Rep. Ed Stafman

Maddy summaryHB 185 directs the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) to implement continuous eligibility for children under six years old in the Healthy Montana Kids plan. This means eligible children would remain enrolled in the program until their sixth birthday, regardless of changes in family income or other circumstances that might otherwise make them ineligible. DPHHS is required to apply for the necessary federal waivers and state plan amendments by July 1, 2025, and implement the continuous eligibility within six months of federal approval. The bill aims to provide consistent health coverage for young children enrolled in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program.

Maddy summaryHB 275 proposes creating a new "driving privilege card" for individuals who are ineligible for a standard driver's license under specific state provisions. To qualify, applicants must provide proof of identity and Montana residency, pass a driving examination, and not have their driving privileges suspended, revoked, or be otherwise disqualified due to safety concerns. This card permits the operation of a standard motor vehicle but not commercial vehicles, and it is valid for two years. The bill also specifies that the card can be revoked if the holder is in removal proceedings or has been ordered removed from the United States.

Maddy summaryHB 274 sought to establish a medical respite care program in Montana for homeless individuals who are eligible for Medicaid. This program would have provided short-term housing in residential facilities with supportive medical services for those recovering from illness or injury but not requiring hospitalization. Services would have included treatment plan monitoring, medication management, immunizations, discharge planning, and transportation for medical appointments. The bill directed the Department of Public Health and Human Services to seek federal approval for the program and to report annually on its costs and the number of individuals served.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 37 requests an interim study on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Montana. The study would investigate the presence of PFAS, including their sources, testing methods, and how people and the environment are exposed to them, particularly through food and water. It would also examine the dangers associated with PFAS exposure and explore potential solutions, such as public health interventions, environmental cleanup, product labeling, and legal actions. The findings and recommendations from this study are to be reported to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 272 aimed to designate legislative bill drafting files as public records, allowing citizens to request and view these documents. These files would include draft versions of bills, research, legal analyses, and communications between legislators and bill drafters. While making these files public, the bill clarified that a legislator's constitutional privilege protects them from prosecution for their legislative acts, meaning file contents could not be used as evidence against them in court. However, this privilege would not prevent the disclosure of the bill drafting files themselves, though private writings or communications with personal staff could remain protected unless voluntarily shared.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 565, also known as the "Building Families Act," would have required certain health insurance policies in Montana to cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, including in vitro fertilization (IVF). This mandate would have applied to small group, large group, and individual health insurance policies issued or renewed in the state. The bill defined infertility based on factors like age and time trying to conceive, or a physician's findings. It set a lifetime coverage minimum of at least $40,000 for fertilization services and aimed to ensure fertility coverage was not subject to different limitations than other medical benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 437 would have allowed health care providers in Montana to request the dismissal of criminal charges related to their professional conduct. If a provider filed such a motion, the state would be required to prove in court that the provider's actions were knowingly or purposely committed, not merely negligent, and that they were outside the accepted standards of care. If the state failed to meet this burden of proof, the court would dismiss the complaint, information, or indictment against the health care provider. The bill aimed to provide protections for health care providers.

Maddy summaryHB 273, the "Montana Medical Debt Patient Protection Act," aimed to limit how health care providers and third-party collectors pursue medical debt from patients in Montana. The bill would have prohibited certain collection actions, including wage garnishment, placing liens on a patient's primary residence, and reporting adverse information to credit agencies. It also mandated a 180-day waiting period after the first bill before "extraordinary collection actions," such as filing lawsuits or selling debt, could begin, along with requiring a 30-day notice to the patient. Additionally, it sought to provide patients with an opportunity to appeal insurance decisions before a bill went to collections.

Maddy summaryHB 737, titled "Generally revise suicide prevention laws," establishes a voluntary do-not-sell list to aid in suicide prevention for Montana citizens. This bill allows individuals to voluntarily waive their firearm rights by adding themselves to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) indices, restricting them from purchasing firearms. Voluntary waiver forms would be made available by state departments, courts, medical professionals, and local law enforcement. Individuals can request removal from the list, which typically takes 21 days, or seek expedited removal through a court hearing within two business days. The bill also provides for the confidentiality of waiver documents and prohibits discrimination based on a person's voluntary waiver, while outlining penalties for false statements or coercion.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 188 would revise the process for appointing members to legislative interim committees. It requires the Speaker of the House to appoint House interim committee members with advice from the Minority Leader. The bill mandates that the total number of members appointed from each chamber to these committees must reflect the partisan makeup of that chamber, and no interim committee may have a majority of its members from the minority party. Additionally, it revises the specific membership composition of the Environmental Quality Council to align with these new partisan appointment rules.