This update is a little later than usual as I’ve been dealing with a typical bout of the Capitol Crud (aka the ever present cold that circulates down here). Despite being a bit under the weather, the past few weeks have been incredibly productive. My work on your behalf has centered on policy that strengthens Montana’s infrastructure, protects taxpayers, and reinforces core values like life, property rights, and public safety.
The following is a partial look at my 2025 legislative slate, highlighting bills moving through the House and Senate this week and next. Also, a snapshot of The Right Back Act, a bill I am carrying this session to provide real property tax relief…(that’s at the end of this longer than usual update).
Investing in Smarter Infrastructure – HB 351
HB 351 streamlines how Montana collects its existing state gas tax, requiring payment at the first point of sale rather than tracking thousands of transactions each month. This common-sense reform reduces administrative costs, improves accuracy, and ensures more funding goes directly to building and maintaining our roads. With no opposition, the bill passed out of committee unanimously.
Protecting the Integrity of Montana’s Workforce – HB 226 (LEGAL Act)
The Legal Employment and Government Accountability Law (LEGAL Act) strengthens accountability in Montana’s workforce, tackles the rising tide of illegal labor in Montana, and ensures compliance with employment laws. The bill passed the House with overwhelming support—87 votes on third reading—and is now headed to the Senate.
Fatherhood Begins at Conception – HB 288
This bill is an intentional step toward putting pro-life values into practical action. By establishing a clear mechanism for child support payments starting at conception, once paternity is established, it ensures shared financial responsibility begins at the very start of pregnancy. This measure provides meaningful support for mothers and unborn children, reinforcing the belief that life—and the duty to protect it—begins at conception. The bill received strong backing from multiple pregnancy centers and the Montana Family Foundation and had a great hearing in House Judiciary this week.
Defending Property Rights – HB 180
HB 180 ensures local sanitation laws and state DEQ permitting align, protecting landowners from unexpected costs when dividing their property. Previously, some property owners—especially in the Flathead—were forced to build entirely new septic systems due to conflicting regulations. After three sessions of work on this issue, DEQ now stands as a proponent. HB 180 passed the House unanimously last week and is now in the Senate.
Strengthening Public Safety Partnerships – HB 333
HB 333 establishes a clear process for small communities to negotiate with county law enforcement agencies—something that doesn’t currently exist and has led to costly, drawn-out disputes. This bill streamlines those agreements to improve efficiency and collaboration in public safety. It was heard this week in House Local Government with strong support from the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association, the League of Cities and Towns and Montana Association of Counties.
Protecting Children from Exposure to Dangerous Drugs – HB 289
HB 289 addresses a critical gap in Montana’s child endangerment laws by criminalizing the knowing exposure of children to lethal drugs such as fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. Under current statutes, child endangerment laws apply to methamphetamine but do not include these other deadly substances. This bill ensures that individuals who expose children to these dangerous drugs are held accountable, providing law enforcement with the necessary tools to protect our most vulnerable. HB 289 received strong support from law enforcement agencies and the Department of Public Health and Human Services during its hearing in the House Judiciary Committee.
Honoring Montana’s Fair Chase Hunting Legacy – HB 202
House Bill 202, a bill to promote fair chase hunting practices and tackle the rising plague of hunting by plane and drone. The bill crossed to the Senate with unanimous support.
The Right Back Act to deliver Property Tax Relief
Montanans are feeling the strain of rising property taxes, and it’s time for real relief. That’s why I’m introducing The Right Back Act, a bill that takes meaningful action to lower property tax bills while securing stable funding for our schools.
This bill does two key things:
Immediate property tax relief – It redirects surplus property tax funds collected
through the 95 mills—a mix of property and state income tax revenue that ensures equitable education funding statewide—to directly reduce permissive levies on your tax bill.
Lower property tax bills while protecting schools – These surplus funds will go toward covering county and school costs, like school bus transportation and county retirement, reducing the burden on taxpayers while ensuring the 95 mills, a primary building block of education funding, remain secure.
We can provide real property tax relief and protect quality education for our kids.
The Right Back Act delivers both.
Looking Ahead
With several critical bills advancing, I’m proud of the work being done to serve Montanans by improving infrastructure, defending individual rights, and ensuring government works efficiently for the people. Still in the works are Montana Hunters First Act, a bill to speed up utility relocations in MDT right-of-way, and more.
It is the privilege of my life to serve as your representative. More next week.
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