Sen. Janet Ellis

Maddy summarySB 559 establishes a formal appeals process for individuals or groups who disagree with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality's (DEQ) decisions on permits for air quality, water quality, or mining activities (including coal, uranium, and metal mines). It requires a $100 fee and a 30-day filing deadline to appeal to either a DEQ board or a district court in the county where the project is proposed. The bill specifies that appeals for projects costing over $1 million must be prioritized in court. This procedural bill, which did not become law (it "died in process" in 2025), would have changed how permit disputes are handled but did not alter environmental standards or permit requirements.

Maddy summarySB 25 regulates the use of artificial intelligence (AI) generated content, specifically "deepfakes," in election communications within Montana. It prohibits individuals, political entities, and corporations from distributing deepfakes of candidates or political parties in election communications within 60 days before an election. This prohibition applies unless the communication includes a clear disclosure stating that the content has been significantly edited by AI and depicts false speech or conduct. The bill outlines specific formatting requirements for this disclosure across various media, including print, television, and internet communications. It also provides for injunctive relief, damages, and penalties for violations.

Maddy summarySB 238 establishes the Supporting Bowhunters with Disabilities Program, aimed at helping hunters with disabilities acquire modified archery equipment. The bill creates an optional donation mechanism, allowing individuals to contribute $1 or more when purchasing certain hunting licenses. These donations will be deposited into a dedicated Supporting Bowhunters with Disabilities Account. Funds from this account will then be used to provide grants to qualified nonprofit organizations, enabling them to purchase and distribute modified archery equipment to eligible disabled hunters.