Rep. Curtis Schomer

Maddy summaryHJ 60 is a joint resolution requesting an interim committee study on kratom's effects and potential regulation in Montana. It directs the committee to investigate kratom's health benefits and risks, distribution methods in Montana, federal and other states' policies, and current state agency powers related to kratom. The study, required to conclude by September 2026, will examine kratom's use, health impacts, and regulatory approaches before making recommendations. This resolution does not create new laws or regulations but seeks information to inform future decisions.

Maddy summaryHJ 68 is a procedural joint resolution requesting an interim study of Montana State Fund's Plan 3 workers' compensation insurance for state employees. The study would examine specific aspects like rates, class codes, discounts, and whether agents receive monetary incentives for selling these policies. It requires the committee to complete the study by September 15, 2026, and report findings to the 70th Legislature. This resolution does not change any laws but aims to review how the insurance program operates. (Note: The bill died in process on May 22, 2025, and did not become law.)

Maddy summaryHB 630 requires that certain rules established by state departments, commissions, boards, or local authorities are not effective unless approved by the legislature. Specifically, any rules related to the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions or the calculation and application of the social cost of carbon must receive legislative approval at the next legislative session. This mechanism affects agencies that issue such environmental regulations, including those pertaining to the operation of motor vehicles. The bill ensures that the legislature has final say over these specific types of administrative rules.

Maddy summaryHB 930 revises watercraft laws concerning nighttime boating and waterskiing. The bill allows motorboats or vessels to tow persons engaged in waterskiing or similar activities between sunset and sunrise, which was previously prohibited. This is permitted if the vessel and the towed person are properly illuminated, as determined by rules adopted by the fish and wildlife commission. The bill also exempts professional exhibitions or authorized races from this restriction. It grants the fish and wildlife commission rulemaking authority for these new provisions and appropriates $1,000 for rule development and information dissemination.

Maddy summaryHB 429, titled the "Inflation Protection Act of 2025," proposed creating a new state special revenue account within the state special revenue fund. This account would be initially funded by a $50 million transfer from the state's general fund by July 15, 2025, with additional funding from future legislative transfers. The bill authorized the Board of Investments to invest the funds in this account in precious metals, digital assets, and stablecoins. Any proceeds generated from these investments would remain within the account, affecting the state's financial management and investment strategies.

Maddy summaryHB 931 clarifies that developing single-family or multifamily residential housing can be considered a commercial purpose for leasing state trust land. The bill specifically allows nonprofit corporations to lease state trust land to develop "attainable workforce housing." It revises the definition of "commercial purpose" within state law to include such residential developments under a master lease. This change aims to enable the creation of housing for workers on state-owned land.

Maddy summaryHB 794 revises general pharmacy laws, impacting pharmacies, pharmacy technicians, and clinical pharmacist practitioners. The bill updates and clarifies definitions, removes the utilization plan requirement for in-state and mail-order pharmacies, and mandates an endorsement for clinical pharmacist practitioners. It also eliminates outdated notification practices for biosimilar drug selection and generic drug signage requirements. Additionally, the bill clarifies pharmacy wholesale distribution licenses and the powers of the Board of Pharmacy, and adjusts provisions for insurance plans regarding out-of-state mail-order pharmacies.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Montana's job growth incentive tax credit program to include apprentices working in the construction industry. It amends state tax laws to officially classify construction apprentices as "qualifying new employees" for the purpose of calculating tax credits when employers hire them. Companies hiring apprentices in construction can now receive the same annual tax credit benefits as those hiring other new employees, provided the apprentices meet specific wage and employment duration requirements. The legislation also updates administrative procedures for how the Department of Labor and Industry processes credit applications and audits employer claims. These changes are set to remain in effect through December 31, 2028.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 140 establishes a property tax assistance program for certain first responders and their surviving spouses. It provides a reduction in residential property taxes for law enforcement officers and firefighters who were injured in the line of duty. Unmarried surviving spouses of first responders killed in the line of duty are also eligible for this assistance. The amount of the tax reduction is determined by the applicant's income, with lower incomes receiving a greater benefit. Eligibility requires the property to be the primary residence and the first responder to meet specific criteria related to their line-of-duty injury or death.

Maddy summaryHB 703 exempts specific state and local agencies in Montana from analyzing greenhouse gas emissions during certain environmental reviews. The bill states that the state department and local building departments are no longer required to analyze greenhouse gas emissions from covered appliances when adopting or enforcing building codes. It also exempts the state department from analyzing greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles, engines, and nonroad vehicles, and emissions originating outside the state's borders. The bill cites federal preemption laws as the basis for these exemptions from environmental review.