Transportation

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 20, 2025

LC 665: Joint resolution to study public transportation

This Montana joint resolution directs the Legislative Council to conduct an interim study on improving passenger transportation and public transit services across the state. The study will examine options for enhancing rail, air, bus, and public transit systems, with a specific focus on underserved communities like the Hi-Line region and the potential need for a dedicated passenger transportation commission. Additionally, the resolution requires the study to review laws related to autonomous vehicles and determine if updates are needed for safety and licensing. All findings and recommendations must be completed by September 15, 2026, and reported to the next legislature.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill directs study to improve public transportation and examine options for enhancing rail, air, bus, and transit systems, indicating intent to strengthen transportation infrastructure.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles Public Transit Transportation Funding

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 20, 2025

LC 1005: Establish Laverne Parrish memorial highway

This bill establishes the Laverne Parrish Memorial Highway on existing state highway 93 between mile markers 48 and 53 in Montana. It directs the Department of Transportation to install appropriate signs marking the memorial highway and to include it on future state maps. The legislation honors Laverne Parrish, a Medal of Honor recipient who died in 1945 while saving wounded soldiers during World War II. The bill becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes memorial highway designation and requires DOT to install signs and update maps, directly supporting transportation infrastructure and road systems.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill honors Medal of Honor recipient Laverne Parrish by naming a highway after him, recognizing veteran sacrifice and service.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Memorials & Recognition

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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 Jan 15, 2025

LC 263: Revise motor vehicle insurance laws to include commercial to truck costs

This bill requires Montana motor vehicle insurance policies to cover costs for recovery and debris cleanup services provided by commercial tow truck operators after accidents. The amendment expands existing liability coverage to explicitly include these specific services, which are currently not separately defined in the state's insurance laws. The change affects all vehicle owners and drivers in Montana who purchase or renew auto insurance policies on or after October 1, 2025. Insurance companies must update their policies to ensure this coverage is included within the standard liability limits, which remain unchanged at $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 for property damage.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill expands insurance coverage for commercial tow truck services after accidents, enhancing transportation safety and protecting commercial transport operators.85% confidence

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 17, 2025

LC 3221: Revise traffic laws related to distracted driving

This bill prohibits Montana drivers from holding or using portable electronic devices like cell phones while operating a vehicle, with exceptions for hands-free use, voice calls, and navigation. It specifically bans texting, watching videos, and recording or broadcasting video unless the device is permanently mounted or used for emergency purposes. Drivers caught violating the law face fines ranging from $75 to $250 depending on whether it is their first or subsequent offense. The law also clarifies that police officers cannot seize a driver's phone during a traffic stop unless other legal authority allows it.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens public safety by reducing distracted driving, which lowers traffic accidents and potential criminal incidents, indirectly supporting criminal justice through enhanced safety measures.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by restricting distracted driving, reducing accidents and improving road safety standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Driver Licensing Traffic Safety

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 17, 2025

LC 4228: Revise laws related to services provided by airports to light aircraft

This bill requires Montana state-funded airports to provide free services to light aircraft, which are defined as planes weighing 12,500 pounds or less. Under the new rules, these airports must allow light aircraft to land, taxi, park with tie downs for up to seven days, and access security areas with designated parking for at least four vehicles. The bill also prohibits airports from charging additional fees for these services unless the fees are clearly disclosed and agreed upon before each flight. This change directly affects airports receiving state funding and pilots operating small aircraft under Part 91 of federal regulations.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates free services for light aircraft at state-funded airports, expanding access to transportation infrastructure and reducing costs for aviation users.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Airports

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 19, 2025

LC 1821: Generally revise electric bicycle laws

This bill revises Montana's electric bicycle laws by updating definitions and amending specific sections of the state's motor vehicle code. It directly affects vehicle owners, law enforcement, and transportation officials by clarifying terminology for various vehicle types. The key provision adds new definitions for terms like "authorized agent," "autocycle," and "commercial motor vehicle" to ensure consistent understanding across regulations. These changes aim to modernize the legal framework governing electric bicycles and related vehicles without altering existing operational rules.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill modernizes electric bicycle laws and clarifies vehicle definitions, improving transportation regulations and infrastructure clarity.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Bicycle Infrastructure Electric Vehicles

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 13, 2025

LC 3062: Generally revise traffic laws regarding evading or fleeing a peace officer

This bill revises Montana's traffic laws regarding fleeing from or eluding a peace officer by clarifying penalties and reorganizing provisions within Title 61, Chapter 8. It establishes three tiers of offenses: a standard misdemeanor for refusing to stop after being signaled by a uniformed officer, a felony for repeat offenders or those who exhibit reckless driving, cause significant property damage, or leave the state, and a more severe felony for incidents resulting in serious bodily injury or death. The law applies to drivers who knowingly fail to obey visual or audible signals from police vehicles, including those who increase speed, continue driving above the limit, or extinguish their lights to evade an officer. Penalties range from up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine for basic violations to up to ten years in prison and a $10,000 fine for aggravated cases involving injury or death.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill clarifies penalties for fleeing officers, strengthening law enforcement authority and criminal justice enforcement mechanisms85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill strengthens traffic laws and enhances public safety by clarifying penalties for evading peace officers, which supports safer transportation systems.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Vehicle Registration

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 21, 2025

LC 3360: Revise highway and roadside service laws

This bill updates Montana's laws regarding roadside assistance and towing services to prevent solicitation at accident scenes and ensure proper documentation. It prohibits tow truck operators from soliciting services at accident sites or near disabled vehicles unless the vehicle owner has already requested help, and requires operators to carry written proof of service requests including caller information and timestamps. The legislation establishes criminal penalties and fines for violations, with escalating punishments for repeat offenses, and mandates that towing companies maintain records for three years. Additionally, the bill prohibits government employees from directing motorists to specific tow companies and amends existing rotation system regulations for law enforcement-ordered tows.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes criminal penalties for illegal solicitation by tow operators, enhancing accountability and protecting citizens from exploitation at accident scenes.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by regulating roadside assistance and preventing solicitation at accident scenes, protecting consumers while maintaining proper service documentation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 10, 2025

LC 628: Revise the trail stewardship grant program

This bill revises Montana's trail stewardship grant program to provide funding for trail construction, maintenance, and related facilities. It allows cities, counties, tribal governments, schools, clubs, and state or federal agencies to apply for grants covering new trails, shared-use paths, trailside amenities like bathrooms and parking, and equipment purchases. The program allocates 40% of funds to motorized projects, 40% to nonmotorized projects, and 20% to mixed-use projects, while permitting up to 50% advance payments to help recipients purchase supplies early. The bill also authorizes grantees to use up to 7% of funds for administrative costs and requires unused funds to be returned to the state within three years.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates funding for trail construction and maintenance through a grant program, strengthening recreational infrastructure and public services.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill allocates funding for trail construction, maintenance, and facilities, directly supporting transportation infrastructure development.95% confidence

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