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UM Legislative News Service
As 2021 Legislature Wraps First Half, Here’s What’s Moving Forward
Despite all the challenges brought by the pandemic, lawmakers in the 67th Montana Legislative Session are wasting no time in pushing through a deluge of bills
Montana Lawmakers Focus in on Capturing Film Industry Dollars
“It was kind of crazy,” she said, describing how Missoulians set out chairs and lined around the block to watch the shoot. “I still, to this day, have people coming in and saying, ‘Oh, you filmed in Yellowstone!’”
Legislature Considers Bill to Reduce Income Tax Rate
For more than two hours Thursday, lawmakers heard testimony from 20 proponents and 18 opponents on Senate Bill 159, which would slash the top income tax rate from 6.9% to 6.75%.
Lawmakers Grapple with Solutions to Montana’s Youth Mental Health Crisis
The Montana Legislature is grappling with how best to support mental health programs in schools, an issue experts say was important even before the COVID-19 pandemic brought on new and stressful challenges for students.
Bill Making it Harder to Take Over As An Adult’s Legal Guardian Advances
Lawmakers in the House Judiciary Committee advanced a bill Thursday that would force a person applying to become an adult’s legal guardian to explain to a court why a less intrusive option wouldn’t work.
Bill Would Continue Solar, Water and Wind Project Grants
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation distributes the grants, but needs legislative approval first.
House Judiciary Committee Hears Bills Restricting Transgender Youth
Lawmakers in the House Judiciary Committee heard more than four hours of at times emotionally charged public testimony Monday on two bills that would limit how transgender youth access healthcare or participate in sports.
Gov. Gianforte Unveils Proposals for State Budget
Governor Greg Gianforte’s proposed two-year state budget cuts $100 million from his predecessor’s, which he says is a win.
Montana Lawmakers Consider Bill to Loosen Gun Restrictions
Representatives on the House Judiciary Committee heard public testimony on a bill Wednesday that would allow Montanans to carry a concealed firearm almost anywhere without a permit.
Gov. Gianforte: COVID-19 Response Will Focus on Vaccines and Incentives, Not Mandates
Gov. Greg Gianforte said at a press conference Tuesday that he plans to focus the state’s pandemic response on personal responsibility and incentives, as well as expanded vaccine distribution.