Rep. Braxton Mitchell

Maddy summaryHB 395 proposed updating Montana's legal definitions related to voting eligibility for individuals with mental health conditions. It aimed to revise the definitions of "unsound mind" and "mental health facility" in voting law, specifically amending sections of Montana Code Annotated (MCA) that govern voter eligibility. The bill did not change voting procedures or eligibility rules itself but focused solely on clarifying terminology used in existing voting statutes. As a definitional amendment, it was considered procedural rather than substantive. The bill died in committee in May 2025 and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 247 repealed Montana Code Annotated section 27-1-223, which previously allowed lawsuits for damages related to injuries or deaths occurring during duels. The bill eliminated the legal remedy for duel-related harm, addressing an obsolete provision as dueling has been illegal for centuries. This procedural bill died in committee (died in process) after failing second reading in May 2025, with no current effect on Montana law.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 604, also known as the "Work Protection Act," aims to establish statewide uniformity by prohibiting local governments from creating or administering guaranteed income programs. The bill defines a guaranteed income program as one providing regular, unearned cash payments to individuals for any purpose, excluding programs requiring work or training. It prevents political subdivisions, such as counties and cities, from adopting related ordinances or rules. The Attorney General is authorized to issue cease and desist orders and pursue legal action against any local government that violates this prohibition.

Maddy summaryThis bill, HB 818, revises campaign finance laws in Montana by prohibiting foreign nationals from directly or indirectly influencing statewide ballot issues. It prevents foreign nationals from making contributions or expenditures related to ballot issues, electioneering communications, or political committees. The bill also prohibits individuals and entities in Montana from knowingly soliciting or accepting funds from foreign nationals for these purposes. It grants investigatory authority to the Commissioner of Political Practices or county attorneys and establishes civil actions and penalties, including fines, for violations.

Maddy summaryHB 495, titled the "Repeal federal mandates act," repeals the existing Federal Mandates Act in Montana. This bill removes sections 2-1-401 through 2-1-409 of the Montana Code Annotated. These repealed sections previously outlined the state's framework for addressing federal mandates, including legislative declarations, definitions, reporting requirements, and legislative oversight of federal statutes and executive orders. The bill revises reporting requirements by eliminating these specific provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 819 revises laws regarding flag and banner displays on government property in Montana. The bill restricts displays on state buildings, grounds, public schools, and other government-owned facilities to a specific list of flags. Permitted flags include official governmental, military, historical, school-related, and law enforcement flags. It explicitly prohibits flags or banners that represent a political viewpoint, such as those related to political parties, race, sexual orientation, gender, or political ideology, while clarifying it does not limit private speech.

Maddy summaryHB 809 prohibits local governments in Montana from enacting, adopting, or enforcing any "extreme risk protection order," also known as a red flag gun law. It prevents local authorities from creating policies that would enforce such orders against residents or from receiving funds related to their implementation. A local government violating this law could face a civil penalty of up to $10,000. This bill directly affects Montana's local governments and residents by limiting local control over firearm regulations concerning extreme risk protection orders.

Maddy summaryHB 719 revises state election laws by requiring electors to provide their date of birth during the voter registration process. It also mandates that absentee voters include their date of birth on the signature envelope when returning their ballot. Election administrators are then required to verify this date of birth against registration records before counting an absentee ballot. This bill directly affects individuals registering to vote and those casting absentee ballots.

Maddy summaryHB 178 limits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems by state and local government entities and officers. The bill prohibits AI use for cognitive behavioral manipulation, unlawful discrimination, deceptive purposes, and most public space surveillance, with specific exceptions. It requires government entities to disclose when AI-produced material is published without human review or when an AI system is used in public interfaces. Additionally, any AI recommendation or decision that could impact a person's rights, duties, or privileges must be reviewed and can be modified or rejected by a trained human in a responsible position.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 56 requests an interim study of search and rescue services and their funding across Montana. The study aims to review current reimbursement amounts for local operations, streamline the reimbursement process, and address how funding affects tribal search and rescue teams. It will also examine existing funding sources and allocations for the state's search and rescue fund, with the goal of potentially centralizing its administration. The findings and recommendations from this study are to be reported to the 70th Legislature.