Transportation

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 24, 2025

LC 2110: Revise laws related to metropolitan planning orgs and transportation planning

This bill, known as Noah's Act, streamlines transportation planning in Montana by reducing redundant reviews for projects approved by metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). It directly affects MPOs, local governments, and state transportation agencies by allowing department administrators to approve certain urban street and safety improvement projects without requiring additional review from the Transportation Commission. The key provision states that projects implementing previously approved long-range transportation plans do not need further commission review, while department administrators gain authority to approve smaller-scale projects in areas without MPOs. The legislation also amends existing state laws to clarify how priorities are set and contracts are let for highway construction, ensuring compliance with federal and state standards while eliminating duplicative oversight.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill streamlines transportation planning and reduces redundant reviews for approved projects, enhancing efficiency in transportation infrastructure development.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Mar 17, 2025

LC 4341: Generally revise accessibility laws related to trails/roads

This bill revises Montana's recreational trail and road access laws to create a special pass for individuals who cannot walk or traverse paths safely without assistance. It requires the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks to categorize all public trails into three classes based on accessibility for motorized wheelchairs and establishes a $5 nontransferable recreation pass for people with permanent physical or mental disabilities who use motorized equipment. The pass allows unlimited use of state recreational trails and roads where motorized equipment is permitted, with fees deposited into a dedicated account and application requiring physician certification of nonambulatory status. The bill also sets specific penalties for violations, including fines for failing to display the pass or making false statements during application.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill improves accessibility of trails and roads for disabled individuals, enhancing transportation infrastructure and safety for vulnerable users.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 28, 2025

LC 1513: Revise laws related to public charging stations for electric vehicles

This bill updates Montana laws to regulate public charging stations for electric vehicles by establishing clear definitions, tax requirements, and metering standards. It directly affects charging station operators, owners, and public utilities by requiring new stations to have separate electric meters starting in 2023 and mandating that all existing public charging stations be metered by 2025. The legislation also introduces a 3-cent per kilowatt-hour tax on electricity used at public charging stations and requires operators to display charging rates at their sites. Additionally, the bill reduces electric vehicle registration fees by 30% beginning in 2028 and requires charging station owners to register their facilities with the Department of Transportation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill introduces new tax revenue through EV charging fees, strengthening state budget capacity for infrastructure development.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes electric vehicle charging infrastructure, supports renewable energy adoption, and establishes metering standards for public EV charging stations.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes electric vehicle infrastructure and clean energy adoption through charging station regulations and metering requirements, supporting environmental protection goals.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes infrastructure standards for EV charging stations, promoting sustainable transportation and modernizing public charging infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles Vehicle Registration

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 3, 2025

LC 244: Eliminate a defense to the vehicle noise statute

This bill amends Montana's vehicle noise statute by removing a defense that drivers could previously use to avoid conviction for excessive exhaust noise. Specifically, it eliminates the provision allowing a person charged with violating the noise limit to claim they had reasonable grounds to believe their vehicle was not in violation of the standard. The law requires that motor vehicles not emit exhaust noise exceeding 95 decibels as measured by a specific automotive engineering standard, except for motorcycles and quadricycles which are covered under a different regulation. This change directly affects vehicle owners and operators who may have been relying on the previous defense to contest noise violation charges.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens enforcement of vehicle noise laws by removing a defense, making it easier to prosecute violations and uphold regulatory standards.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill strengthens vehicle noise regulations, enhancing transportation safety standards by removing defenses for excessive exhaust noise violations.85% confidence

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 19, 2025

LC 168: Generally revise laws related to motor vehicle laws

This bill updates Montana's motor vehicle laws by making several changes to vehicle registration, licensing, and related administrative processes. It adds the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to the list of U.S. territories whose driver's licenses are recognized, expands electronic services for the Department of Transportation, and adjusts the minimum age requirements for certain driver's licenses. The legislation also revises how disability parking permits are issued, clarifies definitions of personal information for data security purposes, and modifies expiration rules for commercial driver's licenses. These changes primarily affect drivers, vehicle owners, healthcare providers issuing disability permits, and state agencies administering motor vehicle services.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill modernizes motor vehicle laws, expands electronic services, and improves administrative processes for transportation-related licensing and permits.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Vehicle Registration

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Mar 19, 2025

LC 3880: Provide for special motorcycle plates promoting motorcycle safety

This bill creates a special motorcycle license plate program in Montana to promote rider safety and awareness. Motorcycle owners who register for these plates will pay a $5 administrative fee, a $5 plate fee, and a $20 donation fee. The $20 donation portion goes to a state fund where the Department of Justice will distribute grants to Montana-based nonprofit organizations that focus on motorcycle safety education. The bill also adds this new funding source to the list of statutory appropriations, allowing the department to spend the money without needing annual legislative approval.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates new revenue through fees and donations to fund motorcycle safety education programs, increasing state funding for public safety initiatives.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes motorcycle safety through funding for nonprofit safety education, enhancing transportation safety standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Vehicle Registration

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 14, 2025

LC 1987: Limit liability of agricultural vehicles

This bill limits the liability of owners, lessees, and operators of agricultural vehicles used on highways, capping their financial responsibility at $750,000 per claim and $1.5 million per occurrence. It defines agricultural vehicles to include farm tractors, implements of husbandry, self-propelled farm equipment, tractor-towed combinations, and vehicles used for hauling hay or straw. The legislation also amends existing state definitions to clarify terms related to agricultural operations, commercial motor vehicles, and other motor vehicle classifications. Insurance companies are prohibited from claiming the liability limitation unless they voluntarily agree to provide additional coverage through a written endorsement.

Topics ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationBill limits liability for agricultural vehicles on highways, which restricts financial responsibility standards and weakens protections for road users in transportation contexts.85% confidence

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 11, 2025

LC 2433: Revise DUI testing to include oral fluids

This bill updates Montana's DUI laws to allow law enforcement to use oral fluid tests alongside blood and breath tests for commercial vehicle operators. It directly affects drivers of commercial motor vehicles by expanding the types of tests officers can request when they have reasonable grounds to suspect alcohol impairment. The key provision adds oral fluid testing to the list of approved tests under the state's implied consent law, giving officers the authority to choose which test method to use. Additionally, the bill clarifies that refusing any of these designated tests results in license suspension, with stricter penalties for repeat offenders and those transporting hazardous materials. The legislation also updates legal definitions to include oral fluid as a valid substance for measuring alcohol concentration in DUI cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands DUI testing methods to improve law enforcement capabilities and public safety, strengthening criminal justice enforcement mechanisms.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by expanding DUI testing options for commercial vehicle operators, strengthening safety standards on roads.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Traffic Safety

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 24, 2025

LC 3648: Revise laws related to airports and light aircraft

This bill requires Montana airports that receive any public funding to provide free services to light aircraft, including landing, taxiing, and parking with tie downs for up to three days. It also mandates that these airports allow light aircraft access to secure areas for passengers and crew when applicable, without charging fees for these services. The law defines a light aircraft as one weighing less than 9,000 pounds that operates under specific federal regulations. Additionally, the bill prohibits charging additional fees for landing, taxiing, parking, or security unless those fees are clearly disclosed and agreed upon before each flight.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill requires public-funded airports to provide free services to light aircraft, expanding access and reducing costs for aviation users.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Airports

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 24, 2025

LC 3179: Revise public transit laws

This bill revises Montana's public transit laws to give county commissioners and local city councils more flexibility in creating and expanding urban transportation districts. It allows a petition signed by at least 20% of registered voters in a proposed area to initiate the creation or expansion of a district, and requires a public hearing before commissioners act on such petitions. Additionally, the bill permits municipal bus services to extend beyond the 8-mile limit from local boundaries if funded by external sources like federal or state government grants, interlocal agreements, or nonprofit organizations. Local governments retain authority to manage, operate, and enforce traffic rules for their bus systems while maintaining existing debt and tax levy restrictions.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill expands public transit flexibility and allows districts to extend beyond 8-mile limits, strengthening transportation infrastructure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Transit

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