Gianforte, required to ‘reside’ in Helena, claims homestead tax exemption for Bozeman property
The homestead tax treatment claimed by Gov. Greg Gianforte for his longtime Bozeman property requires owners to occupy the property as a “principal residence.” The Montana Constitution requires governors to “reside at the seat of government” in Helena. The governor’s office has cited a “work assignments” exception to the tax residency requirement.
Latest Government Reporting
Judge orders Montana DMV to issue driver’s license to youth who applied as nonbinary
A Missoula District Court judge concluded the Montana Department of Justice discriminated by failing to approve a license application with a sex marker that matched the youth’s birth certificate. A DOJ spokesman indicated the state will appeal.
State contest will pick new highway welcome signs
The Montana Department of Commerce says the contest will select a new design inspired by the new promotional brand state officials unveiled in May.
Why only two towns submitted proposals for an eastern Montana mental health facility
The Gianforte administration’s monthslong effort to find an eastern Montana location for a new mental health facility drew official interest from just two towns: Hardin and Miles City.
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Water back on at Montana State Prison
Running water returned to all parts of Montana State Prison, according to a press release from Montana Department of Corrections spokesperson Carolynn Stocker. The return comes a little more than two weeks after the department abruptly shut off supply to most of the facility in response to leaks in the system.
Montana State Prison pipe leaks create crisis and prompt broad water system overhaul
About 1,500 inmates at the state prison in Deer Lodge have been without running water for a week. Inmates and their families say they’re concerned about sanitation and safety for the roughly 90% of the prison’s population affected by the leak.
‘Concerned’ labor department to review addiction recovery program for medical providers
After a slew of public critiques, Montana’s labor department announced it will review the state’s process for monitoring medical providers struggling with addiction and mental health issues.
Legislative audit flags ‘instability’ in medical monitoring program for nurses, doctors
A program to monitor and support medical providers dealing with addiction and mental health issues has lost the trust of stakeholders, legislative auditors found, creating potential public safety and liability risks.
Initiatives seek to keep Montana judicial races nonpartisan
The first proposal would amend the state Constitution to require that judicial elections remain nonpartisan. The second proposal goes a step further by requiring any new court created by the Legislature to also be nonpartisan.
Montana attorney general to end legal services for state agencies
The Montana Department of Justice intends to stop providing legal and investigative services under contract to state agencies, citing concerns about the sustainability of the practice.
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MORE GOVERNMENT REPORTING
Governor sued over appointing legislator to lead state commerce department
A Jefferson County man is suing Gov. Greg Gianforte for appointing a state legislator to lead the Montana Department of Commerce. Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio was appointed while still representing Jefferson County in the Montana House. One of the former representative’s constituents, Jordan Williams, argues that the Montana Constitution’s “disqualification provision” bans legislators from appointments…
Gianforte replaces ACLU lobbyist on criminal justice council with rep from conservative group
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte has replaced an ACLU of Montana lobbyist on the state Criminal Justice Oversight Council with a representative from the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative legal organization.
Land Board votes to authorize state water regulator to protest 18 water rights
The Montana Land Board voted 4-1 to authorize Montana’s water right regulator to file protests on 18 privately held water rights that are used to irrigate State Trust Land.
Montana State Hospital CEO resigns for undisclosed reasons
The CEO of the state’s only public psychiatric hospital is stepping down after roughly a year on the job, according to a Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services press release Friday afternoon.
Gianforte names Clancy legislator new Commerce Department director
Rep. Marta Bertoglio, R-Clancy, fills a vacancy created by the departure of former Hardin lawmaker Paul Green. She will be Gov. Greg Gianforte’s third commerce director.
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