Rep. Brian Close

Maddy summaryHB 765 reestablishes the Working Interdisciplinary Network of Guardianship Stakeholders and a Public Guardianship Grant Program in Montana. The network, composed of nine members appointed by the Chief Justice, evaluates state laws, services, and practices related to adult guardianship and conservatorship, identifying system strengths and weaknesses and proposing training. The bill also creates a grant program within the judicial branch to fund organizations providing guardianship services to indigent individuals. These grants aim to offer training and guidance to family members, public defenders, judges, and volunteer guardians involved in guardianship cases. The overall goal is to enhance the quality of care and life for adults within the guardianship system.

Maddy summaryHB 766 revises the rules for disqualifying members of Montana's medical legal panel, which reviews medical malpractice cases. The bill adds specific grounds requiring disqualification, such as personal bias, financial interests in the case, or close relationships with involved parties (e.g., being a family member of a party or having a material witness role). It limits each party to three disqualification requests per panel member type (attorney or health care provider) and allows parties to waive disqualification after disclosure if they agree. This update clarifies when panel members must step aside to maintain impartiality in malpractice reviews.

Maddy summaryHB 777 proposes revisions to laws governing guardianships and conservatorships, affecting individuals appointed to care for adults and manage their assets. It requires all prospective guardians and conservators to disclose any bankruptcy proceedings or certain criminal convictions. Professional guardians and conservators, defined as those serving three or more unrelated individuals, would need to be certified and provide detailed information regarding their background, fees, and any disciplinary history. The bill also clarifies a guardian's duties concerning an adult's visitation and communication, and mandates the submission of a guardianship plan.

Maddy summaryHB 277 would have required a minimum 3-year lease term for mobile home lot rentals in Montana, affecting mobile home park landlords and tenants. This default 3-year term could be waived by a tenant through a documented, informed request for a shorter term. The bill also mandated that landlords provide at least 180 days' written notice before terminating a lease. It further outlined monetary damages for parties who terminate a rental agreement without cause before its expiration.

Maddy summaryHB 764 revises public transit laws, affecting how urban transportation districts are established and the reach of municipal bus services. The bill allows a county commissioner to file a petition to create or enlarge an urban transportation district, offering an additional method to the existing elector-initiated process. It also permits municipal bus services to operate beyond the current 8-mile limit from a city's boundary if funded by external sources like the federal or state government, a nonprofit, or if fulfilling an interlocal agreement.

Maddy summaryHJ 26 is a joint resolution requesting an interim legislative study on guardianship and conservatorship issues in Montana. The study will review existing resources and examine programs in other states for training, licensing, certification, and auditing of guardians and conservators. It will also identify potential costs, funding sources, and administrative placement for a Montana program. The study will involve input from various stakeholders, including guardians, family members, and legal and health professionals, with final results reported to the 69th Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) the authority to establish uniform administrative rules for the professional and occupational boards it oversees. These rules will specifically govern the procedures for handling contested administrative cases, which are formal disputes within the licensing process. The DLI will also be able to create rules for public notice requirements, potentially allowing the posting of a licensee's name and hearing details on a public website prior to a final decision on their license. This aims to standardize how these boards manage disagreements and provide public information about ongoing administrative actions.