This bill requires school bus drivers in Montana to complete a free, transportation industry-specific training course on recognizing and reporting signs of human trafficking as part of their driver qualifications. The Office of Public Instruction will provide the training materials at no cost to driver candidates and is directed to recommend that this training be included in ongoing inservice training for bus drivers. The law also encourages the Office of Public Instruction to educate the broader community about child sex trafficking prevention and to coordinate with law enforcement and other agencies on awareness efforts. These changes take effect on July 1, 2025.
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.
This bill requires school buses purchased in Montana on or after January 1, 2026, to be equipped with lap-shoulder belts for all passengers. School districts must create and enforce policies requiring belt use and maintain the equipment in working order. The legislation also provides liability protections for districts and drivers if students are injured due to not wearing belts or because another student used a belt improperly, while still allowing claims if a belt is broken or poorly maintained. Districts may request an exemption from the belt requirement if they determine their budget cannot cover the cost of new buses with lap-shoulder belts, subject to a public vote. The bill also updates definitions for school bus capacity and registration fee structures related to buses with lap-shoulder belts.
This bill increases the state reimbursement rates that school districts receive for on-schedule transportation services, directly affecting Montana school districts that operate bus routes. The key provision raises mileage reimbursement rates based on the size of the school bus, with larger buses receiving higher per-mile payments ranging from 85 cents to 299 cents. The changes apply to school fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2025, and include adjustments for nonbus mileage when drivers travel to overnight locations more than 10 miles from school.
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.
This bill (LC 3167) proposed creating a public transportation commission to study current public transit systems and identify potential improvements. It would have directed the commission to examine service coverage, funding, and accessibility issues affecting riders. However, the bill never advanced beyond the drafting stage, as it "died in process" on May 27, 2025, meaning it was not introduced or voted on by the legislature. No concrete policy changes were enacted through this proposal.
HB 764 revises public transit laws, affecting how urban transportation districts are established and the reach of municipal bus services. The bill allows a county commissioner to file a petition to create or enlarge an urban transportation district, offering an additional method to the existing elector-initiated process. It also permits municipal bus services to operate beyond the current 8-mile limit from a city's boundary if funded by external sources like the federal or state government, a nonprofit, or if fulfilling an interlocal agreement.
HB 405 proposed to increase the maximum reimbursement rates that school districts receive from state and county sources for student transportation. The bill specifically raised the per-mile rates for school buses of different passenger capacities, as well as for non-bus mileage. The intent was to lower school district property taxes designated for transportation expenses. These changes would have applied to school district transportation budgets starting July 1, 2025.
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.
