The Montana Legislature reached its mid-session transmittal break, with both Republican and Democratic lawmakers highlighting their accomplishments. Republicans emphasized bills addressing property tax relief, housing costs, energy development, and abortion restrictions. Democrats, with increased seats from the last election, focused on renewing Medicaid expansion, funding education and housing, and fighting against Republican restrictions on personal liberties.
The session has seen a mix of bills advancing and failing. Property tax relief bills have passed, including measures to lower taxes and create tax credits. Health care bills, such as renewing Medicaid expansion and adding coverage for in vitro fertilization, have also seen movement. Judicial oversight bills, like repealing a ban on political parties contributing to candidates, have been signed into law or are still in progress.
Education and child care bills addressing resource-sharing agreements, early literacy and numeracy interventions, and school chaplains have also advanced. LGBTQ+ issues, including bills on gender transition treatments and bathroom segregation, have mainly passed along party lines. Environmental bills regulating greenhouse gas emissions and water quality have seen success, while energy bills restricting wind turbine placements have failed.
Overall, the Legislature will return in mid-March to continue debating and passing bills that will impact various aspects of life in Montana. The session has been marked by both bipartisan cooperation and partisan divides, as lawmakers work to address the needs and priorities of the state’s residents.
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