Judge orders federal government to restore legal status for two MSU international students
U.S. District Court Judge Dana Christensen issued a temporary ruling Tuesday. He ordered the Department of Homeland Security to reinstate the legal status of two international students at Montana State University who had their visas revoked last week without notice by the Trump administration. Hundreds more nationwide had their visas rescinded as part of an immigration crackdown.
Committee tables bill to split health department
House Bill 851 would transfer the administration of state healthcare institutions and community-based programs to a new department of health services. The House had supported the bill on an 82-to 15 vote the Senate Public Health Welfare and Safety Committee has tabled the proposed legislation.
Property tax discussions drag on as worries of ‘stalemate’ persist
April 15th was tax day and In Montana’s capitol Tuesday axes were also the main topic of conversation for leadership of both parties. Property tax reform is seen as the major obstacle to the Legislature coming to a close and executive action on a number of bills currently in the Senate Taxation Committee is expected this morning on day number 77 of the 90-day session. Deals and amendments to bills have been circulating and likely will only increase in number as the session gets closer to the finish line.
Bills targeting Montana’s childcare challenges maintaining steam
With the 2025 legislative session in day number 77 of its allotted 90 days early childhood care and education advocates throughout the state are closely watching a string of policy proposals still alive to address ongoing challenges in the childcare sector. Barriers to childcare keep an estimated 66,000 Montanans from fully engaging in the workforce including workforce shortages and employee turnover in the childcare industry.
Senate Bill 117
Another approach to reducing property taxes is narrowly making its way through the Montana Legislature. Senate Bill 117 would require local governments to roll 25% of newly taxable residential property value into reducing rates and would increase the money those governments receive for inflation adjustments. The bill passed in the House Tuesday and must pass one more before being sent to the governor.
Federal funding freeze halts key infrastructure projects in tribal communities
More than 22 tribes and nonprofits across the country have had around $350 million in federal funding frozen. The freezing of Community Change Grants in Montana is impacting tribal communities by halting key infrastructure projects and other initiatives. The freeze has caused concern and uncertainty especially for tribal leaders who had been relying on these funds for various projects.
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The Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter has received a $50,000 donation from Stockman Bank. The money will help fund the ongoing capital campaign to build a larger and more efficient facility which will include upgraded medical and living spaces for animals expanded adoption areas and improved administrative offices. The new shelter is expected to be completed in 2028.
The Montana Legislature has approved Senate Bill 188 to boost private community solar projects across the state and lays requirements out for how they will connect with the state’s public utilities. Shared solar projects allow individuals who cannot put solar panels on their own property or business to invest in and benefit from solar energy.
The Alberton School Board is asking the community to raise taxes for operational expenses for the district which would cost taxpayers nearly $48,000 a year. The board unanimously approved a levy request to appear on the May ballot weeks after making cuts to music and STEM teachers to save money.
The City of Great Falls will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday morning kicking off at 11 at Elks Riverside Park. The event will feature eggs filled with candy coins and special prizes. The Easter Bunny will be there for photos.
