Rep. Ken Walsh

Maddy summaryHB 919 is an act designed to implement provisions of House Bill No. 2. It amends state law regarding the Board of Investments, which is responsible for managing public funds. The bill requires the Board of Investments to perform its duties within a restricted fiduciary fund type, subject to specific state law restrictions. This change aims to ensure that the board manages investments under stricter guidelines for the responsible handling of funds.

Maddy summaryHB 256 proposed creating the Montana Water Development State Special Revenue Account to fund water-related projects and infrastructure. This new account would be established with gifts, legislative transfers, and $100 million transferred from the state's general fund over two years. The earnings from this account would be distributed, with 90% allocated to the water storage state special revenue account for state-owned water storage projects. The remaining 10% would go to the natural resources projects state special revenue account to support water storage pilot projects and dam inspections, ultimately affecting water infrastructure and safety across Montana.

Maddy summaryHB 163 proposed creating a new individual income tax credit for health care professionals who volunteer as preceptors in Montana. The bill would allow licensed preceptors to claim a $1,000 credit for each eligible clinical rotation, up to a maximum of $5,000 per tax year, provided they do not receive compensation for their supervisory role. An eligible clinical rotation requires a minimum of 100 hours of direct supervised training for students in various graduate-level health care programs within the state. This nonrefundable credit aimed to support preceptors who educate advanced practice registered nursing, medical, physician assistant, and other health care students.

Maddy summaryHB 886 proposed the establishment of a dedicated water division court and water division judges. This bill aimed to revise the court's jurisdiction to include the enforcement of water rights and supervision of water distribution. It outlined procedures for the Governor to appoint these judges, detailing nominations, terms, and vacancy replacements. The legislation also sought to clarify complaint processes for dissatisfied water users and update laws related to water commissioners and mediators. This would have directly affected individuals and entities involved in water rights and distribution by creating a specialized judicial body for these issues.

Maddy summaryHB 775 repeals the sunset date on laws governing judicial review of water rights, ensuring the Water Court's authority in this area continues indefinitely. This bill specifically repeals Section 6, Chapter 126, Laws of 2017, which previously set an expiration for these provisions. It also authorizes the Water Court to review certain decisions made by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and clarifies the Water Court's responsibilities. The bill directly affects the operations of the Water Court and the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, as well as stakeholders involved in water rights.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 932 revises laws related to funding for conservation efforts, primarily by reallocating a portion of the state's marijuana tax revenue. The bill establishes a new Habitat Legacy Account, which receives 20% of the net balance from the Marijuana State Special Revenue Account after an initial transfer. Funds from this Habitat Legacy Account are then distributed into three other new accounts. These accounts are dedicated to securing wildlife habitat, funding wildlife improvement projects, and supporting the design and construction of big game and wildlife highway crossings to enhance animal movement and safety. The Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks is responsible for administering these new accounts.

Maddy summaryHB 516 transfers the Workers' Compensation Judge and the Workers' Compensation Court from the Department of Labor and Industry to the Judicial Branch. This new court will be presided over by a judge appointed by the governor, with qualifications and salary similar to district court judges. The Montana Supreme Court will supervise the court's activities and personnel. A dedicated Workers' Compensation Court Fund will be established to cover expenses, receiving an annual transfer of $500,000 from the Workers' Compensation Administration Fund. The bill also provides a one-time option for the current workers' compensation judge to remain in their existing retirement system.

Maddy summaryHB 680 revises laws concerning the Montana Heritage Preservation and Development Commission's contracting powers. The bill allows the commission to enter into commercial leases for up to 99 years with private organizations that invest substantial capital in properties managed by the commission. This extends the previous 20-year contract term limit for private organizations, aiming to facilitate long-term investment in these heritage properties. The act became effective immediately upon passage and approval.

Maddy summaryHB 846 revises property taxation for school districts by establishing a system of "reconciliation payments" between them. These payments apply when a student, defined as an "isolated pupil," resides in one school district but attends school in a contiguous district because geographic conditions prevent access to the resident district's services. A school district educating an isolated pupil can petition the county superintendent for a payment from the pupil's resident district, provided specific financial and geographic criteria are met. If approved, the resident school district is required to levy a property tax to make this reconciliation payment, reimbursing the attending district for the isolated pupil's education.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises state law to provide a continuous, automatic funding mechanism for the state's reinsurance program. It designates assessments collected from members of the reinsurance association, along with any earned interest, as statutorily appropriated. This means these funds can be spent by the program's administrator, the commissioner, without requiring new legislative approval each budget cycle. The money is specifically for covering the administration, operation, and claims expenses of the reinsurance program.