Rep. Zack Wirth

Maddy summaryHJ 36 is a non-binding resolution encouraging Montana's public school districts to provide cursive writing instruction to students, primarily affecting K-12 students and school administrators. It urges schools to introduce cursive as early as developmentally appropriate and maintain exposure throughout a student's education, citing cognitive benefits and the importance of reading historical documents like the Declaration of Independence. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to share it with education officials but does not mandate or fund cursive instruction. It died in committee in May 2025 and remains a symbolic gesture, not a law.

Maddy summaryHB 597 aimed to prevent inactive electors in Montana from signing petitions. This proposed change would have amended state law to specify that individuals with an inactive voter registration status could not sign petitions for ballot initiatives or referendums. The bill intended to clarify eligibility requirements for participating in the petition process.

Maddy summaryHB 445 aimed to revise the legislative goals for public education in Montana. The bill sought to encourage public elementary and secondary schools to provide instruction in reading and writing cursive handwriting to all students. This instruction was intended to develop cognitive and fine motor skills and ensure students could read original historical documents, such as the United States Constitution. It would have amended current law to incorporate this as an explicit goal for the state's public school system.

Maddy summaryHB 598 aimed to change the requirements for signing ballot issue petitions and for individuals gathering signatures in Montana. The bill would have mandated that petition signers be "active electors," a specific voter registration status, rather than just "qualified electors." Additionally, it sought to prohibit paying individuals who gather signatures based on the number of signatures they collect. These provisions would have impacted both citizens wanting to sign petitions and those involved in collecting signatures for ballot initiatives.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 172 revises the process for prioritizing highway construction and reconstruction projects. It requires the Transportation Interim Committee to prepare a joint resolution for each legislative session, recommending specific projects for the Transportation Commission to prioritize. The bill also mandates that the Transportation Commission report biennially to the committee on the status of these recommended projects, explaining any reasons why a project was not prioritized. The Department of Transportation is tasked with assisting the Commission in considering these legislative recommendations.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 3 (HJ 3) is a legislative measure that recommends the Montana Transportation Commission prioritize specific projects. It urges the Commission to focus on safety improvements at the intersection of U.S. Highway 287 and Montana Highway 200, commonly known as Bowman's Corner. This resolution serves as a recommendation from the Legislature to the Commission regarding highway construction and reconstruction project prioritization.

Maddy summaryHB 768 revises civil liability laws concerning equine activities, affecting equine activity sponsors, professionals, and participants. The bill generally limits the liability of sponsors and professionals for injuries or death resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities. However, it maintains liability in specific situations, such as when the sponsor or professional provides faulty equipment, fails to assess a participant's ability, or acts with willful disregard for safety. The bill also establishes new requirements for liability waivers, mandating they state inherent risks and include a specific bold warning about waiving legal rights, including for ordinary negligence. Importantly, it clarifies that these waivers can still be legally challenged on other grounds.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution requests an interim study on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and their impact on water quality in Montana. The study, to be conducted by a legislative committee or staff, will review existing state and federal water quality laws and analyze research on the health effects of EDCs. It also aims to determine the prevalence of these chemicals in Montana. The study will offer recommendations for future legislative or regulatory changes, with final results reported to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 97 allows trucks to travel in coordinated groups (called "platoons") using technology to maintain closer, synchronized spacing on Montana highways. It requires all drivers operating in a platoon - both the lead vehicle and anyone who can take control - to hold a commercial driver's license (CDL). The Department of Transportation can restrict platooning during dangerous road conditions and must consult stakeholders before creating safety rules. The law applies to trucking companies and drivers on public highways and takes effect July 1, 2025.