Montana law faces challenge over impact on Indigenous voting rights
A new Montana law is facing legal challenges from the ACLU of Montana and others who argue it restricts Indigenous communities from participating in the state’s electoral process. Senate Bill 490 passed in the 2025 legislative session eliminates eight hours of voter registration on Election Day. The ACLU filed a motion to intervene in a case initially brought by the Montana Federation of Public Employees.
U.S. Senate passes bill reauthorizing funding for rural schools
The U.S. Senate has passed a bill reauthorizing billions of federal dollars to support schools roads and other services in rural counties in Montana and around the western United States. The newest “Secure Rural Schools and Self-Determination Program will run through 2026. Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy introduced the bill along with a bipartisan group of senators mostly from western states.
Montana’s unemployment rate remains among lowest in the nation
Governor Greg Gianforte has announced Montana’s unemployment rate remained near record lows in May at 2.8% placing the state among the top five in the nation for the lowest unemployment rates. May was the 47 consecutive month of unemployment at or below 3.4% and eight below 3%. Payroll jobs increased by 2,000 over the month with growth in the construction industry. Montana’s unemployment rate was 1.4 percent lower than the national rate 4.2% in May.
State budget includes new investments in tribal colleges repatriation
When Governor Greg Gianforte finalized Montana’s two-year budget several new investments for Indian Country. They include a historic increase in funding for tribal colleges and money devoted to repatriation efforts. The money will help fund priorities set by the Legislature’s American Indian Caucus.
Gianforte signs House Bill 226 into law cracking down on illegal hiring
Governor Greg Gianforte signed House Bill 226 into law this week that expands the state’s authority to police illegal hiring practices. While employers can face penalties the law does not provide guidance on how the state should address employees found working without verification. Employers refusing to provide requested documentation would be subject to a fine of up to $2,500 for each unverified employee they hire and may have their business license suspended after a third violation.
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Teachers at Hamilton High School will no longer have the discretion to allow cellphones or smartwatches in the classroom for instructional purposes this upcoming school year. Students will be allowed to use phones between class periods and at lunch as well as before and after school. The school board made those decisions this week during a special meeting.
The Missoula City Council has approved a plan to increase park capacity and open space for residents in underserved communities. The Parks Recreation Open Space Trees and Trails plan will replace the city’s existing 2004 master plan with a focus on developing new parks preserving open space and improving the city’s urban forest.
Residents in Laurel will soon be seeing higher water and sewer bills now that the Laurel City Council has unanimously approved rate increases. Laurel city administrative officers say they are needed because of rising energy prices and labor costs as well as a need for upgraded equipment. The charges will go into effect July 10th.
Montana’s behavioral health system build-out is zeroing in on Billings as the site of a new facility for criminal defendants in need of intense psychiatric treatment. The state’s system needs forensic beds where criminal defendants are ordered after being found by a judge to lack the mental fitness to stand trial in their own defense.
The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation will hold an Online Oil and Gas Lease Sale from August 28th through September 3rd hosted by the online auction service EnergyNet. The sale includes 9 tracts with 1 in Glacier County. All sales will be by online auction bidding and the DNRC is requesting comments from interested parties by July 18th.
