Big Sky Times

The 2025 legislative session commenced with significant discord as nine Republican senators aligned with the Democrat caucus to reject existing Senate rules. Instead, they opted for a new set of rules crafted by the minority party. This decision also led to changes in committee assignments, overriding previous decisions made by the Committee on Committees. Despite attempts throughout the week to negotiate a resolution, no agreement was reached. Hearings are scheduled to begin this week.

While the House has begun organizing committees, no bills of notable interest to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) have been discussed so far. The NFIB is monitoring several bills on behalf of its members.

In terms of environmental regulations, Representative Julie Darling is introducing HB 64, aimed at streamlining processes for small businesses needing compliance assistance under the Clean Air Act. This bill proposes assigning a staff member from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) directly to assist small businesses instead of using an advisory council. The House Natural Resources Committee will hear this bill on Wednesday at 3 p.m.

House Bill 131, introduced by Representative Seekins-Crowe, seeks to reduce unemployment benefits from 24 weeks to 20 weeks and ensure cost savings benefit Montana businesses through adjusted rates. This bill will be heard on Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. in the House Business and Labor Committee.

There are numerous proposals that could impact workers’ compensation rates; some aim to increase benefits while others focus on reducing rates. NFIB plans discussions with employer groups and the State Fund next week regarding these proposals' potential effects on small business rates.

Senator Barry Usher is advocating for Senate Bill 19, which aims to enhance penalties for theft and bad checks in an effort to curb retail theft incidents. Although supported by NFIB in previous sessions, it did not pass in 2023. The bill is now with the Senate Judiciary committee but lacks a scheduled hearing date.

A proposal requiring businesses with over ten employees to provide paid sick leave is being monitored but has not yet been introduced as legislation; NFIB opposes it as unnecessary regulation.

Additionally, there is consideration of raising Montana's minimum wage to $12.06 per hour while maintaining Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA). The NFIB continues its opposition against this proposal.

Lastly, tort reform measures proposing reductions in statutes of limitations related to property improvements from eight or ten years down to six years are under observation by NFIB.

Updates from Helena affecting main street businesses in Montana will be posted weekly on their website.