Big Sky Times

The legislative session in Helena is approaching significant deadlines, with February 26 marking the last day to introduce general bills. Revenue-raising or money-appropriating bills have a few more weeks for introduction. The transmittal deadline on March 5 requires all general bills to pass their originating chamber or face termination in the process.

State Director Ronda Wiggers reports that over 300 bills are currently in editing and will be guaranteed a hearing before the transmittal deadline. To manage this workload, Wiggers has adjusted her weekly report format to better track bill progress.

Several key pieces of legislation are under consideration:

In unemployment insurance, HB 131 aims to reduce benefit duration from 24 weeks to 20 but was tabled by the Appropriations Committee despite passing the House floor debate. HB 210 seeks to create a lower tier of UI premiums and has moved to the Senate Business & Labor Committee after unanimous House approval.

For workers' compensation, HB 367 proposes changes regarding travel reimbursement coverage and passed the House unanimously. HB 143, which revises treating physician definitions to include physician assistants, is now with the Senate Public Health Committee. Other workers' compensation-related bills such as SB 109 and SB 291 are also progressing through committees.

In wage and hourly issues, HB 226 allows for I-9 form checks by the Montana Department of Labor and has been transmitted to the Senate. HB 275 proposes driving privilege cards for legally employed immigrants and awaits floor debate.

Tax proposals include HB 231, which revises property tax rates under Governor Greg Gianforte's plan, and HB 337, an alternative income tax reduction proposal. SB 322 aims to increase business equipment tax exemptions.

Tort reform efforts feature HB 302 and HB 303, both sponsored by Rep. Anthony Nicastro, addressing punitive damages evidence requirements and fault apportionment clarity respectively.

Miscellaneous measures like SB 418 seek to protect home-based businesses from local government prohibitions.

Wiggers continues monitoring these developments closely as legislative deadlines approach.