Rep. Greg Oblander

Maddy summaryHB 929 proposes to revise laws related to chiropractic practitioners in Montana. The bill would establish an optional license endorsement allowing chiropractors who meet specific requirements to prescribe a limited formulary of noncontrolled, nonscheduled drugs. These drugs include items like over-the-counter analgesics, prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants, intended for musculoskeletal treatment and pain. The Board of Chiropractors would be responsible for establishing the educational qualifications, application procedures, and prescribing protocols for this endorsement, for which a fee may be assessed.

Maddy summaryHB 678 proposes revisions to the "statement of purpose and implication" for statewide ballot issues presented to voters. It amends the existing structure to require the second part of this statement to be an itemized and bulleted list. This list must detail the primary impacts of the proposal, including specific changes and what remains the same, while explicitly prohibiting generalized assumptions or opinions, and is limited to 150 words. The first part of the statement would remain a 135-word explanation in complete sentences, and the overall statement must remain true, impartial, and in plain language. These revised statements would serve as both the petition title and the ballot title.

Maddy summaryHB 461 proposes a property tax exemption for certain owner-occupied residential properties. It directly affects homeowners aged 65 or older who have continuously used the property as their primary residence for at least five years. The exemption amount is calculated based on the increase in market value compared to a "base year" when the exemption was first approved. Homeowners must apply annually by March 1, and the exemption can terminate if the property is sold, undergoes new construction or significant remodeling, or is reclassified.

Maddy summaryHB 489, titled the "Local Option Property Tax Relief Act," would have allowed consolidated city-counties or counties to implement a local sales tax. This tax, requiring voter approval and capped at 4%, would apply to specific goods and services, excluding items like medical supplies and SNAP-eligible food products. The revenue generated from this local option tax would be specifically used to provide property tax relief for primary residences and long-term rental properties. A portion of the revenue would also be distributed to local governments that do not levy the tax.

Maddy summaryHB 500 aimed to revise laws related to chiropractic practitioners in Montana. The bill sought to establish a new license endorsement, allowing chiropractors who obtain it to prescribe certain noncontrolled, nonscheduled drugs like muscle relaxants and NSAIDs for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The Board of Chiropractors would have been responsible for setting the educational qualifications and protocols for this prescriptive authority. Additionally, the bill proposed that chiropractic services be included as part of the Montana Medicaid program.

Maddy summaryHB 797, also known as the "Expanding Physician Access Act," aims to revise occupational licensing laws to facilitate the licensure of international physicians. The bill establishes a process for the board to grant provisional licenses to international physicians who meet specific educational, examination, and experience requirements, and have an employment offer from a healthcare provider in the state. These provisional licenses automatically convert to full licenses after three years of continuous active practice in the state. This initiative seeks to remove barriers for internationally licensed physicians to fill vacancies, particularly in rural and primary care settings, while maintaining existing standards of care and licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 501 proposed a new, limited process for residential property owners to remove individuals unlawfully occupying their homes. Under this bill, owners could submit a complaint to local law enforcement, who would then verify the owner's claim and serve a 24-hour notice to vacate to the unauthorized person. This process was specifically for individuals who had unlawfully entered and remained, and it did not apply to current or former tenants with written agreements or immediate family members. The bill also outlined conditions for owners to meet and allowed individuals wrongfully removed to pursue legal action against the owner.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 677 aimed to revise laws related to driver's licenses by establishing a new consequence for driving without insurance. The bill proposed that the state's department of motor vehicles would be required to suspend the driver's license or driving privilege of any person determined to have driven a vehicle without the legally required insurance coverage. This measure would have added a specific enforcement mechanism for non-compliance with mandatory vehicle insurance laws.

Maddy summaryHB 362 seeks to revise the Unit Ownership Act, which governs properties with shared common elements like condominiums. This bill directly affects unit owners by changing the required agreement threshold for altering their percentage of undivided interest in these common elements. Currently, all unit owners must agree to such changes. HB 362 proposes to lower this requirement, allowing changes to be made if 75% of unit owners agree and record an amendment.

Maddy summaryHB 867 establishes a medical assistance program specifically for licensed chiropractors and veterinarians. This program provides support and monitors rehabilitation for these professionals who are impaired by substance abuse, mental illness, or chronic physical illness. To fund this initiative, the bill allows the respective boards to adjust the license renewal fees for chiropractors and veterinarians. It also updates existing laws concerning the confidentiality and auditing of professional medical assistance programs to include these new licensee groups.