Big Sky Times

The Montana Legislature has been working intensively to meet the February 28 transmittal deadline, with rules suspended to expedite the process. State Director Ronda Wiggers reports that sessions extended from early morning until late at night, including hearings on Saturday for nearly every committee.

Next week will see hearings starting at 7 a.m. on Monday, with a few remaining bills scheduled for Tuesday. Afterward, focus will shift to floor sessions and quick Appropriation Committee hearings as needed.

Several bills require immediate attention to pass through the Senate by Friday. SB 313, sponsored by Sen. Shane Morigeau, seeks to revise wage transparency laws but remains vague beyond requiring wage advertising. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) plans to oppose it during its hearing in the Senate Business Committee on Monday.

SB 528, proposed by Sen. Jeremy Trebas, aims to legalize credit card transaction fees while capping them at 3% or as per contract terms and ensuring clear disclosure before transactions. This bill will be heard in the Senate Business & Labor Committee on Monday.

Among bills advancing out of committee are SB 308 and HB 477. SB 308, sponsored by Sen. Derek Harvey, revises workers’ compensation insurance laws with a weekly cap amendment opposed by NFIB due to cost concerns. HB 477 seeks to phase out polystyrene single-use food containers and faces opposition from NFIB representing restaurant and grocery owners.

SB 418, sponsored by Sen. Ellie Boldman, would prevent local governments from banning home-based businesses and has passed the Senate Local Government Committee.

Some bills have met their end this week: SB 291 regarding workers’ compensation definitions was tabled; SB 295 failed on the Senate floor; SB 346 was withdrawn; HB 484 concerning minimum wage increase was tabled; SB 376 establishing a right-to-work act was tabled; and SB 325 creating family medical leave faced similar fate in committee.

Other legislative movements include HB 428 revising workers' compensation provisions passing unanimously in the House and moving forward alongside HB 516 which shifts jurisdiction of workers' compensation court to judicial branch oversight.

Senate-passed SB 329 mandates E-Verify use for employers with over fifty employees after amendments reduced compliance scope—opposed by NFIB—and HB197 aiming for faster worker return post-injury also advanced with support from NFIB after addressing special circumstances through amendments.

The session's progress is closely monitored given rapid changes in bill status impacting legislative strategies moving forward.