‘Sine die’ motions bring the Montana Legislature’s 2025 session to a close.
The 69th Montana Legislature ended Wednesday after authorizing residential property tax relief and finalizing spending measures including a $16.6 billion budget bill to fund the state’s operations for the next two years. The House wrapped up its business with little fanfare at 12:59 in the afternoon while it took the Senate two votes before it adjourned later in the day.
Governor Gianforte Signs Bills to Reform Montana Environmental Policy Act
Governor Greg Gianforte signed five bills reforming the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) to protect the environment, reduce red tape, and provide business certainty. Joined by House Speaker Brandon Ler and DEQ Director Sonja Nowakowski, Gianforte emphasized the importance of these reforms for expediting permitting and enhancing Montana’s energy sector.
Montana Leads Nation in Reckless Driving Fatalities, Study Reveals
Montana recorded the highest rate of reckless driving fatalities from 2018 to 2022, with a rate five times higher than the national average, according to a ValuePenguin insurance study. Insurance analyst Rob Bhatt highlighted the significance of these findings. Researchers examined crashes involving erratic, reckless, or negligent driving. In Montana, reckless driving often includes excessive speeding and unsafe weaving through traffic. The study underscores the need for increased road safety measures.
‘Bill to enhance Montana’s voter registration opportunities heads to Governor’s desk’
The 69th Legislative session may be over but some bills still need to be signed into law by Governor Greg Gianforte. One is Senate bill 490 which will allow Montanans to register to vote on the Saturday before a federal election in addition to the morning hours on election day. It will also eliminate administrative barriers that cause unnecessary delays that impact voters election officials and the unveiling of results on election night.
Two Property Tax Restructure Bills Pass as Legislative Session Ends
Two major property tax relief bills Senate Bill 542 and House Bill 231 passed Wednesday on the last day of the 69th Legislative session. The coordinated bills give rebates for primary residences and reduce residential property taxes by raising taxes on second homes short-term rentals business and agricultural properties and now head to the governor’s desk.
Electricity demand could double in Pacific NW over next 2 decades
A new forecast released by the Northwest Power and Conservation Council says electricity demand could double over the next two decades in the Pacific Northwest which includes western Montana. The Bonneville Power Administration must acquire enough to be consistent with a plan required under the Northwest Power Act of 1980 as data centers electric vehicles homes and businesses will require more power.
Montana to add 117 beds to state prison with $211 million improvement project
Despite all the buildings at the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge there’s still not enough room for the more than 1,500 inmates but thanks the state Legislature the facility is going to get a little bit more elbow room. Montana will add 117 beds to state prison with a $211 million improvement project. Three of the four low-security housing project will be replaced with larger more efficient facilities.
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It will cost an extra dollar to stay at any hotel or motel in Butte-Silver Bow County starting today when a $1 nightly fee in place since 2011 doubles. Butte-Silver Bow commissioners say it will generate more revenue from mostly out-of-town visitors to market and promote Butte as a travel destination. Hotel owners and managers were given several weeks to incorporate the increase into their billing software but now that time is up.
Stockman Bank has donated $250,000 to support mental health and genetics care for Montana’s children. It is now Shodair Children’s Hospital’s premier leadership sponsor for it Hope Campaign to provide the services regardless of a family’s financial circumstances. Shodair is Montana’s only provider of pediatric-specific acute and residential psychiatric treatment.
As the Darby School District celebrates the 50th anniversary since its campus was built the school is looking to make infrastructure upgrades. Phase one will renovate the gym because it’s a community gathering space and a place for students and families from visiting teams’ schools to visit as well. The Darby School Excellence Fund Committee has donated half of the expected $600,000 to make it happen.
The Montana State Parks Foundation has launched the Park Accessibility Fundraiser which will run until July 15th to enhance accessibility in state parks for individuals with disabilities. Donations up to $30,000 will be matched dollar for dollar. In addition a raffle will be held with prizes including a camping trail running and fly fishing package.
Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Susie Hedalen celebrated the signing of House Bill 357 Wednesday. It ensures dedicated funding for career and technical education programs in middle schools. She and her staff will work to develop and implement guidelines for distributing funds to ensure schools can effectively expand their CTE offerings.
