Sen. Josh Kassmier

Maddy summarySB 450 would allow Montana's House Speaker and Senate President (defined as "officers of the legislature") to file "friend of the court" briefs in state or federal cases involving the interpretation of state laws or legislative intent. This would enable them to provide official input on how statutes should be understood without replacing the Attorney General's authority to represent the state. The bill specifies that such participation would not waive legislative immunity or privilege, and would require approved funding for legal costs. However, the bill died in committee in May 2025 and never became law.

Maddy summarySB 562 would change Montana's primary election system for certain elected offices, specifically requiring that the two candidates receiving the most votes in a primary election advance to the general election, regardless of their political party. This applies to races for state legislative positions, as indicated by the bill's amendments to election codes governing legislative vacancies and candidate selection. The key mechanism eliminates separate party primaries for these offices, allowing all candidates to compete in a single primary where the top two vote-getters move forward. The bill aims to create a more inclusive primary process for voters in these specific races.

Maddy summarySB 529 would limit contributions from certain tax-exempt nonprofits (like 501(c)(4) groups) to Montana political committees. It sets a $2,500 cap on such contributions to support or oppose candidates or ballot measures, bans direct contributions to candidates, and prohibits contributions if the nonprofit received foreign donations in the past four years. The bill directly affects tax-exempt organizations and political committees, aiming to increase transparency in campaign financing. It does not apply to regular voters or general public funding. (Note: The bill died in committee in May 2025 and did not become law.)

Maddy summarySB 81 authorizes Montana's state board to lease public lands for underground storage of natural gas or liquefied gas (including carbon dioxide and methane), primarily affecting natural gas utilities operating in Montana. Key provisions include requiring lessees to pay for remaining natural gas deposits in the land, limiting bonds to $20,000 per lease, and mandating lease terms to prevent waste or damage to gas deposits. The bill also grants the state board rulemaking authority over these leases and forfeiture procedures for violations. This legislation failed to pass, dying in committee after its third reading failed in March 2025.

Maddy summarySB 323 would reduce Montana's top individual income tax rate from 5.9% to 4.9% for most taxpayers, including married couples filing jointly, heads of household, and single filers. It also increases the state's Earned Income Tax Credit, providing greater tax relief for low-to-moderate income workers. The bill amends Montana's tax code (sections 15-30-2103 and 15-30-2318) to adjust tax brackets and credit amounts, with changes applying to income above specific thresholds ($41,000 for joint filers, $30,750 for heads of household, and $20,500 for others). The bill was tabled in committee and died in process without becoming law.

Maddy summarySB 322 increases Montana's tax exemption for business equipment by setting a $500 threshold, meaning equipment costing under $500 would be automatically exempt from taxation. It also requires annual inflation adjustments to the exemption amount and modifies tax code sections to clarify definitions and eligibility. Local governments and tax increment financing districts would receive reimbursements for lost property tax revenue due to these changes. The bill directly affects Montana businesses purchasing equipment under $500 and local governments managing property tax revenue.

Maddy summarySB 321 proposes three tax credits to support Montana families and child-care providers. It would provide a $1,200 annual credit per child under age 5 for eligible residents (with income limits of $40,000 single/$80,000 married filing jointly), a $1,000 credit for child-care workers employed at least 6 months (20+ hours weekly), and a $2,500 employer credit for businesses offering dependent care assistance. All credits adjust annually for inflation and require filing a Montana tax return. The bill directly affects low-to-moderate-income families, child-care workers, and employers who provide on-site or subsidized care. (Note: The bill died in committee on May 23, 2025, and did not become law.)

Maddy summarySB 517 would require candidates for irrigation district commissioner to reside within the district they seek to represent. This bill amends Montana law to mandate that commissioner candidates live in the district and clarifies that voters in a specific district division (based on land ownership) elect commissioners for that division. The law would take effect immediately upon passage. This change directly affects individuals running for irrigation district commissioner positions across Montana.

Maddy summarySB 324 revises vehicle registration fees for high-end vehicles, adding a 1% fee based on the vehicle's manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the first year of registration after January 1, 2026, for cars over $150,000 and motorhomes over $300,000. It directly affects owners of these high-value vehicles, replacing a flat annual add-on fee with the percentage-based assessment. Revenue from these fees will fund two specific programs: grants for bridge projects through the Department of Transportation and services for crime victims via the Board of Crime Control. The bill also updates related sections of Montana law governing registration fees and special revenue accounts.

Maddy summarySB 74 generally revises existing marijuana laws, affecting licensed marijuana businesses, their owners, and the regulatory framework in the state. It updates definitions for terms such as "retail price" for tax purposes and "controlling beneficial owner." The bill removes probationary licensing options for marijuana testing laboratories and revises licensing fees for marijuana manufacturers. Additionally, it modifies requirements for property owner permissions on license renewals, adjusts marijuana hotline reporting, and permits a variance in the measurement of certain marijuana products like capsules and tinctures.