Maddy summarySB 526 establishes a grant program to fund tribal colleges in Montana developing community health aide and dental health aide training programs. The program provides up to $3 million per institution, including a $1 million startup grant and $500,000 annually for four years, to expand or create education programs qualifying graduates for federal certification. Tribal colleges receiving grants must report annually on program outcomes, including graduates, provider certifications, patient access metrics, and cost-effectiveness. The bill directly affects tribal colleges and aims to address healthcare disparities in American Indian and Alaska Native communities by increasing local provider capacity. It allocates $1.5 million from the general fund for the 2025-2027 biennium to support this initiative.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis resolution recommends Montana join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, which would direct the state to award all 3 of its electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the most votes nationwide. If adopted, Montana would shift from its current system (where electoral votes are awarded based on state-level results) to a method aligning with the national popular vote in future elections. The compact requires states controlling 270 electoral votes to join before taking effect, and as of 2024, 17 states plus D.C. have joined with 209 electoral votes. The resolution does not change Montana's current voting rules but proposes a future shift in how its electoral votes are allocated.
Maddy summarySB 220 would have required Montana counties to establish permanent satellite election offices on federally recognized Indian reservations (or in tribal service areas if no reservation exists), open within 7 days of voter registration. It would have allowed voters to use "nontraditional addresses" (e.g., specific landmarks) for registration and voting, and recognized tribal photo IDs as valid voter ID without requiring an address or expiration date. The bill also mandated that polling place notices explicitly include reservation locations and updated election procedures for tribal communities. The bill died in committee in May 2025 and was never enacted.
Maddy summarySB 187 would revise Montana's Medicaid program by eliminating the termination date for the Medicaid expansion (making it permanent) and adding new coverage for auxiliary personnel services (like community health integration and illness navigation) and traditional healing services (provided by tribal or Indian health facilities). These changes would directly affect Medicaid beneficiaries, particularly in rural and tribal communities, by expanding access to these specific services. The bill also amends existing Medicaid service provisions and repeals outdated sections of the law to implement these updates.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 147 repeals Section 55 of Chapter 716, Laws of 2023. It also requires the Montana Secretary of State to send a copy of this act to each federally recognized tribal government in Montana. The bill took effect immediately upon passage and approval.
Maddy summarySB 182 revises the Montana Indian language preservation program to strengthen the state's commitment to preserving American Indian cultural integrity and languages. The bill provides greater flexibility for Montana tribes to partner with various educational entities, including public, nonpublic, and tribal schools, and postsecondary institutions. It encourages integrating program efforts with school district immersion programs and emphasizes collaborative professional development and the use of existing tribal language materials. The Office of Public Instruction administers the program, distributing funds equally to participating tribal governments who submit applications detailing their language preservation strategies.
Maddy summarySB 181 generally revises Montana's Indian Education for All laws to strengthen the state's commitment to preserving American Indian cultural integrity. The bill requires all certified school personnel and students to receive instruction in American Indian studies, emphasizing tribal consultation and the use of Indian language and cultural specialists. It places additional accountability and reporting requirements on the Board of Public Education, the Office of Public Instruction, and school districts, particularly regarding the financial oversight of state funds for these programs. This legislation aims to improve the delivery and accountability of American Indian education across Montana's public education system.
Maddy summarySB 303 requires designated state agencies in Montana to submit annual reports detailing financial assistance provided directly or indirectly to tribal entities. This includes both state and federal funds passed through the state, in forms such as grants, contracts, and loans. The Office of Budget and Program Planning then compiles these agency reports into a comprehensive document. This compiled report is submitted to the State-Tribal Relations Committee, the Legislative Finance Committee, and the Office of State Director of Indian Affairs, and is also posted on the latter's website. The reports must specify the amount, recipient, purpose, and any administrative costs or retained funds associated with the assistance.
Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 29 (SJ 29) requests an interim study to examine how the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) can coordinate efforts. The study aims to address the health and learning needs of children who have been prenatally exposed to methamphetamine and fentanyl. An assigned committee will gather statistics, research approaches from other states, and develop proposals in collaboration with various entities, including tribal governments and early childhood providers. The final results and recommendations from this study will be reported to the 70th Legislature.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 105 revises election laws by expanding the timeframe for prohibiting electioneering activities near polling locations. The bill prohibits activities such as campaigning, distributing items of value to voters, and displaying campaign insignia within polling places or 100 feet of their entrances. These restrictions, which previously applied only on election day, will now be in effect for all elections from when absentee ballots are available until all voting is completed. It also maintains the prohibition on soliciting voter information within polling places.