Sen. Forrest Mandeville

Maddy summarySB 141 requires new Montana legislators elected or appointed for the first time on or after July 1, 2025, to join the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) defined contribution plan as their default retirement plan. It does not affect current legislators or those taking office before July 2025. The bill specifies that new legislators without existing retirement system membership must enroll in PERS' defined contribution plan, while existing inactive/retired members have options to return to their previous system or join PERS' defined contribution plan. This changes the default retirement system for new legislators but does not alter contribution rates or benefits for current members.

Maddy summarySB 179 would have allowed Montana nonprofit living history organizations, volunteers, and historical reenactment groups to host "Wild West Casino Nights" as fundraising events. These events would permit the use of antique gambling devices (like replica roulette wheels or faro tables) with imitation money, limited to 12 hours total per year (split into two 6-hour sessions), and require prizes to be merchandise or cash under set limits. Proceeds would fund civic, charitable, or educational purposes, with no more than 50% of funds covering administrative costs, and organizers could not be paid. The bill died in committee in May 2025 and was never enacted.

Maddy summarySB 123 allows Montana's Division of Disaster and Emergency Services to coordinate multiple water-related permits during a governor-proclaimed emergency. It directly affects state agencies (like natural resources and environmental departments), local governments, and federal agencies handling permits for stream work, floodplain projects, river bed uses, and water quality certifications. The bill requires centralized coordination to prevent duplicate efforts, track permits publicly, and share technical data - without forcing federal action - while maintaining existing environmental standards for activities like construction near waterways.

Maddy summarySB 551 would establish a licensing system for online fantasy sports companies operating in Montana, requiring them to obtain approval from the Department of Justice. It defines "fantasy sports contests" as skill-based games where outcomes depend on player knowledge (not chance), mandates background checks for applicants, and sets fees for licensing and criminal background investigations. The bill also creates tax rules based on "internet fantasy sports contest adjusted revenues" and requires companies to maintain records for audits. This bill died in committee in May 2025 and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 240, the "Equality in Financial Services Act," prohibits large financial institutions (banks over $100B in assets or payment processors with $100B+ annual transactions) from denying or restricting services based on a person's protected activities, such as religious practice, political speech, business ties to fossil fuels/firearms, or refusal to conduct diversity audits. It requires institutions to provide written reasons for service denials within 30 days, detailing how protected activities influenced the decision. Violations could trigger $10,000 penalties per incident, plus triple damages for willful violations, and allow affected individuals to sue for damages or injunctions. The bill died in committee in May 2025 and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 122 sets minimum annual contribution rates for Montana's Highway Patrol Officers', Sheriffs', and Game Wardens/Peace Officers' retirement systems. It requires state and county employers to pay at least 38.33% (Highway Patrol) or 13.115% (Sheriffs') of employee compensation annually, with rates adjustable by no more than ±0.5% yearly. The bill mandates that contributions cover three components: paying down past obligations (legacy liability), covering current unfunded costs (contemporary liability), and funding future benefits (normal cost). These changes apply directly to state and county employers participating in these specific retirement systems.

Maddy summarySB 142 would have increased compensation for county election administrators in Montana. Specifically, it proposed adding up to $4,000 annually for clerks and recorders who also serve as election administrators, or up to $2,000 for separate election administrator positions. This extra pay would not count toward calculating salaries for other county employees like deputies. The bill directly affected county-level election administrators, who are typically elected or appointed county officials managing voter registration and election operations. The bill died in committee in 2025 and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SJ 47) requests a study of Montana’s current processes for creating new cities, towns, or counties, which directly affects communities seeking incorporation and local government entities. It directs a committee to review existing laws (Montana Code Annotated Title 7, Chapter 2), analyze requirements like population density rules, and identify redundant or outdated procedures. The study will examine historical incorporations, engage stakeholders (e.g., city/town associations, county commissioners), and propose modernization recommendations. It does not change current law but aims to streamline future incorporation processes. The findings must be reported to the 70th Legislature by September 2026.

Maddy summarySB 329 requires Montana employers with more than 50 employees to use the federal e-Verify system to confirm new hires' work authorization within three business days of hiring. It mandates employers to register for e-Verify, submit employee data for verification, and maintain records for three years or the duration of employment. Employers who fail to verify or employ unauthorized workers face fines up to $5,000 per violation, enforced by the Attorney General through investigations and potential license suspension. The bill exempts employers who hired staff before October 1, 2025, and those already complying with federal verification laws, while prohibiting local governments from blocking enforcement.

Maddy summarySB 174 revises Montana laws regarding the review of properties for rent or lease. The bill specifically requires that areas providing multiple spaces for recreational vehicles or mobile homes for rent or lease be considered "subdivisions." This change means such developments will now be subject to the state's subdivision review process, including oversight by local governing bodies. The aim is to apply existing subdivision regulations to these types of rental or lease arrangements.