currently underserved by transportation options. It will investigate potential solutions, such as establishing a passenger transportation commission and reviewing laws to accommodate autonomous vehicles. The Legislative Council is requested to assign a committee or staff to conduct this study, with final results and recommendations due to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly requests study to improve public transit services and infrastructure, targeting underserved groups and exploring enhancements like commission creation and autonomous vehicle laws.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Transit

Track

signed · Montana · Senate Apr 18, 2025

SB 310: Revise the trail stewardship grant program

SB 310 revises and renames the existing trails and recreational facilities grant program as the "Trail Stewardship Grant Program." It directly affects cities, counties, tribal governments, school districts, recreational clubs, and state and federal agencies by expanding the types of projects eligible for funding. New eligible projects include trail-related studies, data collection, safety education, and equipment purchases and maintenance. The bill also specifies that grant funds will be apportioned for motorized, nonmotorized, and mixed-use projects, and allows for advance payments of up to 75% of awarded grant funds.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationExpands funding for trail infrastructure projects (studies, safety, equipment) under Transportation subject, directly advancing transportation-related infrastructure.95% confidence

died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 556: Create board of passenger ropeway safety

SB 556 creates a state Board of Passenger Ropeway Safety to oversee the safety of ski lifts and similar systems (called "passenger ropeways") in Montana. It requires all ski area operators to register their ropeways annually with the board, pay fees ($100-$300 per device), and undergo inspections to meet safety standards. The board, appointed by the governor and including ski industry representatives, will set safety rules, issue annual operating certificates, and collect fees to fund its operations. This directly affects ski resorts and operators by adding registration, inspection, and fee requirements for their ropeway systems. The bill does not change liability laws for ski-related injuries but focuses on mechanical safety oversight.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationCreates safety board for passenger ropeways (ski lifts), mandating inspections, fees, and safety standards under Transportation subject, enhancing infrastructure safety.92% confidence

Track

signed · Montana · Senate May 16, 2025

SB 553: Generally revise state policy laws

SB 553 introduces new policies concerning residential development, airline travel, and legislative committees. It allows local governments to establish rules for residential developers to share costs for extending or enhancing capital facilities or intersection improvements. The bill also prohibits expiration dates on airline travel credits, assigns ownership to the possessor, limits associated fees, and allows for cash redemption of small remaining balances. Additionally, it establishes a $1 fee on airline tickets for travel to or from Montana, with the collected revenue designated to combat human trafficking.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAllows local governments to require developers to share costs for road infrastructure improvements, directly funding transportation capital projects.90% confidence