Rep. Ed Buttrey

Maddy summaryHB 585 would have revised Montana's Medicaid reimbursement rates for physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists. It set a 2026 Medicaid payment rate of $39.56 per service unit and required annual rate increases tied to the medical care component of the U.S. Consumer Price Index. This directly affected these healthcare providers who bill Medicaid for services, ensuring their payments adjusted with inflation. The bill was introduced in 2025 but was vetoed by the governor and later failed to override in the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 850 establishes a licensing system for community health workers (CHWs) in Montana, requiring them to complete approved training programs, supervised experience, and pay fees to practice. The bill defines CHWs as frontline public health workers providing outreach, cultural mediation, maternity support, and community education, and directs the Department of Labor and Industry to set standards for licensing, training, and ethical conduct. It exempts other licensed professionals performing duties within their existing scope and allows certain agency employees or volunteers to continue services without a CHW license. The law aims to ensure qualified, ethical CHW practice while creating a regulatory framework for the profession.

Maddy summaryHB 787 aimed to revise gaming laws, primarily affecting gambling route operators who also hold alcoholic beverage licenses. The bill sought to prevent these operators from using financial data, acquired through their gambling business, to gain an unfair competitive advantage when acquiring or selling alcohol licenses. It also aimed to ensure route operators do not restrict the availability of video gambling machines to other alcoholic beverage licensees. Violations of these provisions could lead to the revocation or non-renewal of a route operator's license.

Maddy summaryHB 583 aimed to revise the powers and duties of the State Lottery and Sports Wagering Commission. The bill proposed to grant the commission new authority to provide input and approve all procurement decisions for vendor contracts used in the operation of the state lottery. This change would have expanded the commission's oversight role over the state lottery's vendor selection processes.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 381 allows 11th and 12th-grade students in public and nonpublic schools to earn elective high school graduation credits for paid or voluntary work in certain care settings. Students can earn one elective credit for every 250 hours worked, up to a maximum of two credits, in approved congregate-care or child-care facilities. Schools must establish an application process for students, which includes details about their work and supervision. Additionally, schools may set specific conditions and requirements for the type of work that qualifies for credit. This act will become effective on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 667 revises labor laws regarding employees who seek or hold public office. It prohibits employers from restricting employees from seeking election or appointment to city, county, or state public office, or from retaliating against them for doing so. During an employee's mandatory leave of absence for public service, employers cannot require the employee to use personal leave or benefits without their consent, nor can they require them to perform work. If an employer generally permits personal use of company devices, they cannot prohibit an employee on public service leave from using those devices for personal reasons.

Maddy summaryHB 882 generally revises alcohol laws, primarily impacting businesses like golf courses, hotels, ski hills, and guest ranches that hold alcohol licenses. The bill expands the permissible locations for these licensees to sell and serve alcoholic beverages on their properties. For instance, golf courses can now sell from additional buildings per 9 holes and portable devices, while hotels and ski hills can have multiple separate licensed alcohol service structures. Guest ranches gain clearer rules for serving in outdoor areas and various temporary or permanent structures. Licensees must pay an application fee for each additional service area.

Maddy summaryHB 584 revises laws regarding dental anesthesia inspections, directly affecting dentists who administer deep sedation, general anesthesia, or moderate sedation. The bill requires these dentists to obtain a permit and undergo facility inspections by the Board of Dentistry. It authorizes the Board to establish standards for permits, including education, experience, and facility equipment, and to charge associated fees. Initial inspections are required for facilities, with reinspections mandated every five years, and temporary permits may be granted.

Maddy summaryHB 953 revises Montana's Medicaid laws to allow for the coverage of direct primary care contracts under the state's Medicaid program. This bill directly affects Medicaid enrollees by providing them the option to use these services. It also prohibits the Department of Public Health and Human Services from requiring an enrollee to participate in primary care case management if they opt for a direct primary care contract. The bill provides a definition for "direct primary care contract" and includes an appropriation to support these changes.

Maddy summaryHB 86, known as the "Beer and Table Wine Distribution Act," revises laws governing the wholesale distribution of beer and table wine. It establishes a new distributor's license for businesses selling these products to licensed retailers or agency liquor stores, setting requirements and an initial fee. The bill mandates written agreements between suppliers (breweries, wineries, and importers) and distributors, outlining terms like sales territory and brands. Additionally, it prohibits distributors from holding a financial interest in retail establishments to maintain separation in the alcohol industry.