Sen. Daniel Zolnikov

Maddy summarySB 410, the Montana Genomic Security Act, prohibits medical and research facilities in Montana from using genetic sequencers or sequencing software produced by companies based in nations designated as "foreign adversaries" under federal regulations (e.g., China, Russia). Facilities must replace such technology, store all genetic data within the U.S., and obtain written consent for remote data access outside Montana. The bill requires annual compliance certifications to the Attorney General and imposes $10,000 fines per violation for noncompliance with data storage or technology bans. It directly affects hospitals, research labs, and health facilities receiving state funding or conducting genetic research.

Maddy summarySB 537 revises Montana's marijuana tax revenue distribution, directing funds from the marijuana state special revenue account to new and existing state accounts. It requires transferring excess funds annually to specific accounts, including 12% to the HEART account for addiction treatment and mental health programs, 20% to wildlife habitat projects, and 14% to behavioral health initiatives. The bill also allocates funds for law enforcement canine training, sexual assault evidence kits, and homeless shelter support, while modifying existing transfer rules for agencies like the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. These changes apply to all state agencies receiving marijuana tax revenue under Montana law.

Maddy summarySB 340, introduced by Senator D. Zolnikov, would have revised Montana’s environmental law by adding a $240 fee for filing lawsuits challenging agency decisions under the Montana Environmental Protection Act (MEPA). It would have required plaintiffs to cover agency costs for preparing records, limited follow-up lawsuits to new issues only, and prohibited courts from awarding attorney fees or costs to winning plaintiffs. The bill directed the $240 fee to the state’s environmental rehabilitation account, which funds mine reclamation and hazardous waste cleanup. However, the bill died in committee in May 2025 and never became law.

Maddy summarySB 470 revises Montana's election judge selection and notification procedures. It requires election administrators to notify county central committees when judges are permanently removed for violations or disruption, establishes a complaint process for committees if notifications are missed, and mandates that election boards include representatives from all political parties that submitted lists, with no single party holding a simple majority. The bill also updates training requirements, including certificate rules and requiring non-affiliated candidates to state party preference during training. This bill, which died in process in May 2025, directly affects county election administrators, central committees, and election judges.

Maddy summarySB 363 revises Montana's definition of a "tourist home" to clarify that it refers to an entire private home or condominium rented out in full to guests (daily or weekly), with the owner or manager *not* occupying the property. This change corrects a wording error in the current law (which mistakenly said "not never occupied") and distinguishes tourist homes from other lodging types like bed-and-breakfasts or guest ranches. The bill directly affects property owners who rent out entire homes as short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb-style stays), ensuring they are classified under this specific category for regulatory purposes. The definition change would determine which state regulations apply to these rentals, without altering other rules for lodging businesses.

Maddy summarySB 432 revises Montana's utility relocation laws by clarifying definitions related to infrastructure moving costs and expanding the scope of covered services. It specifically defines "cost of relocation" to exclude engineering expenses and broadens "utility" to include water/sewer systems, cable providers, and broadband services. This bill directly affects utilities needing to relocate infrastructure (like pipes or poles) for highway projects, ensuring clearer cost calculations and broader service coverage under state law.

Maddy summaryMontana's SB 411 would allow audio, video, or audiovisual recordings to be legally treated as valid wills, directly affecting individuals creating wills and courts handling probate cases. The bill requires courts to verify, through clear and convincing evidence, that the decedent intentionally created the recording as their will, was of sound mind, made it voluntarily, and wasn't under undue influence. It also mandates courts to include a written transcript of the recording in their order and defines "audiovisual recording" as a dated, timestamped video showing the decedent's face. The bill amended Montana's will statutes (sections 72-2-522, 72-3-301, etc.) but died in committee in May 2025.

Maddy summarySB 561 revises Montana's Public Service Commission membership structure, changing it from five elected members to two elected commissioners (from five districts) plus three governor-appointed commissioners. The bill requires commission districts to align with federal congressional districts after each census, mandates that appointed commissioners have no recent ties to regulated industries, and limits service to 12 years in a 24-year period for all members. It also adds new rules for filling vacancies, requiring gubernatorial appointments to match the former commissioner's party (if applicable) and prohibiting financial conflicts of interest for appointees. The bill aims to modernize the commission's composition and reduce potential industry influence.

Maddy summarySB 24 increases fines for railroad companies that obstruct highway crossings outside incorporated cities. It raises penalties from $25-$100 to $750-$1,500 for blocking crossings (e.g., stopping trains over 15 minutes or leaving objects on tracks) under existing Montana law. The bill directly affects rail operators and entities managing railroad infrastructure. It amends Section 69-14-626, MCA, with immediate effect, and was requested by the Public Service Commission. The change aims to strengthen enforcement of crossing safety rules without altering the core prohibition.

Maddy summarySB 408 requires Montana legislative bill drafting files to be treated as public records under existing state law, making them accessible to the public upon request. The bill defines these files to include draft versions of bills, research materials, legal analyses, and all communications between bill drafters, legislators, and third parties. It directly affects Montanans seeking transparency in lawmaking by providing access to the behind-the-scenes development of legislation. The key provision mandates that such files - previously not consistently public - must be disclosed in the same manner as other public records, with immediate effectiveness upon passage.