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Conversations at the Capitol have taken a turn this week to focus on strategy for spending federal funding brought to Montana from The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The American Rescue Plan Act is the Biden Administration’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package. The nearly $3 billion in funding is roughly equal to our state’s typical annual budget, so the legislators have a big job to do in strategically and thoughtfully distributing the money. They’re handling this money – marked as House Bill 632: Implement receipt of and appropr...
In the first week back in Helena after transmittal break, the bills are flying through committees in the second chamber. There were 181 bill hearings this week, which means our citizen legislature is moving quickly to accomplish the people’s business. Here’s where our focus for Montana’s farmers and ranchers’ business landed this week: Senate Bill 306: Revise Structure of Fish and Game Commission, sponsored by Sen. Mike Lang (R), SD 17. Montana Farm Bureau member policy supports. Senate Bill 306 proposes expanding the Montana Fish and Game Comm...
As we review the official first half of the Montana Legislative session, it’s safe to say the session is looking good for Montana agriculture. Of the 3,357 total bill draft requests, 1,121 have been formally introduced. Montana Farm Bureau has taken a stance and lobbied for or against 60 of those, based on the policy directives of our farming and ranching members. Many of the bills we have supported are already on their way to the Governor’s desk. There are no bills left alive from the first half that we have opposed, unless they have been ame...
Montana legislators have heard more than 400 bills this week, which shows the staggering pace that comes on the eve of transmittal deadline. We’ll cut straight to the chase here in week eight of the Montana Legislative Session, with a focus on meat processing bills and private property rights. House Bill 336: Interstate cooperative meatpacking compact, sponsored by Rep. Brandon Ler (R), HD 35. Montana Farm Bureau member policy opposes. The Interstate Compacting Bill sets up a framework to allow Montana to enter into agreement with other states...
