Helena, MT (Feb. 27, 2025) – With wide bipartisan support, House Bill 592, sponsored by Rep. Courtenay Sprunger (R-Kalispell), passed out of the House Business and Labor Committee today on a 19-1 vote. The bill makes strides in increasing transparency, accountability, and economic responsibility in Montana’s rulemaking process.
When the Legislature passes a law, state agencies are responsible for writing the specific rules that put that law into action—a process known as administrative rulemaking. While necessary, this process has often resulted in unelected agencies expanding, altering, or even redefining laws in ways that go beyond what legislators originally intended. HB 592 ensures that lawmakers, small businesses, and the public have a stronger voice in this process, preventing unnecessary or burdensome regulations.
HB 592 takes inspiration from The REINS Act (Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act), a federal proposal introduced by Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL). The REINS Act seeks to increase congressional oversight of federal regulations, and HB 592 applies similar principles at the state level—ensuring that Montana’s elected legislators, rather than unelected agency officials, lead significant regulatory decisions.
“We need government to work for the people - not against them,” said Rep. Sprunger. “This bill ensures that the individuals elected to represent Montanans remain in the driver’s seat when it comes to shaping the laws that impact businesses, workers, and families.”
Key Provisions of HB 592:
✅ Enhances Legislative Oversight – Requires agencies to consult the original bill sponsor during rulemaking and provide written explanations if sponsor input is not used. All public feedback, agency reasoning, and sponsor-requested small business economic statements are provided to the legislative committee to ensure comprehensive consideration of rule impacts.
✅ Protects Small Businesses – Allows legislators to request economic impact studies to assess the financial burden of proposed regulations.
✅ Increases Public Transparency – Ensures agencies use plain, understandable language in rulemaking notices, provide online comment opportunities, and notify interested parties within three days of publishing a rule.
✅ Strengthens Legislative Authority – Gives lawmakers more power to push back on agency overreach by allowing formal objections that delay rule implementation.
✅ Prevents Last-Minute Government Overreach – Maintains safeguards against agencies rushing new regulations in the months before a legislative session, except under strict emergency criteria.
HB 592 received strong support from Americans for Prosperity, the Montana Chamber of Commerce, and members of Governor Gianforte’s cabinet, underscoring the bill’s broad appeal among business leaders and policymakers.
The bill now moves to the House floor for further consideration. Supporters say this legislation is a commonsense measure to restore accountability in government and ensure Montana’s regulatory environment supports—not stifles—economic growth.
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