Maddy summarySB 96, the "Establish Working Animal Protection Act," prohibits local governments (cities, counties, towns) from banning or creating barriers to the use of working animals in commerce or services. It defines "working animals" as non-livestock animals used for specific duties like law enforcement, transportation, or education (excluding poultry, cattle, or dairy animals), and prevents local ordinances that would restrict their use. The bill explicitly states it does not override state animal welfare, public health, or safety laws, nor does it affect local zoning rules. This measure aims to ensure consistent statewide standards for businesses relying on working animals, such as service dog providers or animal-assisted therapy programs.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 94 prohibits Montana public employers from using public funds or resources for labor organization activities, directly affecting public sector workers like teachers and school staff. It bans contributions of public money to unions or paid leave for union work, but allows unpaid time off for such activities and permits using accrued personal leave under specific conditions. The bill requires unions to cover costs for paid leave used in union activities through annual invoices to public employers and mandates reporting on time spent on union-related work. These changes aim to limit public funding for union operations while establishing clear administrative procedures.
Maddy summarySB 299 requires Montana school districts to adopt policies ensuring parents have full access to their child's education records and must obtain written parental consent before certain instruction or presentations. It mandates at least 5 days' notice and consent for specific educational content, creates procedures for parents to object to lessons, and establishes a process for filing complaints about school practices. The bill amends Montana Code sections 40-6-701, 703, and 707 to strengthen parental rights regarding education, health records, and school activities, while allowing the Attorney General to sue districts for violations. These changes directly affect parents, school boards, and school districts by altering how schools communicate with and seek permission from families.
Maddy summarySB 210 would eliminate the statutory requirement for Montana's Board of Regents to include a student regent in its membership. Currently, the law mandates one seat for a full-time college student with a one-year term, appointed through a nomination process. The bill deletes this provision, meaning the Board would no longer need to appoint a student member. A transition plan requires the governor to appoint a replacement for the vacated position until January 2030, after which regular 7-year appointments would resume.
Maddy summarySB 164 amends Montana's endangering the welfare of children law to prohibit specific medical treatments for children under 16. The bill bans surgical procedures, puberty blockers, and hormone therapies (like estrogen or testosterone) when used to alter a child's appearance or affirm a gender identity inconsistent with their biological sex. Violating this prohibition is classified as a felony, carrying up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, with harsher penalties if the child suffers serious injury. The law would take effect on January 1, 2026, directly affecting medical providers, caregivers, and children under 16 who might receive these treatments.
Maddy summarySB 274 expands Montana's disabled veteran property tax assistance program to include veterans rated 60% to 90% disabled (previously limited to 100% disabled), directly affecting eligible veterans and surviving spouses. It revises eligibility definitions in Sections 15-6-301 and 15-6-311, MCA, to clarify qualifying income levels and requires annual adjustments using the PCE inflation factor to maintain benefit value. The bill also specifies that surviving spouses must provide VA documentation showing the veteran was rated 60%+ disabled at death. The changes would apply to property tax years beginning after December 31, 2025, with the bill taking effect immediately upon enactment.
Maddy summarySB 92 would make membership in Montana's State Bar voluntary for licensed attorneys, removing the requirement to join or pay dues as a condition of maintaining their law license. Currently, Montana lawyers must pay dues to the State Bar to practice, a rule established by the Supreme Court in 1974. The bill cites the 2018 *Janus v. AFSCME* Supreme Court decision, which held that government workers cannot be forced to pay union dues, arguing that lawyers similarly have a First Amendment right to choose association. The law would take effect July 1, 2026, if passed.
Maddy summarySB 93 revises state income tax laws concerning military pensions, retirement, and survivor benefits. The bill expands the eligibility for tax exemptions on these benefits to include certain individuals who became or remained residents of the state after a specific date. It also eliminates the previous 5-year limit for claiming the exemption and removes the statutory sunset, making the exemption permanent. This means more retired military members and their survivors in Montana will be able to exempt their military retirement income from state taxes indefinitely.
Maddy summarySB 218 establishes a private right of action, allowing minors, their legal guardians, or estates to file civil lawsuits against healthcare professionals and physicians. These lawsuits can be brought for injuries caused by specific medical interventions, including certain surgeries, hormone therapies, and puberty blockers, when provided to minors to treat gender dysphoria. Liability may arise if the injury is proximately caused by a deviation from the applicable medical standard of care. The bill sets a statute of limitations for these actions and clarifies that it does not apply to treatments for medically verifiable disorders of sex development or complications from prior medical treatments.
Maddy summarySB 97 revises state laws concerning where certain legal cases can be heard. It primarily affects individuals or groups who challenge the constitutionality of state laws enacted or amended within the current two-year legislative period. Under this bill, lawsuits that claim a recently passed law is unconstitutional or seek to prevent its enforcement must be filed in a county located within the legislative district of that law's primary sponsor. If such a case is initially filed elsewhere, the bill mandates a change of venue to the sponsor's legislative district.