News updates from the Montana Legislature

GUIDES TO GOVERNMENT

How to Democracy

Your guide to public participation during an unprecedented hybrid legislative session.

by Amanda Eggert 01.12.202101.12.2021

Latest Headlines

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.

by Amanda Eggert, Eric Dietrich and Alex Sakariassen 04.16.202104.16.2021

COVID closes the Capitol

Lawmakers abruptly postponed Friday floor sessions in response to a positive COVID-19 case inside the Capitol. Here’s what happened, and how it affects the Legislature’s schedule.

by Alex Sakariassen 04.16.202104.16.2021

legislative news

Courts

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.

by Eric Dietrich 04.16.202104.18.2021

Campaign Spending

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.

by Amanda Eggert 04.15.202104.15.2021

Wildlife

Legislature passes black bear, grizzly bear and wolf proposals

Predator management takes center stage in bills destined for Gov. Gianforte’s desk.

by Amanda Eggert 04.15.202104.15.2021

Daily Legislative Update

Friday, April 9

The Session Podcast

Week 14

NEWS BRIEFS

Increased shelter access for homeless youth shut down in committee

Proponents said Senate Bill 16 would expand a safety net for vulnerable minors. The measure, which had already passed the Senate, failed in a 10-9 vote.

04.14.202104.15.2021

Lawmakers reject extra vetting for public assistance programs

Senate Bill 100 was tabled with bipartisan support after months of focused opposition.

04.13.202104.13.2021

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.

04.13.202104.13.2021

Property rights v. public good

A new 'regulatory takings' bill aims to give citizens a path to reimbursement for value lost due to government regulation. Critics say it could gut the state's ability to enforce environmental and public health rules.

04.13.202104.15.2021

Legislature overrides Gianforte’s first veto

A vote in the Montana House finalizes a veto override of a bill giving the Legislature more power over rulemaking at state agencies. It’s likely the first time since 2003 lawmakers have successfully challenged a Montana governor’s veto.

04.12.202104.12.2021

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LEGISLATIVE NEWS

Wildlife

Snares legalized and trapping season expanded

Gianforte signs two wolf management bills into law, with more likely headed to his desk.

by Amanda Eggert 04.12.202104.15.2021

Montana Commissioner of Political Practices

Montana Legislature

Clearing out a confidentiality clause

Ethics complaints are no longer confidential in Montana after Gianforte signs Missoula Rep. Brad Tschida’s ‘Bullock-Brad Battle Bill.’

by Alex Sakariassen 04.12.202104.12.2021

News

The Session podcast

What we’re looking forward to in week 15 of the Montana Legislature: parental rights and competing tax bills for adult-use marijuana.

by MTFP Staff 04.12.202104.12.2021

This week In Helena, April 5-9

MTFP’s roundup of the week’s key action in the 67th Montana Legislature, from the state budget to tax policy and energy bills.

by Mara Silvers and MTFP Staff 04.09.202104.09.2021

Unanimous Senate votes to override Gianforte’s first veto

Montana’s Senate voted unanimously Friday to override the first veto issued by Gov. Greg Gianforte, defending a bill that would make it easier for the Legislature to repeal administrative rules issued by state agencies.

by Eric Dietrich 04.09.202104.12.2021

The financial side of school choice

A pair of legislative proposals would rewrite how the state funds educational opportunities for students. Supporters say they want to give Montanans more choices, while opponents argue the changes threaten to steer public dollars to private religious institutions.

by Alex Sakariassen 04.08.202104.12.2021

NorthWestern Energy bill moves toward final approval in Senate

Senate Bill 379, which has been referred to as a “wish list for NorthWestern Energy,” passed a critical vote this week with near-unanimous GOP support.

by Amanda Eggert 04.07.202104.12.2021

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