Rep. Neil Duram

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 33 allows state agencies to summarily dismiss petitions requesting new or changed rules if the issue is outside of the agency's legal authority to regulate. This means an agency is not required to advance a petition if it doesn't have the power to act on that specific subject. The bill modifies the existing process for handling rulemaking petitions, enabling agencies to quickly reject those that are beyond their scope. This change directly affects state agencies and individuals or legislators who submit rulemaking petitions.

Maddy summaryHB 174 aimed to revise laws related to assault by expanding its definition. The bill proposed that a person commits assault if they purposely or knowingly provide specific dangerous drugs, alcohol, or other listed substances, such as rohypnol, to another individual without their consent. This change would affect individuals who administer these substances without permission. The bill included exemptions for authorized medical providers, guardians, and the administration of opioid overdose reversal medications like naloxone.

Maddy summaryHB 933, the "Montana Railroad Crossing Clarity Act," would establish a framework for utilities to place infrastructure within railroad rights-of-way and adjacent railroad land. It outlines an application process requiring utilities to provide notice, project drawings, and a certificate of insurance to railroads. The bill sets limits on the one-time crossing fees and potential annual fees that utilities would pay for these crossings. Utilities could commence construction 30 days after a complete application, unless a railroad objects due to safety concerns, with provisions for dispute resolution.

Maddy summaryHB 829 aimed to update laws concerning aquatic invasive species management. It would have required individuals to complete a state-provided online awareness training course and pass a test before obtaining an aquatic invasive species prevention pass. The bill clarified that all vessel operators, including non-resident non-motorized vessels, must possess this pass to launch on state waters. Additionally, it would have increased the maximum civil penalty for certain violations related to aquatic invasive species from $2,500 to $25,000.

Maddy summaryHB 835 proposes to extend the at-home infant care program, which provides financial assistance to low-income families where a parent cares for their infant full-time. The bill would increase the eligible age of infants from under 2 years to under 3 years, and extend the maximum duration a family can receive assistance from 24 months to 36 months. It also includes an appropriation of $2 million annually from the general fund to the department of public health and human services to support the program. This legislation aims to provide extended financial support for eligible low-income families choosing at-home infant care.

Maddy summaryHB 588 revises existing transportation laws by establishing a legal definition for "motorized scooter." The bill also provides specific regulations for the operation and use of these devices. It achieves this by amending various sections of the Montana Code Annotated to integrate motorized scooters into the state's vehicle and traffic laws.

Maddy summaryHB 31 clarifies and revises the bonding requirements for wind and solar generation facility owners in Montana to ensure proper decommissioning. It mandates that facility owners submit a decommissioning plan and provide a bond to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) within specific timeframes after commencing commercial operation. The DEQ determines the bond amount based on factors like site characteristics and salvage value. The bill also outlines various exemptions for facilities already bonded elsewhere or meeting certain size and operation criteria, and establishes penalties for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 486 revises the laws governing compensation for county deputy sheriffs in Montana. This bill directly affects these law enforcement officers by increasing the percentage of the sheriff's salary used to calculate their base pay. The current structure bases deputy sheriff compensation on a schedule tied to county population and the sheriff's salary. The bill also defines "compensation" as base pay, explicitly excluding longevity or overtime payments.

Maddy summaryHB 173 revises the definitions within the Montana Youth Court Act. It specifically expands the definition of a "victim" to include a corporation or other entity. This change allows businesses or organizations to be formally recognized as victims in cases handled by the youth court. The bill amends existing state law to incorporate this broader definition.

Maddy summaryHB 235 allows vehicle owners in Montana to voluntarily cancel or suspend their vehicle registration through department rules, with multi-owner consent required. Vehicles with canceled or suspended registration cannot be driven on public roads, and drivers operating such vehicles become personally liable for traffic fines, tolls, and damages. The bill also amends insurance laws to exempt owners from maintaining liability insurance after cancellation or during suspension periods. This directly affects vehicle owners who wish to temporarily or permanently discontinue registration and drivers using vehicles without active registration.