HB 851 proposes to create a new state agency called the Department of Health Services. This new department would take over specific human services functions currently managed by the Department of Public Health and Human Services. These transferred responsibilities include the administration of developmental disabilities services, mental health services (like the Montana State Hospital), chemical dependency services, and veterans' long-term care facilities. The bill also provides an appropriation for the new department, grants it rulemaking authority, and requires its contracts to include dispute resolution clauses.
HB 310 proposed establishing a state matching grant program to increase community shelter capacity for the homeless population. Administered by the Department of Public Health and Human Services, these grants would help local governments and eligible nonprofit organizations. The funds would specifically target services for senior citizens, veterans, survivors of domestic violence, youth transitioning from foster care, and individuals with mental health or substance use disorders. Applicants would be required to provide matching funds and collaborate with existing homelessness service providers. The bill appropriated $2 million from the general fund for the program, which was set to operate from July 2025 to June 2027.
SB 93 revises state income tax laws concerning military pensions, retirement, and survivor benefits. The bill expands the eligibility for tax exemptions on these benefits to include certain individuals who became or remained residents of the state after a specific date. It also eliminates the previous 5-year limit for claiming the exemption and removes the statutory sunset, making the exemption permanent. This means more retired military members and their survivors in Montana will be able to exempt their military retirement income from state taxes indefinitely.
HB 708 expands eligibility for Commercial Driver's License (CDL) waivers to include individuals serving or honorably discharged after serving full-time in a reserve component of the U.S. armed forces. It amends state law by redefining "current or former military service member" to specifically include these reserve component members. This allows qualifying service members to apply for a waiver of the CDL skills test, knowledge test, or both. To be granted a waiver, applicants must meet specific criteria related to their military driving experience and maintain a clean driving record.
Senate Bill 95 allocates $300,000 to the Department of Public Health and Human Services for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025. This funding is dedicated to suicide prevention efforts specifically for service members, veterans, and their families. The bill outlines several key uses for the money, including implementing prevention strategies and establishing screening standards for suicide risk. It also aims to improve care transitions and increase lethal means safety through initiatives such as a statewide safe storage campaign and training events. The act is effective July 1, 2025, and terminates on June 30, 2027.
HB 566 revises the decennial study that assesses the long-term care needs of veterans in Montana. It transfers primary responsibility for conducting this study from the Department of Public Health and Human Services to the Montana Veterans' Affairs Division. The bill mandates the involvement of stakeholders, such as veterans' outreach organizations, and expands the study's scope to include various care needs and the necessity of additional state veterans' cemeteries. It also establishes new requirements for a study plan, budget estimate, and regular reporting to an interim committee.
HB 341 revises how funds are collected and used to support individuals and families, including military service personnel, living with traumatic brain injuries. It changes the existing voluntary donation for traumatic brain injury awareness during motor vehicle registration to an automatic $1 donation, from which individuals can opt out. The collected funds will be used by the Department of Public Health and Human Services for TBI prevention, education, and recovery support, and county treasurers must post notices explaining this automatic donation.
SB 392 establishes the Laverne Parrish Memorial Highway on a section of existing State Highway 93 (mile marker 48 to 51). It directs the Department of Transportation to install signs marking this section and to include the memorial highway on future state maps.
This joint resolution recognizes the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and honors the military service of Montanans who served in that war. It highlights the contributions of over 75,000 Montanans, including specific regiments, women, and Native American service members, as well as homefront efforts.
HB 447 enacts the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, allowing licensed respiratory therapists to practice in multiple member states without needing a full license in each. This aims to increase public access to respiratory therapy services and improve workforce mobility, including for military members and their spouses. The compact establishes a "compact privilege" for therapists to practice in other member states while preserving each state's regulatory authority. It also includes provisions for criminal background checks for license applicants.
