Sen. Greg Hertz

Maddy summarySB 40 would require Montana's Supreme Court to publicly disclose its deliberations by mandating recordings of closed meetings and making those records available after a case is final. It amends Montana law (sections 2-3-203, 2-3-212, and 2-6-1002, MCA) to ensure closed judicial discussions - currently private - are recorded and accessible to the public once all appeals are exhausted. The bill directly affects the Montana Supreme Court's internal proceedings and expands public access to judicial decision-making. Key provisions include requiring electronic recordings of closed meetings, redacting only confidential information as defined by law, and specifying that cases become final after all review periods expire.

Maddy summarySB 536 revises Montana's contractor gross receipts tax by creating an exemption for certain individuals and businesses in good standing, requiring them to apply for the exemption. It specifically allows employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) companies to claim a credit against real property taxes, extending the timeframe to claim this credit from 5 to 7 years. The bill also clarifies that this credit can offset property taxes paid in Montana for business-related property. These changes apply to contractors with public contracts exceeding $80,000 and take effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 167 would have transferred $10 million from Montana's general fund to the Noxious Weed Management Trust Fund by June 30, 2025, as required by the state constitution. This fund supports invasive plant management programs, directly affecting Montana's state agencies and land managers responsible for controlling noxious weeds. The bill also updated rules to require that one-quarter of the fund's interest and income remain within the trust, while allowing deposits from federal funds, private donations, or state contributions. It specified an immediate effective date upon enactment. The bill was vetoed by the governor and later failed to override in the legislature.

Maddy summarySB 204 would have limited most voter-approved property tax levies (mill levies) to a 10-year duration without requiring reapproval by voters. It directly affects local governments - including school districts, cities, and counties - that collect property taxes, requiring them to seek voter reapproval before existing levies expire. Key provisions include setting termination dates for all levies after 10 years (unless exceptions apply) and listing specific exceptions for school levies, community colleges, law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency medical services. The bill aimed to ensure ongoing voter oversight of property tax rates while maintaining stability for essential public services. (Note: The bill died in process on May 23, 2025, and did not become law.)

Maddy summarySB 222 would have repealed Montana's 2-year ban on lobbying for public employees who leave government jobs. It specifically targeted Section 5-7-310 of the Montana Code Annotated, which prohibited former government workers from lobbying for two years after departing public service. The bill aimed to eliminate this waiting period, allowing public employees to immediately engage in lobbying activities upon leaving their positions. The repeal would have taken effect immediately upon the bill's passage. (Note: The bill died in the Senate on May 23, 2025, and did not become law.)

Maddy summarySB 539 proposes changes to Montana's property taxation system by clarifying the difference between taxes and special assessments. It requires that special assessments (like those for specific property improvements) must directly compensate owners for services received and match the benefit, while general assessments are treated as taxes. The bill also excludes certain rural properties (without homes, not adjacent to districts, and with public road access) from rural special district assessments and creates a direct appeal path to the Montana Tax Appeal Board for property tax exemption decisions. These changes would affect property owners, local governments, and the Tax Appeal Board, though the bill died in committee in May 2025 and is not law.

Maddy summarySB 415 would require milk processors to label all pasteurized milk containers with a clear "best by" date (indicating freshness window) and pasteurization date, displayed in specific formats (Arabic numerals, 1/8-inch minimum size, contrasting color). It prohibits the use of "sell by" dates, repeals outdated labeling rules (ARM 32.8.202-206), and bans the Department of Livestock from creating new rules on this matter. The bill directly affects milk processors, retailers, and consumers by standardizing date labeling for safety and transparency. However, the bill died in committee in May 2025 and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryThis study resolution (SJ 44) requests the Montana Legislature to examine existing affordable housing programs, including HB 819 (2023) and the Coal Trust Multifamily Homes loan program, to evaluate their costs, benefits, and effectiveness in reducing housing costs. It directs a study committee to compare local, state, and federal housing initiatives, analyze housing choice vouchers versus construction subsidies, and identify successful programs. The study was approved by the Senate in April 2025 but died in the House committee process on May 23, 2025, meaning no formal study was conducted. It does not create new laws but aims to inform future policy decisions about housing affordability.

Maddy summarySB 205 would have revised Montana's voter approval requirements for local property tax levies and bond elections. It would have increased the minimum voter turnout threshold for county bond elections from 30% to 40% (requiring 50%+ of votes cast to approve), and raised the threshold for city/town bond elections from 40% to 50% turnout (also requiring 50%+ of votes cast). These changes directly affected counties and municipalities seeking voter approval for bond measures or mill levies. The bill died in process in May 2025 and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 386, the Montana Local Meat Act, exempts small-scale ranchers, farms, and home-based processors from state food licensing, inspection, and labeling requirements when selling locally processed meat directly to consumers. It allows these processors to sell meat raised, slaughtered, and processed on their own premises only to "informed end consumers" who are told the meat hasn't been inspected or regulated. The law requires a clear warning label stating the meat is unregulated, prohibits resale or commercial redistribution, and restricts sales to Montana-only transactions. This directly affects local meat producers and consumers seeking direct access to unregulated, locally sourced meat products.