Montana’s Unemployment Rate Drops to 2.8%
Montana’s unemployment rate has fallen to 2.8 percent, continuing the record of 43 consecutive months of unemployment at or below 3.4 percent. According to the Governor’s office it’s the lowest unemployment rate since September 2023. Montana’s rate was 1.2 percent lower than the national rate.
Senate Bill 296, “Alan’s Law,” Faces House Human Services Committee
Senate Bill 296 is before the House Human Services committee this afternoon. SB 296 establishes enhanced penalties for offenses committed against vulnerable persons in caregiving facilities. Known as “Alan’s Law,” it mandates additional prison terms of 1 to 10 years for guilty individuals, with sentences running consecutively. The bill defines caregiving facilities and vulnerable persons, aiming to protect those in care environments. (more)
Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Emphasizes Balanced Regulation for Digital Assets
Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown was recently asked about the significance of digital assets and tokens. Commissioner Brown highlighted the importance of public engagement in shaping responsible policies: and said, “Digital assets offer both opportunities and risks. My goal is to implement fair regulations that protect investors while fostering innovation.”
Senator Tim Sheehy Appointed to U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors by President Trump
U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy has been appointed to the United States Naval Academy Board of Visitors by President Donald J. Trump. The duty of the Academy’s Board of Visitors is to inquire into the state of morale and discipline, the curriculum, instruction, and other matters relating to the academy. Sheehy is a former Navy Seal Officer with several deployments and is a 2008 graduate of the academy.
Montana House Bill 236 Passes, Enhancing Psychological Care Access in Detention Centers
House Bill 236 would enhance psychological care access in Montana detention centers, ensuring prisoners’ constitutional rights to due process. Current law only mandates screening at one facility, causing backlogs. HB 236 would codify practices like telehealth consultations and outside psychiatric care. Senator Barry Usher questioned the bill’s necessity, but it passed the House with wide support and faced no opposition in the Senate hearing, Monday.
Judge Menahan Blocks Additional Abortion Restriction Laws and Medicaid Funding Rule in Montana
Lewis and Clark County District Court Judge Mike Menahan has added to his recent rulings striking down abortion restriction laws passed last session. These include laws that in most cases banned dilation and evacuation abortions and placing heavy restrictions on telehealth medication abortions and a bill requiring viability determinations before any abortion procedure. On Tuesday, Menahan blocked two other 2023 laws and a rule from the Department of Public Health and Human Services that restricted Medicaid funding of abortions in the state.
Governor Gianforte Celebrates National Agriculture Day with Ceremony at State Capitol
Governor Greg Gianforte will celebrate National Agriculture Day today as part of a ceremony in the rotunda of the State Capital. The Governor will be joined by Montana Departgment of Agriculure Director Jillien Streit and East Helena Future Farmers of America students. Governor Gianforte will deliver remarks and sign a proclamation in recognition of the event.
