Big Sky Times

The House of Representatives passed HB 2, the state budget, with a bipartisan vote of 60 to 40. The bill now moves to the Senate, where further amendments and revisions are expected. The House and Senate jointly reviewed budget details in earlier sessions, so extended hearings are not needed again. The Finance & Claims Committee will make amendments before the full Senate votes on the bill.

April 8 marks the deadline for appropriations bills to pass their original chamber. By April 12, any bill amended by the House or Senate must be returned to its originating chamber, signaling the impending conclusion of this year's legislative activities.

The business equipment tax exemption proposal, SB 322, championed by Senator Josh Kassmier, aims to increase the equipment tax exemption from $1 million to $3 million. The Senate passed the bill with a bipartisan 40 to 9 vote, and it now awaits approval from the House. Representative Ed Buttrey sponsored HB 367, addressing workers' compensation and travel reimbursements, while HB 428, sponsored by Representative Morgan Theil, seeks to clarify workers' compensation responsibilities for subcontractors. Representative Ken Walsh's HB 516 proposes moving the workers' compensation court to the judicial branch.

Representative Greg Overstreet brought HB 803, aimed at preventing "over naming" in asbestos litigation, to light late in the session. This bill has cleared House scrutiny and is under Senate review.

Other bills under consideration include HB 443, sponsored by Representative Braxton Michell, which repeals county licensing for transient retail businesses. HB 463 and HB 530, both sponsored by Representative Steve Fitzpatrick, target business entity conversion regulations and easing foreign business operations in Montana, respectively. Representative Ken Walsh promotes HB 226, providing mechanisms for examining I-9 forms by the state's Department of Labor, amidst concerns on labor legality.

In the House, SB 19 and SB 528 await decisions. Sponsored by Senators Barry Usher and Jeremy Trebas respectively, these bills address theft laws and credit card transaction fees. Senator Forrest Mandeville's SB 329, despite reduced fines and complaint adjustments, faces opposition for its employer verification demands. Senator Ellie Boldman's SB 418, supporting home-based businesses against local prohibitive ordinances, receives mixed reactions.

Finally, Representative Marilyn Marler's HB 477, concerning the phase-out of polystyrene food containers, appeared before the Senate Natural Resource Committee on April 7. NFIB opposes this bill as an unnecessary regulatory measure.