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This week in Helena, April 12-16
A roundup of the week’s key action in the 67th Montana Legislature, from regulatory takings to immunity passports.
Latest Government Reporting
Republicans target alleged bias in Supreme Court crisis
A challenge to the Legislature’s judicial appointment law spirals into a Republican-led investigation of the Montana judiciary over missing records. Democrats call it a ‘witch hunt’ designed to smear the judicial branch.
Missoula ballot allegations generate oblique response
Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen has issued an ‘open letter’ in apparent response to allegations of discrepancies in Missoula County election results.
Religious exemption revived in committee
Senate Bill 162 would have exempted religious organizations from the state’s campaign reporting requirements. It was tabled in mid-March. Now it’s back, piggybacked onto a new bill just days before a key legislative deadline.
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MORE GOVERNMENT REPORTING
Legislature passes black bear, grizzly bear and wolf proposals
Three proposals that seek to change how bears and wolves are managed in Montana passed out of the Legislature Wednesday on largely Republican support. The bills headed to Gov. Greg Gianforte’s desk in the coming weeks illustrate a deep divide between how Republican and Democratic lawmakers think about managing predators in the state.
Montana calls for a pause on Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine
COVID-19 vaccine providers across Montana have temporarily stopped administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, responding to a joint recommendation issued early this week by the Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration.
Increased shelter access for homeless youth shut down in committee
House lawmakers on the Human Services Committee tabled a bill on Tuesday that would allow minors to stay in emergency shelters and receive services without the consent of a parent or guardian, a measure proponents have said is crucial for the protection of vulnerable youth seeking safe harbor from dangerous living situations.
Rural schools have a teacher shortage. Why don’t people who live there, teach there?
Montana has the highest share of rural schools of any state. Finding and keeping qualified teachers is a challenge.
Lawmakers reject extra vetting for public assistance programs
A bill that could have interrupted health care coverage for thousands of low-income Montanans, and would have added additional hurdles for people enrolled in public assistance programs, was tabled in a House committee on Monday with bipartisan support.
Income tax overhaul in the mix
A late-session Republican bill would rework much of Montana’s tax system in the name of simplification, while lowering tax rates on high earners and eliminating some existing tax credits.